It depends on you but can be a good thing. I have made a habit of this under certain circumstances but my model is Jesus. Jesus took it to the level of calling people out of places to better places. I do not have that skill but I do have good sense. I had joined a new church and two odd things happened. My son encouraged me, “If there is a third event that does not conform to scripture then run to the nearest exit”. Notice that good advice does not reference how I feel about anything. There are a million stories of people who have been “offended” in some small or great way. People come and go and the complainers go the most often. I believe that when God was knitting us in our mother’s womb, he gave us the right personality for the good works He already had planned for us. All people have strengths and weaknesses. As we live in our strengths we bless the world and the church. Let me list some of the opposite traits that are weaknesses so we can try harder to live in our strengths for the Socializer, Director, Thinker, and Relater (according to Alessandra & Cathcart). Avoid whenever possible: charm, anger, procrastination, and moods. That is the start list. Charm can lead to; being shallow, monopolizing, undependable, dramatic, self-centered, superficial, irresponsible, and making most things about you. Anger can lead to; knowing it all, being bossy, belligerent, argumentative, offensive, controlling, and manipulative. Procrastination can lead to; no initiative, passive-aggressive, obstinate, sarcastic, wishy-washy, lazy, indecisive, and boring. Moods can lead to; being hesitant, fearful, uptight, fragile, hypochondriac, vulnerable, self-righteous, critical, and obsessive. I remind myself that if this church was perfect before I arrived it is no longer so! Unoffendable is a new word for me but a worthy goal. Looking to Jesus we see that he visited the synagogue often. Those were the people who were close to the truth and not seeing it. Sound familiar? The last observation about remaining an outsider is that you do not want to be seen so you may remain private? That can be a lack of confidence that if they really see me they might not like me. I did remain in that church and the third shoe never dropped and I am so happy to be in this fellowship. I think it was an initiation to a collection of people imperfectly following our perfect Lord.
