There is more to following Jesus than an all-access pass to heaven after death. This has been the subject of sermons and conversations at my church for the past few months. The point seems obvious - too obvious - to warrant an entire sermon series, focused Bible studies and even weekend seminars. While the intellectual point may be apparent, its application certainly is not. Just look... around.
I am part of a highly-educated and generally well-resourced congregation, so this message has been very challenging and demanding. It has caused some discomfort, some shifting in seats and adjusting of collars; it has also stirred a lot of excitement. Consciously or unconsciously, a lot of us have come to view church as hospice care - it is all about making us more comfortable until we reach our inevitable destination (death, then afterlife). But what all this talk has awakened is our dormant but deep desire for church to be physical therapy - a place where we receive from Jesus and extend to one another help in re-gaining and strengthening muscles (of compassion, hospitality, justice) that have atrophied, so that we can go out as healed people and live a more active and meaningful life in the here and now. Jesus never told us to "go gentle into that good night." His words were, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." (John 5:8)
Following Jesus is an all-access pass to heaven, and the pass is effective immediately.
25 April 2009
19 April 2009
wolf in sheep's clothing
Thunder only happens when it's raining. Players only love you when they're playing. ~ Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
The worst kind of player is the Christian kind. There is nothing wrong with being a wolf among wolves. But when one infiltrates the fold under the guise of being a harmless, upstanding member equally interested in fidelity and commitment? Well, it is not an exaggeration to say that slaughter often results. Sheep that survive carry their devastation into future interactions, casting suspicions and aspersions where none is deserved; though they have valuable insight to lend to others, they hide in shame and embarrassment. The wolf, on the other hand, easily regroups and moves onto the next victim.
The basics of an adequate wolf-protection plan are not very different from those of the personal safety regime. First, exercise caution. Do not assume safety on the basis of geography alone. It is obviously not a good idea to stumble around, half-inebriated, alone at 2 a.m. in a "bad" neighborhood, but it's generally a bad idea to do that in any neighborhood. Likewise, just because the guy goes to church doesn't mean... much, really.
Second, establish communal security. Report suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Don't look away and drive away when your neighbor is getting mugged. In the aftermath of a wolf attack, there are always people who sigh and shake their heads at the outcome that they had foreseen all along. Um, where were you sages before stuff hit the fan?
Third, hold law enforcement accountable. If the police consistently refuses to respond, pester them, go over their heads, petition elected officials who fear unhappy constituents, make them do their jobs. Pastors are responsible, as shepherds, for protecting the flock. Wolves should not get a free pass just because they volunteer a lot or are friendly with people in high places. Some types of wolves should be shot from helicopters.
The worst kind of player is the Christian kind. There is nothing wrong with being a wolf among wolves. But when one infiltrates the fold under the guise of being a harmless, upstanding member equally interested in fidelity and commitment? Well, it is not an exaggeration to say that slaughter often results. Sheep that survive carry their devastation into future interactions, casting suspicions and aspersions where none is deserved; though they have valuable insight to lend to others, they hide in shame and embarrassment. The wolf, on the other hand, easily regroups and moves onto the next victim.
The basics of an adequate wolf-protection plan are not very different from those of the personal safety regime. First, exercise caution. Do not assume safety on the basis of geography alone. It is obviously not a good idea to stumble around, half-inebriated, alone at 2 a.m. in a "bad" neighborhood, but it's generally a bad idea to do that in any neighborhood. Likewise, just because the guy goes to church doesn't mean... much, really.
Second, establish communal security. Report suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Don't look away and drive away when your neighbor is getting mugged. In the aftermath of a wolf attack, there are always people who sigh and shake their heads at the outcome that they had foreseen all along. Um, where were you sages before stuff hit the fan?
Third, hold law enforcement accountable. If the police consistently refuses to respond, pester them, go over their heads, petition elected officials who fear unhappy constituents, make them do their jobs. Pastors are responsible, as shepherds, for protecting the flock. Wolves should not get a free pass just because they volunteer a lot or are friendly with people in high places. Some types of wolves should be shot from helicopters.
07 April 2009
amen to that
Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
~Westminster Catechism
A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
~Westminster Catechism
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