I heard a great analogy on the weekend about what kinds of people there are in the world. Too often I spend my time in meetings listening to people tell me why stuff can’t be done, the issues with new ideas and the problems with every organisation except for their own. The people now have a title, they are called Basement People, they are always looking at the negatives and why stuff can’t be done, or the problems with things. Sydney Evangelical Christians can be very guilty of this;
“I don’t like that style of music because it’s too me focused”
“Do you really want to get that speaker, he is a bit of a loose cannon”
“Your not going to that conference, they are a little to ‘Happy Clappy’ for my liking”
“That sermon was good, but a little too long, and light on for bible content”
If we spend our lives defining ourselves by what we are not, people will think that we are old misers who belong on a veranda, aged 193, screaming at kids as they pass. Every one of Paul’s letters (except maybe Galatians) opens with a huge bout of praise! Perhaps we should start with this every time we have something negative to say, praise all the good points first (not 1 or 2 but EVERYTHING) and then highlight an issue. People don’t like whiners, yet we seem to have a reputation for being one.
Balcony people are awesome, they are excited by new ideas, and want to do daring stuff. Challenges excite them, and crazy ideas are their fuel. They love to see and hear new initiatives and get excited at the prospect of attempting the impossible. Sadly these people are few and far between, and are often crushed by those in the basement. God bless the balcony people, its time to start an uprising!
I wonder if the difference here is that Balcony people are fully aware of the amazing things God can do, and faith is what we need. Basement people are fully aware of human brokenness and the need for help, from a loving God?
I want to be a Balcony person!
