Side Streets

If you've read me for very long you realize I'm a rather alternative dude, as in , I'm willing to think and do differently than the "norm" which I sometimes find lacking, wanting and not aligned with Jesus's word and example to us.

No matter where you live whether a large urban area, smaller town or little village most of the time if you're walking, riding a bike, motorcycle, car or truck the traffic at various times of day can be very thick on the main roads.

Over the years, being musician I loved (and still often do) loud music. I also appreciate quiet, peace and quiet in a dead calm such in the woods or on a piece of water.

It's the same thing with driving or otherwise moving on streets. Sometimes you may like a bit of speed and excitement, sometimes not.

Over many years as a touring musician I have enjoyed things such as the Autobahn in Germany or other major highways in, around and between big cities. I drive a lot most everyday where I live in Chicago. Traffic can be crazy but I find people are usually courteous.

In older cities world-wide you find roads that weren't originally designed for heavy amounts of bikes and e-scooters, cars, and trucks. No matter, I have learned the beauty and commute times and often the architecture as well as often, when needed, a quicker pace on side streets here in Chicago. I've come to truly appreciate not the main way to go!

Just as there is culture there is also "pop religion". On one hand there are pluses and good reasons why spiritual understanding is not only useful and comfortable but actually more true to God's word in the Bible then many of the spiritual positions people take -even among what may be a majority among professing Christians in -some- areas.

To be sure there are aberrations, errors, false doctrines that are rightly rejected by the majority. I'm not making a plea here to just choose what you may like...

What is also true is that some of the "spiritual side streets" (for me, examples are Celtic Church, elements of pentecostalism and the charismatic church, parts of house church) and their various approaches can seem odd. In -some- "side streets" I have found excellence and deeper relationship to the Lord and God's people. "Less traveled" as the poet said, has often been the most nurturing path for me. Your mileage of course, may vary!

Notice the balance between the major highways and the side streets? Balance and sensitivity to God the Holy Spirit and our immersion, deep study of the Word which he breathed is essential though for plenty it's sadly more about personal desire and traditions (be they old or new).

As in many things, I find solid reasons and fruit in both/and, not "my way or the highway".

And as always, thanks for stopping by :) -Glenn