It's hip to be square

Over the summer my family was hooked on a tv show called Amish: World's Squarest Teenagers in which 5 Amish young people - two of whom were on rumspringa, visited various forms of youth culture in the UK and experienced life with different families. At the same time we learned a lot about life for the Amish. It was fascinating. I had wondered if the programme would end up making fun of these naive young people in their long sleeved clothes and funny hats. But it didn't. Instead there was as deep an exploration of Christian faith as I have seen on UK television.

What intrigued me most was how the Amish were not laughed at by the other teenagers, rather were listened to and treated with respect, even if their views were not agreed with. And talking with them helped the UK youngsters reflect on their own lives. This was a big surprise. I confess that I assumed that devout Christians would be treated with derision or simply ignored. That is the message we get about secular Britain today. But instead what I saw was a hunger for something more expressed by many of the teenagers and an appreciation of the integrity of the Amish.

Now, I do not think the answer to Britain being a less faith filled place is to retreat into little communities. But I found this programme both an inspiration and a reminder that people are more receptive to hearing about faith than we can expect. I think the key is integrity - be true to who you are and people will watch and listen. That also tells us that we should watch how we behave as others will take notice. but above all, take to heart the teachings of Jesus about being salt and light. I do love the way that Peterson expresses this in the Message

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.