I know that the two of you aren't viewing being "sheltered" as a bad thing, but it made me think of something: I think one of the worst things to happen in modern evangelicalism has been the glorification of pre-conversion sinfulness. If you were just a "normal" kid, you shouldn't share with the youth group; if you had a drug history and a dabble of witchcraft, even better; and if you also had a questionable orientation and burned down some churches, then you're on a path to testimony super stardom.

I know its not prevalent in Reformed churches, but it certainly is in wider evangelicalism. I was always told to share my story alot, but nowadays people don't even know about my past unless it comes up somehow.

I wish evangelicalism would instead tell people that the shelter of Christ is a good thing; being out in the cold, rain, and snow just leaves you wet, sick, or both.

__________________
Joshua Wiseman
Riverview PCA
Charleston, WV

"Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings."
- Psalm 17:8