The Breakdown of Dividing Walls

trumpetDream A Little Dream

Last night I would have been “happy” with a little dream. But it was not to be so. I went to be late, only to find myself awakened from a “life size” dream, thinking it was two hours before and earlier than I had actually gone to bed!

Dreams are like that for me. Some dreams are little blips and others are time consuming and often require much thinking and processing.

My last dream was a little after 5AM. It seemed to tie all the others together.  (I do not like “conclusion” stories. I like clarification as I go. When people tell me stories and start at the end rather than the beginning, I find it difficult to follow.) But that is how the dreams went. Some snippets, others movies.Certainly it is the one that rocked me. It dealt with the inclusivity of people and how people treat others. Now every dream last night (Over 10) dealt with some “behavior.” In one, it was a war zone and the Lord had me walking about gathering up others to help care for folks. At some point the people and I became indestructible and overcomers of such force, war zones would literally restore, including the structures to pre-war appearance…AND then get “new.”

I awoke from one of the dreams thinking that it is not what we do but who we know. We can work for, work towards, press in, push ahead, but at the end of the day it was we do in the “flow” of who He is. Too much emphasis can be on what I do and not getting better at what I do. I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but I think He is looking for co-laborers.  For instance my brother is a runner. After his heart attack and wake up call, he could not run 20 feet. But he honed his skill and listened to what God was saying.

Behavior is our response or actions in any moment. The last dream dealt with this behavior thought process. (I want to be clear. I do not believe it profitable to impose rules to change behavior, but encourage people to listen to what God is saying and behave accordingly.)

2013-10-18 12.04.23In the last dream, I watched people push people away others. These were believers or followers of Christ doing the pushing. Some of the pushing was actually physical, but most of it was attitudes and actions towards others. The Lord spoke to me about “they will know we are Christians by our love.” (John 13:35) It was hard to watch. Part of the reason for that was I recognized many. The cliques were formed, the barriers set in place. Many were denied access to one another.

I saw a body with the parts of the body spread apart and not connected. (It reminded me of a Robin Cook novel!) The Lord began to show me, that what is connected will be viable and what is not has no life. (Somewhat like the story of the coals and the fire. As the coals are brought closer to the fire they begin to glow brightly.)

The exclusionary practices of many left their homes and communities in disrepair. Where inclusivity was practiced and exercised families, homes, business and community thrived. Exclusivity or elitism is a form of condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

I began to be impressed with the fact that the exclusionary folks were mired in fear and control AND lack of faith. They would talk about a message based on biblical principle and faith but then doubted that without changing things about them they could not sustain it. They were afraid for their children and their families. They leaned towards control and power rather than reliance on God and His ability to sustain His message. (Does anyone remember the favor found by the believers in the book of Acts? There is an alternative.  )

Again, we can press in, push forward and still not see God manifest if He is not “in it.”

The ability to include others is biblical over the practice of excluding. We see inclusion as Jesus fed the thousands multiple times. He walked amongst the people. He was not afraid of their demons or their natures or their actions. He was bring light and salt into the world.

I felt God say to me that those who exclude are wrapped up in the law and those that include are walking in my grace. Wow! (Cliques are legalistic structures? Who would have thought?!?!) By the way I am not talking about “inclusive salvation” where everyone is saved. I am talking about actions and behavior. If you feel the need to exclude certain people from your groups and pull away you are cloistering yourself for obscurity.

Cliques and exclusionary practice are predicated on the belief that some deserve and others do not. God made Himself available to all and that is the practice we ought to exercise. Want your city overturned for God? Avail yourself to the believers in your fellowship. (Stop the labels and titles. In our church I am simply Lee. My function may be prophet, but no one would walk around and say that is “man Lee” so why prophet Lee”?) Stop causing lines of divisions.

I imagine you have questions. I did and still do. I am not talking about embracing non-biblical practices but I am suggesting the people can be included.

When my house developed mold I was simply told, stop the source of moisture and it will stop. Find the areas of water and seal them. I felt the Lord say if you want to change the landscape you will have to change the thinking of the people. Some things need to be sealed off. Not the things of destruction but the ingress of bad thinking. Stop deciding who will be saved and tell everyone the Good News. Start there.

Exclusionary practices feed the darkness of a heart, a family or a community. The overturning of slavery brought many into the collective of America and changed the culture and the success of our country. Will someone turn away from homosexuality by rules and condemnation or by love and truth?

Years ago while working for the elections of a few friends, I told people that our “platforms” were costing us races. I suggested we begin to arm people with the Constitution and let them begin to exercise freedom. You would have thought I had committed treason.  (Anyone ever notice in politics one side is practicing inclusion and winning on a lot of levels? That the new and upcoming winners are arming people with the freedom intended? Hey, just a thought…)

I submit to you this day that we arm people with grace, love and Him and let them make the decisions that He asks them to. And relax! This is not the era of clerical and laity! I trust Holy Spirit in you more than I trust rules of exclusionary practice!

The cities are in need of rebuilding. The people are scattered. There needs to be a new voice heard that calls the people of God to the table of His goodness. Stop the cliques. Ditch the titles. Open your arms.

Watch! There is a new day arising!

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!


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