I love the hippy, artsy types, those people that seem so free and happy, so relaxed and at peace with themselves and the world around them. They are probably some of my favorite people to be around. I feel inspired when I’m around them, inspired to live life to the fullest, enjoying each and every moment. These people don’t work in cubicles and office buildings, they spend their time doing things they love… making jewelry, creating art, juggling fire, playing music, or whatever passion they feel inspired to pursue. They may not make millions, in fact they probably don’t make much at all, but they don’t seem to mind. They’re able to travel and enjoy God’s great creation, they’re able to find community wherever they go, and they’re able to get by with a limited amount of materialism.
But at the same time this life style comes with some downfalls. The freedom is often derived from new age thoughts, the inspiration from drugs, the relaxation from drinking. Yet, despite those vices they still seem so much more content and genuinely happy than many Christians I know. In Pana I had the chance to briefly get to know some of these free spirits and I loved ever minute of it.
I love the atmosphere that surrounds their life so much that I find myself questioning what would happen to them if they found Christ? Would they be less happy, less inspired, less free, less content? Their vices are part of what makes them uniquely special, would they be as intriguing without all the negative aspects added to their lives? When it comes down to it, do I really want them to change? Do I really want them to have a relationship with Christ knowing that it would alter the way they live? You might think the answer is obvious, but it’s taken me some time to finally make up my mind.
Yes, of course I would want them to give their life to Christ! In Christ we have true freedom and peace that we can’t get anywhere else. I enjoy the bohemian lifestyle, but how much greater could it be if God was the driving force behind their inspiration and creativity? How much better would it be if their purpose in life was not only to enjoy life but to praise the God who created life?
