Exclusivity--It's for everyone! ;-)

I've been thinking about this post for some time...trying to find the best way to post it, but it's hard. Then, I heard this song today by Casting Crowns:

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Yes, we are all His. Indeed! Praise God. We know this in our hearts. But, some feel that only Christians are His. Some feel that only TRUE Christians are His...(whatever that means) and some feel that ALL are His. I'm sort of in the latter frame of mind. I think God our Father loves us all, and that love is going to bail us all out. I can't imagine a mother or a father, one filled with true love that is, turning away a child...even if that child turned away from them. But, that's a debate that will go on and on until we all face our Maker.

What concerns me is not just the separateness of different denominations and religions...but even the exclusive behavior of those that feel that all are redeemed. I did some cruising on the 'net to find out more about human nature and cliques. I didn't find anything interesting, or that we don't all know. Humans just tend to band together, like to like; interest to interest; sort of a strength in numbers gig, with the most rabid of contenders being the toughest to contend with.

There are scriptures that support all opinions. I can give you the ones that support my belief that my sweet Jesus will swoop in and save the day for us all. Oh. He already did that. But, after we pass, He will be there for us all. That's my belief, and you may or may not agree. Doesn't matter--I respect and support your right to your opinion and your position, and I hope you can respect mine. We can even discuss this...but I'd like to keep the debate friendly.

In Christianity, are debates acceptable? Well of course. Are they to be give and take? I think so. Should they be encouraging? I think so. I hope so! Should they be conducted in love? Yes. Should they be argumentative and brash with name-calling? No. I don't think so...otherwise, where's that whole love thing?

Alas, we're human, we have egos, we're imperfect, and we think the other guy is wrong and deserves to know it at all costs. We can be "open-minded" and walking in "freedom" but we'll still shut out anyone who disagrees with us. That's our nature, but it's not really walking around in freedom if we're being all exclusive and stumblin' around with that big ol' log in our own eye. And we all do it. Every single one of us--and that's what gives me my hope.

I believe He's stuck with all of us! :-D

Update: Kansas Bob was reminded of this song--good fit!
Your Beloved
Lord it was You who
Created the heavens
Lord it was Your hand
(That) put the stars in their place
Lord it is Your voice
(That) commands the morning
Even oceans and their waves
Bow at Your feet
Lord who am I
Compared to Your glory, Oh Lord
Lord who am I
Compared to Your majesty
(I) am Your beloved Your creation
And You love me as I am
(You) have called me chosen for Your kingdom
Unashamed to call me Your own
(I) am Your beloved