What I'm Learning: the Middle Ground

I have a problem with being in the middle. Middle child, I live in the mid-west (kind of), the middle of the Bible Belt, I'm from the middle point between two big cities, i'm in the middle of two big life transitions, i'm often in the middle of extreme politics (especially as a Christian), and as a Christian, I feel very in the middle about how faith should be practiced.
Today I went to a church where I enjoyed the whole service. I didn't know all the songs, but I felt free to sing them and worship anyway. I didn't know anyone (except for my newly-developed twin Laura) and we just sat near the front and it felt nice. The pastor was intellectual, honest, and dove into subjects in which most Christians either deliberately avoid or aggressively announce their extremist opinions.
Politics. Law. Authority. He preached out of I Peter and NEVER sided with one political party or the other. He said that we as American Christians are the most free with religion as any other country. Yet the most oppressed, restricted places are exploding with the most Christian spirit. Why?
Because they have motivation--they have a purpose--they have things to PROVE. They are restricted and oppressed, they are told to follow the rules of governmental authority, and you know what? For the most part, they do. Generally, these people respect their government. They show authority the respect that authority calls for and arguably deserves. But spiritually, these Christians submit to God.
This pastor also said that complacency is just as sinful as rebellion.
Maybe being rebellious for religion isn't always the best answer, but being passionate in pursuit of God is a great reply to what we can do for the world.
One problem I find with Christians is the lack of respect. Some Right-ists and Left-ists completely disrespect each other. I am guilty of this. Very. I think my current situation with leaving my church and continuously head-butting my family is because of miscommunication and a lack of respect. Because I felt bitter and hurt, I lost respect for people and for the way things have surfaced.
I have contemplated this a lot. I become so defensive with issues because I'm passionate about them. I'm passionate about being a strong, independent woman. I want to keep that drive, but I want to channel it more positively through Christ. I want to love people more. The rich people, the poor people, the plagued people, the pretty people, the believers, the unbelievers, the pro-lifers and the pro-choicers.
Jesus wants us to be peaceful, loving people. He wants us to respect everyone--he wants us to value the biblical way of marriage, but he wants us to love those who have been ostracized and alienated for their lifestyles. He wants us to value the life of an unborn child, but he wants us to value the body and decisions of the woman carrying it.
Do you see? Sometimes, the middle ground is okay. It's tough and it's sticky because ultimately, we don't know the right choices or the right decisions for our country or for our lives. We're not Jesus.
You know why I love Jesus? Because he lets me love him... and other people, too.