jux·ta·pose
verb \ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz\
: to place (different things) together in order to create an interesting effect or to show how they are the same or different
Notice how that definition cleared up the subject totally! Sometimes the definitions are so accurate and definitive that we, at first, shy away from them. Largely this happens as we are afraid of expanding our knowledge and in the process understanding more of who we are. Carried to an end, that means change for many of us and guess what, the definition changes. Today we should leave the definition alone and accept its truth.
We are placed together which has created an interesting effect on the world we live in so that others may see how alike or different we are. Here, then, is the root problem. Yes, we are individuals and yes, God created us this way. God also created us to be a conjoined body that is consistent in it's presentation to the world in order that others may believe. We are asked to forsake what we think, see and feel in order to present Christ to the world so that they may believe and be saved. God, for good and bad, has given us our free choice. In so doing, He has set different people together with the expectation that like artists will complete the same masterpiece. God wants the world to be asking what makes us tick. So, like a jury of 12, the number of people who are in agreement presents the greatest convincing argument. It's not hard to not accept one persons truth but is difficult to take apart a belief held by thousands.
Juxtaposed we present either an obstacle to faith or a doorway to faith. Die hard theologians with their unbending dogma can be both a doorway and an obstacle. It comes down to what is important. Many a defense has been lost when the argument isn't substantiated with enough evidence to win the argument. The same goes for people living for Christ in a fallen world. We are called to be a juxtaposed people who present Christ in our various worlds in the same way. Our lives are a statement or argument for the truth we say lives within us. External showing of this truth is often muddled by our sin. At least it is for me. People see me saying, "Yes, I am a Christian." and immediately place my statement within THEIR definition. If they are unbelievers the belief in my truth becomes harder to accept. Contrary, you would think, the believers would accept the belief with confidence. We all know this is not necessarily true. That's why we have so many religions and so many denominations with so many interpretations that few have confidence in any of the beliefs presented.
The picture I just painted is real. This is a dilemma in anyones world. The intensity of that dilemma is directly proportional to how much we believe in what we say we believe in. I can argue another persons point of view and convince some that this is the truth. Likewise I can argue that another persons point of view is flawed and that there is little or no truth in that point of view. In order to do either I need, like you, to have a base from which we can judge correctly what we do and do not believe to be the truth. Other's arguments, if presented correctly, should cause me to grow closer to that which God has given as truth. If growth isn't seen, the truth is the same but the argument is weak or unbelievable. Our consistent dependent upon God for all aspects of our lives is the brick of the foundation carefully set and built upon. Yes, we do this as juxtaposed believers.
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