We’re Sitting in Different Chairs.

Part of my church’s mission is to follow a 3 chair philosophy, which honors the unbeliever, new believer and mature believer. If you read my previous post, you’ll know I’m currently going through a break up. If you’ve ever gone through a break up you know how much of a healing rollercoaster it can be.

Today I found myself wishing he could’ve been a lot of things I wanted. And then I sensed God telling me, “You are sitting in different chairs.” I found comfort in this because sometimes the enemy wants to make me feel bad about choosing my God-honoring standards. Sometimes I miss him so much, and I want the anguish to go away so I consider compromise after compromise.

But hearing those reminders from God really takes care of my heart. “Remember the truth” has been a plea I whisper to myself often. It has been my precept for this season. Learning why this choice is the better choice helps me stay grounded in Christ.

Although we were both at Jesus’ table, we were sitting in different chairs. Neither chair is wrong. I wish there was something wrong because then it would make better sense and maybe hurt less(?).

But there is only goodness when a curiosity is stirred in us to know the Lord more. There is only goodness when we know God better than before.

I want you to know that it’s o.k. to say “no” to good things. It’s o.k. to stand firm in your God-obeying standards. You don’t have to give up your chair to accommodate someone else’s journey with God. You shouldn’t ask someone to hurry along to sit with you either.

The heart behind the 3 chair philosophy is that every one is met where they are at. No shame. No guilt. No judgment. Each chair has its purpose. I’ve sat in all 3. The problem is I can’t move back. I know who Jesus is. I didn’t just meet him either. I’m in the third chair, and I will mentor the chairs before me. I’ve grown up some, not fully—never fully.

*sigh My point: It’s o.k. to be in different chairs, but I’m not too sure I can be equally yoked with someone in a different chair. Does a parent let a child influence life changing decisions? Does a teacher let the student create lesson plans?

I think acknowledging and honoring where we are at helps us find the best person to go with us. No pulling. No tugging. Just moving toward God from wherever I am.