Mark Edwards in his commentary on the book of Mark says these words in regards to our Gospel lesson from the 14th chapter, “The world has never had a problem with religion in moderation. It has no problem with too much wealth or power or sex or influence, but it has a problem with too much religion.”
You don’t even have to leave these four walls this morning to realize the truth of this statement. Now, this doesn’t apply to all churches, but it certainly does to this one. What do I mean? Well, just let someone stand up this morning and begin waving their hands or dancing to the music, and tell me what would go through most of your heads? Let someone shout out “Amen” to a particular point in my sermon, and tell me what most of you would think. Heck, just let me try to ask you a question in the middle of my sermon and expect you to answer. Why is it that I have to repeat a question several times before anyone is brave enough to speak? “That’s not how we do it here,” is often repeated. Translation: generally, we’re not comfortable with being too demonstrable with our faith. We are happy to sit. We are happy to listen. We are happy to sing a little bit, but to go above and beyond? To become exuberant? To have someone other than the pastor pray? To talk about how God has moved in our lives? Not generally gonna happen.
Society tends to feel the exact same way. There is an unwritten rule out in the world these days: believe what you want, but don’t try to convince anyone else that your beliefs are right or true or good for everyone. Keep your religion to yourself. It’s better for everyone that way. Aside from the fact that such a rule is a belief in and of itself that is being imposed upon others, society is quick to demand that we religious people put our faith into action by helping others as long as we don’t try to convince others to believe like we believe. In other words, we are invited to respond to the recent flooding in our communities by donating of our time, money, and goods, but the moment we try to do so in the name of Jesus or God, we are essentially told, “Don’t push that!! Just help out. Shut up about your beliefs.” The world doesn’t have a problem with religion in moderation–it does with too much religion.
In some ways, it’s not difficult to understand why. We know the dangers of too much religion. We’ve seen people who are so convinced of the rightness of their religion and the wrongness of others that they are willing to fly airplanes into buildings, commit atrocities like cutting off people’s heads, bomb buildings, protest at funerals, and verbally abuse others. The vast majority of people condemn such behavior. The vast majority of people want no part of such behavior. The vast majority of people want to see such behavior gone from the planet so that we can live in peace. If people only toned down their religious beliefs, then all this stuff would stop–at least, that’s the hypothesis. But what if the hypothesis is wrong?
Today, we begin the final chapters of the book of Mark–the passion of Jesus. Chapter 14 begins with some daunting sentences, “14It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; 2for they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’” We know from our travels through Mark that the chief priests and the scribes are Jesus’ enemies. They do not like Him because He is a threat to everything they stand for. Jesus has undermined their thoughts about what the Kingdom of God is supposed to look like. He has taught a very different understanding of what it means to be right in the sight of God. Jesus has revealed the selfishness of their hearts and has shown that they are more interested in money than in getting people to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The chief priests and the scribes hate Jesus, and they want to get rid of Him, but they cannot do so openly. Their actions would cause a riot because Jesus was popular with the people. As Edwards again says in his commentary, “The resolution to kill Jesus is an official decision as opposed to a popular decision.”
As of this point, we might say, “Well, here is further proof of the hypothesis. The chief priests and the scribes had too much religion. If they didn’t have too much religion, they would not have tried to kill Jesus.” Yes, you have some evidence, but let’s press onward.
Mark now shifts the scene to a house–the house of Simon the Leper. This house is in Bethany, and Jesus and His disciples are there for dinner. It is during dinner as Jesus sat at table that an extravagant event takes place. A woman enters carrying an alabaster jar. She breaks the jar, and pours the contents all over Jesus’ head. Now, let’s examine the details of this more closely. For you see, it was a social taboo for a woman to interrupt a meal of Jewish men unless she was serving food.
This woman stepped all over societal custom. Not only did she break society’s unspoken rules, she did something rather lavish. Those around observed that the perfume that was used could have been sold for over 300 denarii. It was a rare perfume that had come from India. This was the equivalent of a year’s wages. Imagine taking a year’s worth of your income and putting it into a jar, breaking the jar and then pouring the entire amount on someone. That is what this woman just did! And she broke the jar too so–there was no going back. There was no saving anything that was left over. There was a totality to her gift. She was giving it all! And, since most women had no ability to come up with this much money in that day, it was probably a family heirloom that had been given to her. It not only had monetary value; it had sentimental value. So, let’s put this into a bit of perspective: this woman stepped all over societal customs to lavishly dispose of a jar of perfume that cost a year’s wages that was probably a gift to her or her family by pouring the entire jar onto Jesus’ head. Extravagant? You bet. To the extreme.
Now, the fallout to her extravagance is almost expected. There is an uproar, especially among the disciples. They complain. “That could have been sold and the money given to the poor!” And they scolded the woman.
Jesus turns the tables on them, and harshly. Why? Let me read to you Edward’s commentary once again. Please listen carefully:
We cannot know whether their indignation is owing to genuine concern for the poor, or whether, as is often the case, the poor are simply used as a pretext for other motives. Whatever their motives, they regard the costly devotion of the woman as a “waste.” Their condemnation obviously demeans the woman and her gift. In asserting that there could be better use for the money, however, they demean Jesus as well, whom they regard as unworthy of such extravagance. The world has never had a problem with religion in moderation. It has no problem with too much wealth or power or sex or influence, but it has a problem with too much religion. That is evident here. The unnamed woman deems Jesus worthy of her sacrifice, whereas the disciples do not.
Is it any wonder why Jesus turns the tables on the disciples? Is it any wonder why Jesus praises this woman? She is willing to pour great extravagance upon Him. She is willing to spend a year’s wages on Him. She is willing to shower Him with an affection and love that those most closest to Him could not or would not. She deemed Him worthy of such a gift, but the disciples did not.
Now, I don’t want to be too hard on the disciples because ultimately, this story is about Jesus, and there are some who have taken issue with Jesus’ words in response to the woman. “7For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.” Some use Jesus’ statement to relieve themselves of the responsibility of caring for the poor, but that is not what Jesus is saying here. Not in the least. Edwards says something rather interesting about this in his commentary, and we turn to it for a final time. “In placing himself above the poor Jesus places himself above the great commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” Why would Jesus do this?
Well, Jesus said there was only one other commandment greater than love your neighbor as yourself. Do you remember what that commandment was? I do. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul, and mind, and strength.” This woman was putting that into practice. She was pouring out extravagant love upon Jesus–the God incarnate. It is no wonder that Jesus said that her actions would be told wherever the Gospel was proclaimed. This kind of love for Jesus is rarely found throughout the scriptures. Loving God with this kind of extravagant love is not easy to set forth because it comes at a great cost. Most of us aren’t willing to pay that cost. The disciples weren’t willing to pay that cost. And that’s why we generally appreciate a moderate amount of religion. It doesn’t cost much. Extravagant religion costs much.
And you might point out to me right now that this is the problem. Those fanatics who practice too much religion are willing to die themselves. They are willing to die as they kill others. They think other people deserve to die and are heathen. They think other people need to be punished and driven to believe like they believe. We need to keep such religion in check. We need to keep people from becoming too religious!!
Now, wait just a second because there is an alternative to this. Extravagant religion does not by necessity lead to a person killing another person. The extravagant religion the woman showed in this snippet from Mark did not kill anyone at all, and she is but a pale comparison to the heart and core of the Christian faith.
But, you might say that there are more than a few Christians who go around spewing all kinds of hate and violence toward others. There are Christians who protest at funerals holing up signs that say, “God hates fags.” There are Christians who kill abortion doctors. There are Christians who are racist and sexist and homophobic. They think they are right about everything and that God only loves them. They think everyone else is going to hell and that they need to scare them into believing as they believe.
You are correct, but do not confuse their brand of Christianity with what Jesus practiced. Because it was Jesus who practiced a truly extravagant faith–a faith that far surpasses what the woman did to Him. For you see, if there ever was a person who could point the finger at the rest of us, it was Jesus. If there ever was a person who could condemn the rest of us to hell for not following what God demands, it was Jesus. If there ever was a person who could accuse us of missing the mark in loving God and loving our neighbor, it was Jesus. If there ever was a person who could judge us for our failure, it was Jesus. If there ever was one who could scold us and make us feel unworthy of the love of God, it was Jesus.
But what did Jesus do? Did He scold us? Did He condemn us? Did He judge us and call down God’s wrath upon us? No. No He did not. Not in the least. He stretched out His arms and died for us. He faced God’s wrath for us. He paid the price for us. He allowed Himself to be betrayed, condemned, judged, beaten, tortured and crucified. And on the cross, He looked down at those who killed Him, He looked down at us and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” He loved us with an extravagant love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that all those who believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him.”
Extravagant religion led Jesus to die for you. Extravagant religion led Jesus to love you when you were unlovable. Extravagant religion led Jesus to forgive you when you didn’t deserve it. Extravagant religion led Jesus to save you when you had failed.
Does this kind of love move you? Does this kind of extravagance touch you to the very depths of your heart? If it does, then you will find something dramatic happening within you. You will find a wellspring of love swelling up within you. You will find that you have an extravagant love of God–an extravagant love of Jesus. Your heart will be filled with a desire to love and serve and give to Him. Your heart will be filled with a desire to love like Jesus loved, and you will look at those who disagree with you; you will look at those who have hurt you; you will look at those who are in great need; and you will begin to love them with that kind of extravagant love.
This kind of love is much needed in the days ahead in our community. As we reach out to those affected by the recent floods, it is our call to bring Jesus’ extravagant love to them–to help them know that God is not punishing them; God does not hate them; God loves them. God cares for them. God wants to shower them with an extravagant love, and He will use you and me to be a part of that. Amen.
Showing posts with label Compassion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Compassion. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2016
Monday, May 11, 2015
Complete Joy
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
down in my heart; down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
down in my heart to stay.
And I’m so happy; so very happy,
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.
And I’m so happy; so very happy.
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.
Isn’t it so easy to sing and lie at the same time? I mean, I remember singing that song when I was a kid, and we’ve sang it here in Sunday School. If memory serves me right, we also sang it at one of our Wednesday evening worship services during Lent. It’s a catchy tune with some other cool verses, but I wanted to focus on this verse in particular because I want to do a couple of things this morning in my sermon: 1) I want to make the case that everyone longs to have some sort of fullness of joy in their lives. 2) I want to attempt to show that nearly everything we try to find joy in will leave us unsatisfied. 3) I want to try and show how Jesus is the only one who can make our joy complete or fulfilled.
First, I believe every human heart longs for joy. In our day and age, we often call it happiness, however. Whatever word you use, I will define joy in this manner: a state of well being and contentment. Gerhard Kittel said this about joy in his Greek theological dictionary of the New Testament: Joy is not just inward. It has a cause and finds expression. It thus aims at sharing, especially as festal joy. It is a disposition of the whole man. This is the point when the heart is called its organ. So, again, joy is a state of being that is caused by external circumstances. This means the state of joy is brought about by how you and I engage something outside of ourselves.
And here is the kicker: how many people do you know who have such joy? How many people do you know who have such contentment? How many people do you know who walk around–not with giant smiley faces all the time, but a sense that they are well–they are complete, and that nothing can get under their skin? How many people do you know who exhibit such a thing? My guess is, you, like me, know very, very few. Heck, I can’t even look in the mirror and say that the guy looking back at me has this kind of joy in his life. This is why I said, I could do a pretty good job of singing and lying at the same time. Such joy tends to escape me–a lot, but I know that I am not alone. It tends to escape a lot of people these days. For every exaltation you hear, you hear ten times that many complaints. For every good deed shown by the news media, you get a hundred deeds meant to frighten and scare us. Seriousness dominates our society and our conversation. People get in trouble for playing practical jokes. It seems like many are walking around with a perpetual chip on their shoulder ready to take offense at the latest thing you say or do. Would such things be happening if people were full of joy?
And even in the church–yes, even in our congregations, do you see many of us walking around with a sense of contentment and well being? Do you see many of us who have a deep sense of peace about us–who are absolutely joyful with their place in this world and with their particular status? Oh, and here is the rub: do you see many Christians who try to strictly adhere to following the moral commandments exuding a sense of joy? Do you see many Christians who are working diligently for peace and justice exuding a sense of joy? Really, no. In fact, usually even amongst us who follow Jesus and work to follow His commandments, we have little to no joy. We may have fleeting moments, but we do not have that continued state of well being and fulfillment. Why?
This is one of those issues that make non-churched people scratch their heads in bewilderment. We sing of joy in the church but then act like everyone else in society. Since there is no visible difference between those who attend church and those who don’t, some wonder, “Why the point?” What’s the point of attending church? What’s the point of believing in Jesus? I can do good things–bear fruit without giving up my time or my particular belief system. Why should I change?
Here is why, I think. If you try to get your joy from anyone or anything less than Jesus, eventually you will be disappointed, and oftentimes you will become angry and your heart will harden. How so?
Well, let me go back to the previous two examples I used regarding church folks who try to diligently follow the moral commandments and work diligently for justice. Essentially, both of these folks are doing the same thing. Both are trying to follow the Law, and both types of people generally feel like everyone should follow the Law in the same manner they do. Let that sink in a moment. Both groups are striving to follow the Law, and both groups feel like everyone should follow the Law just like they do. What is the problem and why doesn’t this bring joy?
The first reason it doesn’t bring joy is that these folks will eventually find out the impossibility of following the law completely. These folks will find that the more they try to accomplish and fulfill the Law’s demands, the more they will find they fall short. This brings, at first, a subtle sense of dissatisfaction and then a full blown realization of failure. This does not bring joy. The second reason joy is not found is when such folks realize they cannot get everyone to follow the Law as they think it should be followed. Such folks will become contemptuous and even angry at others who will not live the way they think they should live. While their own ego may be stroked with a sense of self-righteousness, they look down their noses at others who do things differently–when you are holding another person in such contempt, and when you believe the world’s problems would be solved if everyone just lived like you–and they don’t–you do not have joy. Simply following the rules and the commands of religion will not bring joy. Now, this goes for unchurched people as well. You have the same problem we Christians do, but it gets disguised. You too believe if everyone believed like you did and followed the rules the way you do, then the world would be fantastic. You become just as contemptuous, but it’s awfully easy to see that in others than to see it in ourselves. And it is the reason you don’t have the fullness of joy either. Following the rules does not bring joy.
Neither will loving a person or an object. You may wish to argue with me here and say, “Well, I have been in love with my spouse for x number of years. I am completely in love with him or her. I am happy when I am with him/her, and when I think of him/her, I find a spark of joy within. This sounds all well and good, but you are not with your spouse or loved one all the time. Second, there are times when you are not thinking about him/her and so joy leaves. Third, no relationship is perfect. You have conflict, and my guess is, during your times of conflict, you are not too joyful. Fourth, your loved one will die, and speaking from experience, I know more than a few widows or widowers who became very angry at their spouse for dying. There was no joy.
Same goes for trying to get joy from an object–like sports or money or possessions. There is nothing like the thrill of victory, but sooner or later you will lose. There is always the next game and the next time. I never ends. Joy is not complete. There is always another dollar to earn. There is always another gadget to buy. There is always another rung to climb on the corporate ladder. Achievements will cause brief moments of joy, but they will not last.
Now, how is Jesus the exception? Let’s hear His words again to us this morning: 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16You did not choose me but I chose you.
At first glance this saying of Jesus looks very much like, “Follow my commandments, and you will have joy.” It seems like we are right back to following the rules and regulations–i.e. the Law. But that is not the case. The starting point of this chapter is Jesus saying, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” Toward the end of this teaching, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
I get this image of Jesus, as a vine grabbing a branch and grafting it on Himself. “You didn’t choose me, I chose you. Now stay there.” Why? Why stay there? Because you will find deep nourishment from Jesus. You will find deep satisfaction from Jesus. You will get a tremendous sense of well being from Jesus–that is not based upon your performance. You see, all the world’s religions and everything we try to find our joy in say, “If you want the rewards, you have to work at it. If you want to be joyful, you have to make it happen. Your joy is dependent upon your performance.”
Christianity says, “No, your joy is found in what Jesus has done for you already. Your joy is found at the foot of the cross. Your joy is found with the God who took on human flesh and lived the life you should live; who died the death you deserved; who grafted you into the vine even before you asked.” Now, you may freely leave that vine. You may walk away from Jesus. That is your prerogative, but why? Why head out and try to find joy and satisfaction in all of those things that make you work for it and eventually leave you dissatisfied? Why turn away from the one who says, “You are imperfect. You cannot follow my commands. You are broken, but I accept you. I love you. And I show my love for you in this: I lay down my life for you.”
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that all those who believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world may be saved through Him.
You see, Jesus can’t disappoint you. He has already given you everything. He has promised to never leave you. He has suffered for you. He promises to take the evil that befalls us and transform it into good. There is every reason to stand fast and abide in Him–for as we do such a thing, we find true joy. We find contentment. We find a state of good will welling up within us. Mind you, it’s tough to stay there. All those other things keep clamoring for our attention. All those other things lure us with the promises of joy, but there is a place where we can come to be reminded of Jesus. There is a place where we can come to hear about His great love. There is a place where we can come to hear what Jesus has done and be strengthened to reject the temptations of the world: we come to worship. For at worship our hearts get tuned to Jesus. Our hearts abide in Jesus. Our hearts get transformed by Jesus. And then we go out into the world full of peace and joy. We engage the world and follow Jesus’ commands. We work for justice. We strive to be moral and upright. We bear fruits worthy of repentance because we can’t help it. We are rooted in the source. We are rooted in Jesus–the source of all joy.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you are the source of true joy. You are where we truly find fulfillment and completeness. When the world tempts us to find our joy in things that are not lasting, may we hear your Word. May we be reminded of what you have done. May we know that our joy comes not from our performance but yours. May we see you at the cross dying for us and showing us tremendous love while we were still sinners. And may this change our hearts that we may bear fruit. Amen.
down in my heart; down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
down in my heart to stay.
And I’m so happy; so very happy,
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.
And I’m so happy; so very happy.
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.
Isn’t it so easy to sing and lie at the same time? I mean, I remember singing that song when I was a kid, and we’ve sang it here in Sunday School. If memory serves me right, we also sang it at one of our Wednesday evening worship services during Lent. It’s a catchy tune with some other cool verses, but I wanted to focus on this verse in particular because I want to do a couple of things this morning in my sermon: 1) I want to make the case that everyone longs to have some sort of fullness of joy in their lives. 2) I want to attempt to show that nearly everything we try to find joy in will leave us unsatisfied. 3) I want to try and show how Jesus is the only one who can make our joy complete or fulfilled.
First, I believe every human heart longs for joy. In our day and age, we often call it happiness, however. Whatever word you use, I will define joy in this manner: a state of well being and contentment. Gerhard Kittel said this about joy in his Greek theological dictionary of the New Testament: Joy is not just inward. It has a cause and finds expression. It thus aims at sharing, especially as festal joy. It is a disposition of the whole man. This is the point when the heart is called its organ. So, again, joy is a state of being that is caused by external circumstances. This means the state of joy is brought about by how you and I engage something outside of ourselves.
And here is the kicker: how many people do you know who have such joy? How many people do you know who have such contentment? How many people do you know who walk around–not with giant smiley faces all the time, but a sense that they are well–they are complete, and that nothing can get under their skin? How many people do you know who exhibit such a thing? My guess is, you, like me, know very, very few. Heck, I can’t even look in the mirror and say that the guy looking back at me has this kind of joy in his life. This is why I said, I could do a pretty good job of singing and lying at the same time. Such joy tends to escape me–a lot, but I know that I am not alone. It tends to escape a lot of people these days. For every exaltation you hear, you hear ten times that many complaints. For every good deed shown by the news media, you get a hundred deeds meant to frighten and scare us. Seriousness dominates our society and our conversation. People get in trouble for playing practical jokes. It seems like many are walking around with a perpetual chip on their shoulder ready to take offense at the latest thing you say or do. Would such things be happening if people were full of joy?
And even in the church–yes, even in our congregations, do you see many of us walking around with a sense of contentment and well being? Do you see many of us who have a deep sense of peace about us–who are absolutely joyful with their place in this world and with their particular status? Oh, and here is the rub: do you see many Christians who try to strictly adhere to following the moral commandments exuding a sense of joy? Do you see many Christians who are working diligently for peace and justice exuding a sense of joy? Really, no. In fact, usually even amongst us who follow Jesus and work to follow His commandments, we have little to no joy. We may have fleeting moments, but we do not have that continued state of well being and fulfillment. Why?
This is one of those issues that make non-churched people scratch their heads in bewilderment. We sing of joy in the church but then act like everyone else in society. Since there is no visible difference between those who attend church and those who don’t, some wonder, “Why the point?” What’s the point of attending church? What’s the point of believing in Jesus? I can do good things–bear fruit without giving up my time or my particular belief system. Why should I change?
Here is why, I think. If you try to get your joy from anyone or anything less than Jesus, eventually you will be disappointed, and oftentimes you will become angry and your heart will harden. How so?
Well, let me go back to the previous two examples I used regarding church folks who try to diligently follow the moral commandments and work diligently for justice. Essentially, both of these folks are doing the same thing. Both are trying to follow the Law, and both types of people generally feel like everyone should follow the Law in the same manner they do. Let that sink in a moment. Both groups are striving to follow the Law, and both groups feel like everyone should follow the Law just like they do. What is the problem and why doesn’t this bring joy?
The first reason it doesn’t bring joy is that these folks will eventually find out the impossibility of following the law completely. These folks will find that the more they try to accomplish and fulfill the Law’s demands, the more they will find they fall short. This brings, at first, a subtle sense of dissatisfaction and then a full blown realization of failure. This does not bring joy. The second reason joy is not found is when such folks realize they cannot get everyone to follow the Law as they think it should be followed. Such folks will become contemptuous and even angry at others who will not live the way they think they should live. While their own ego may be stroked with a sense of self-righteousness, they look down their noses at others who do things differently–when you are holding another person in such contempt, and when you believe the world’s problems would be solved if everyone just lived like you–and they don’t–you do not have joy. Simply following the rules and the commands of religion will not bring joy. Now, this goes for unchurched people as well. You have the same problem we Christians do, but it gets disguised. You too believe if everyone believed like you did and followed the rules the way you do, then the world would be fantastic. You become just as contemptuous, but it’s awfully easy to see that in others than to see it in ourselves. And it is the reason you don’t have the fullness of joy either. Following the rules does not bring joy.
Neither will loving a person or an object. You may wish to argue with me here and say, “Well, I have been in love with my spouse for x number of years. I am completely in love with him or her. I am happy when I am with him/her, and when I think of him/her, I find a spark of joy within. This sounds all well and good, but you are not with your spouse or loved one all the time. Second, there are times when you are not thinking about him/her and so joy leaves. Third, no relationship is perfect. You have conflict, and my guess is, during your times of conflict, you are not too joyful. Fourth, your loved one will die, and speaking from experience, I know more than a few widows or widowers who became very angry at their spouse for dying. There was no joy.
Same goes for trying to get joy from an object–like sports or money or possessions. There is nothing like the thrill of victory, but sooner or later you will lose. There is always the next game and the next time. I never ends. Joy is not complete. There is always another dollar to earn. There is always another gadget to buy. There is always another rung to climb on the corporate ladder. Achievements will cause brief moments of joy, but they will not last.
Now, how is Jesus the exception? Let’s hear His words again to us this morning: 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16You did not choose me but I chose you.
At first glance this saying of Jesus looks very much like, “Follow my commandments, and you will have joy.” It seems like we are right back to following the rules and regulations–i.e. the Law. But that is not the case. The starting point of this chapter is Jesus saying, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” Toward the end of this teaching, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
I get this image of Jesus, as a vine grabbing a branch and grafting it on Himself. “You didn’t choose me, I chose you. Now stay there.” Why? Why stay there? Because you will find deep nourishment from Jesus. You will find deep satisfaction from Jesus. You will get a tremendous sense of well being from Jesus–that is not based upon your performance. You see, all the world’s religions and everything we try to find our joy in say, “If you want the rewards, you have to work at it. If you want to be joyful, you have to make it happen. Your joy is dependent upon your performance.”
Christianity says, “No, your joy is found in what Jesus has done for you already. Your joy is found at the foot of the cross. Your joy is found with the God who took on human flesh and lived the life you should live; who died the death you deserved; who grafted you into the vine even before you asked.” Now, you may freely leave that vine. You may walk away from Jesus. That is your prerogative, but why? Why head out and try to find joy and satisfaction in all of those things that make you work for it and eventually leave you dissatisfied? Why turn away from the one who says, “You are imperfect. You cannot follow my commands. You are broken, but I accept you. I love you. And I show my love for you in this: I lay down my life for you.”
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that all those who believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world may be saved through Him.
You see, Jesus can’t disappoint you. He has already given you everything. He has promised to never leave you. He has suffered for you. He promises to take the evil that befalls us and transform it into good. There is every reason to stand fast and abide in Him–for as we do such a thing, we find true joy. We find contentment. We find a state of good will welling up within us. Mind you, it’s tough to stay there. All those other things keep clamoring for our attention. All those other things lure us with the promises of joy, but there is a place where we can come to be reminded of Jesus. There is a place where we can come to hear about His great love. There is a place where we can come to hear what Jesus has done and be strengthened to reject the temptations of the world: we come to worship. For at worship our hearts get tuned to Jesus. Our hearts abide in Jesus. Our hearts get transformed by Jesus. And then we go out into the world full of peace and joy. We engage the world and follow Jesus’ commands. We work for justice. We strive to be moral and upright. We bear fruits worthy of repentance because we can’t help it. We are rooted in the source. We are rooted in Jesus–the source of all joy.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you are the source of true joy. You are where we truly find fulfillment and completeness. When the world tempts us to find our joy in things that are not lasting, may we hear your Word. May we be reminded of what you have done. May we know that our joy comes not from our performance but yours. May we see you at the cross dying for us and showing us tremendous love while we were still sinners. And may this change our hearts that we may bear fruit. Amen.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
And Who is My Neighbor?
Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
While camping at my property in Rocksprings this past Spring Break, I stumbled upon a little bit of an unfortunate circumstance. My truck battery died. Completely. Utterly.
This wouldn't have normally been a bad thing. I mean, I've got one of those portable jumper things. I just happened to have left it at home. I could easily call for help, but there is VERY limited cell phone service and I knew virtually no one.
But...
Things have a way of working out. Earlier in the day my truck battery died, I met a group of guys who own property out there as well. They gave me their names and numbers.
Earlier that day, my wife had placed her purse on the trailer I had towed out there. For some reason, at intervals, the spot where she placed her purse received cell phone service. It wasn't constant, but it was there.
I placed my cell phone in exactly that spot and waited until I saw there was signal. The signal maintained for just long enough for me to make a few phone calls. People called people, and before I knew it, I had numerous offers of help.
At 9 p.m. that evening, one of the folks who lives out near my property came driving up the road in his Mule (the Kawasaki kind). He had a generator and battery charger.
"I understand you need help," he said.
I'd never met the guy. He'd driven by my place earlier and seen my kids and I out playing. He was afraid they were in the tent asleep and that he'd wake them. (They were in San Antonio with their grandparents in a much warmer situation than I was.)
His help was much appreciated. He cranked up his generator, plugged in his battery charger, and was talked and waited for the battery to charge. Of course, he eventually found out I was a pastor.
"I'm not much of a church goer. I drink. I smoke. I cuss. I've done a few things that aren't to be proud of. Maybe I'm not too good of a person."
Me: Let me tell you what I think. I'm really not trying to butter you up or anything, but it seems to me Jesus had a whole lot less to say about those kind of things, but He did have a lot to say about dropping everything and helping out a neighbor who was in need. You've come out here in the middle of the night to help out a complete stranger, and in my book, that carries a lot more weight than those other things.
"Hmm. I think you are right about that."
I know I am, but that's beside the point. The point is I was this guy's neighbor, and he responded when I was in need. No questions. No asking for payment or anything from me. He simply was doing the right thing.
Would I do the same?
I hope.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
There are Certain Things...Part 1
Which put life into perspective.
Such things make you think really hard about reality and how you put into practice the faith of Christ.
In a Matter of Moments
Just before leaving for a period of vacation and recuperation after Christmas, my wife and I took our kids shopping. The money they received for Christmas was burning a hole in their pockets, and they wanted certain items. Rather than fight the battle to wait, we had time, so we used it.
We stopped at Wal-Mart in Katy and after the kids found their hearts' desires, we headed to the checkout line. As we were waiting to place our items on the conveyor belt, I overheard a mother talking to her daughter right behind me. The girl wanted an item on the end cap and was pleading with her mother to get it.
Apparently, the mom wanted to purchase the item for the girl but was unable to, "What part of 'I don't get paid until Friday' don't you understand?"
The comment was rather heart wrenching to me. I'm blessed enough not to "have to wait until Friday" to purchase special things for my kids. I work. My wife works. Revenues are more than expenses most months. Not everyone is as lucky.
I reached into my wallet at this point, took out a $20 bill and handed it to the woman. "Get it for her and Merry Christmas."
The woman stared at me with a look of utter disbelief. I mean, she was literally in shock. "Are you serious? Thank you."
"You are welcome."
It was then quite priceless to hear the woman try to explain to her daughter just why she could now have this item. "Thank you," the little girl then said.
"You are welcome."
Even more priceless as we walked out of the store. My eldest turned to me and said, "Daddy, that was really nice of you."
"Yes, dear, I know."
Moments later, as we approached our car, a young woman looked directly at me, "Maybe you can help me."
"What do you need?" I asked.
"I'm trying to get back to San Antonio. I'm almost out of gas. I have no money. Someone gave me this gift card, and it has $3 on it. I'm pregnant, and I can't wait here all day until someone comes to get me. People are being rude to me, and I just need help."
Another $20.
"Thank you so much. This will get me all the way home! Thank you. I've never had to do this before."
"You are welcome."
"May you have a blessed New Year!"
"You too."
My eldest: "Daddy, you're just giving money away!"
Me: "Yes, dear. I am. We are blessed. Not everyone is as fortunate. Whenever we get the opportunity to help, we should."
I needed to get gas for our vehicle as well, so I pulled over to the Wal-Mart gas station. The young lady was there with her brother, and they had just finished filling up her car. She saw me once again and filled in some of the blanks.
"I've never had to ask before. I asked one guy, and he said, 'Get an effing job!' I thought, 'I have a job. I'm just out of cash.' I couldn't believe how rude he was. I can't believe how mean people can be."
I replied, "There's still some good ones out there. Have a safe trip. Is this your first child?"
Beaming, she said, "Yes!"
Small chit chat for just a few moments before she headed for home.
Unbelievable that someone could respond callously to another without getting to know that person's situation. Unbelievable, but reality.
In a matter of moments, I was out $40. But it was a very small price to pay. A small price to shock a working poor mother with kindness; make a young girl jump for joy; reverse an expectant mother's view of humanity; and, perhaps most importantly, show another young girl the importance of giving. Maybe my other two children were watching as well--even though they said nothing.
Lead by example. Others are watching. Realizing this puts things into perspective. All it takes is a matter of moments.
Such things make you think really hard about reality and how you put into practice the faith of Christ.
In a Matter of Moments
Just before leaving for a period of vacation and recuperation after Christmas, my wife and I took our kids shopping. The money they received for Christmas was burning a hole in their pockets, and they wanted certain items. Rather than fight the battle to wait, we had time, so we used it.
We stopped at Wal-Mart in Katy and after the kids found their hearts' desires, we headed to the checkout line. As we were waiting to place our items on the conveyor belt, I overheard a mother talking to her daughter right behind me. The girl wanted an item on the end cap and was pleading with her mother to get it.
Apparently, the mom wanted to purchase the item for the girl but was unable to, "What part of 'I don't get paid until Friday' don't you understand?"
The comment was rather heart wrenching to me. I'm blessed enough not to "have to wait until Friday" to purchase special things for my kids. I work. My wife works. Revenues are more than expenses most months. Not everyone is as lucky.
I reached into my wallet at this point, took out a $20 bill and handed it to the woman. "Get it for her and Merry Christmas."
The woman stared at me with a look of utter disbelief. I mean, she was literally in shock. "Are you serious? Thank you."
"You are welcome."
It was then quite priceless to hear the woman try to explain to her daughter just why she could now have this item. "Thank you," the little girl then said.
"You are welcome."
Even more priceless as we walked out of the store. My eldest turned to me and said, "Daddy, that was really nice of you."
"Yes, dear, I know."
Moments later, as we approached our car, a young woman looked directly at me, "Maybe you can help me."
"What do you need?" I asked.
"I'm trying to get back to San Antonio. I'm almost out of gas. I have no money. Someone gave me this gift card, and it has $3 on it. I'm pregnant, and I can't wait here all day until someone comes to get me. People are being rude to me, and I just need help."
Another $20.
"Thank you so much. This will get me all the way home! Thank you. I've never had to do this before."
"You are welcome."
"May you have a blessed New Year!"
"You too."
My eldest: "Daddy, you're just giving money away!"
Me: "Yes, dear. I am. We are blessed. Not everyone is as fortunate. Whenever we get the opportunity to help, we should."
I needed to get gas for our vehicle as well, so I pulled over to the Wal-Mart gas station. The young lady was there with her brother, and they had just finished filling up her car. She saw me once again and filled in some of the blanks.
"I've never had to ask before. I asked one guy, and he said, 'Get an effing job!' I thought, 'I have a job. I'm just out of cash.' I couldn't believe how rude he was. I can't believe how mean people can be."
I replied, "There's still some good ones out there. Have a safe trip. Is this your first child?"
Beaming, she said, "Yes!"
Small chit chat for just a few moments before she headed for home.
Unbelievable that someone could respond callously to another without getting to know that person's situation. Unbelievable, but reality.
In a matter of moments, I was out $40. But it was a very small price to pay. A small price to shock a working poor mother with kindness; make a young girl jump for joy; reverse an expectant mother's view of humanity; and, perhaps most importantly, show another young girl the importance of giving. Maybe my other two children were watching as well--even though they said nothing.
Lead by example. Others are watching. Realizing this puts things into perspective. All it takes is a matter of moments.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Yes, I Still Care
As I reflected about my post last week: Who Cares?, I began to wonder if I didn't overstep my bounds. Some may see this post as an attempt to cover my tail, and in some ways perhaps it is. But I think I need to add these words to further define my role/a pastor's role in caring for members in a congregation.
My entire goal in the previous post was to encourage all members within congregations to care for one another and not view such care as exclusive to the pastor/clergy. Jesus didn't say, "Clergy members are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned." (paraphrasing the end result of Matthew 25) Not at all. Jesus called all of His followers to do such things.
Clergy are not singled out nor exempted.
Which means that I believe clergy are indeed called to model and equip others on how to care for one another in a congregational setting.
I think one can still head a large organization and still have plenty of personal contact with those in need.
I hope no one viewed my post as an attempt to say, "I don't need to care." Far be it from that. In reality, it was a desire to expand the view and show that the responsibility for care falls not on one but upon all.
My entire goal in the previous post was to encourage all members within congregations to care for one another and not view such care as exclusive to the pastor/clergy. Jesus didn't say, "Clergy members are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned." (paraphrasing the end result of Matthew 25) Not at all. Jesus called all of His followers to do such things.
Clergy are not singled out nor exempted.
Which means that I believe clergy are indeed called to model and equip others on how to care for one another in a congregational setting.
- This means clergy/I should/will continue to visit the sick.
- This means clergy/I should/will continue to counsel people when in need.
- This means clergy/I should/will continue to check on people who are undergoing long-term treatments.
- This means clergy/I should/will continue to be with families who lose a loved one and endure the grief process.
- This means clergy/I should/will continue to receive and make phone calls when a need arises.
I think one can still head a large organization and still have plenty of personal contact with those in need.
I hope no one viewed my post as an attempt to say, "I don't need to care." Far be it from that. In reality, it was a desire to expand the view and show that the responsibility for care falls not on one but upon all.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Who Cares?
It is a question I think we as clergy and as congregations need to wrestle with more deeply: who cares?
Who cares, indeed?
In many congregations, it is assumed that the primary caregiver for people is the pastor. When people are troubled, they go to the pastor. When people are having surgery or they end up in the hospital, the pastor is supposed to visit. When someone loses a loved one, the pastor is there at the death, at the funeral preparation, calls numerous times afterward, and checks in on important dates: Christmas, Easter, a year after the death. When a member has cancer, the pastor is supposed to call, text, write, email on a regular basis to check in. If someone misses church a couple Sundays in a row, the pastor should call upon that person to see what is going on. And the list goes on.
Mind you, this isn't a bad thing. I am not trying to get into a bad versus good argument over this, but what I would like to suggest is a good versus better approach.
In the above scenario, the pastor basically functions as a congregation's chaplain offering care and concern for his/her members. This works pretty well for smaller congregations, but as congregation's grow, problems occur, mainly: the pastor is simply incapable of caring for so many people. More and more things pile up. More and more people have need. The calendar becomes overwhelmed, and, even worse, the pastor becomes emotionally overwhelmed. With so many people to care for with so many varied issues and difficulties, the pastor eventually hits emotional overload--no matter how good he or she is with caring for him/herself.
And even in smaller congregations, while this works, I am not convinced it is the best model of care and concern. Why?
Generally this: in those congregations, the pastor becomes the "glue" that holds the congregation together. People have a relationship with the pastor, but not necessarily with one another. And that brings me to an important point: what happens to that congregation should the pastor take another call or retire? If he/she is the glue that holds things together, what happens when the glue is gone? The results aren't necessarily pretty. In fact, you will see many congregations experience a drop in worship attendance and giving when the pastor leaves. This is not the healthiest thing in my estimation.
So, what model might be better?
First of all, I think there are some things that clergy must keep in mind and practice and then things congregations should keep in mind and practice.
First, I think those of us who are clergy need to remember our job is not to bind a congregation together by having people have a relationship with us. Far from it. I believe our job is to help people connect with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sure, it's nice to get strokes when people tell us how much they appreciate us and like us. It's nice to hear, "I am so thankful for all that you have done." To a person who generally cares for others, these things touch a soul very deeply. However, if people are simply enjoying their relationship with you, are they growing in their walks of faith? Are they coming in contact with the God who works through you? That is another question entirely, and it is one I wrestle with constantly. As much as I like to be liked, I have become convinced that people don't need a relationship with me nearly as much as they need a relationship with Christ. He alone brings the peace that passes all understanding. He alone brings healing. He alone brings transformation. If folks are not experiencing such things, perhaps it is because we are in the way.
Second, I think a much better model for congregations to follow is care and concern for each other. When a pastor cares for members, one person essentially is the care giver. When people care for one another, well, that's a whole other ball of wax--a very powerful ball of wax. Suddenly, it's not the pastor alone who is showing compassion, concern, and mercy--to those he or she agrees and doesn't agree with--instead, a whole body of people begin to care about one another--they truly have compassion, concern, and mercy for one another. Suddenly, it's not one person alone trying to model the love of God for others, it's an entire group of people; and while God can certainly make a difference with one person, He can reach more people through the acts of others.
Furthermore, when people genuinely care for each other, the pastor no longer becomes the bonding mechanism for a congregation. People's relationship with God and with each other form that bond. Ideally, when the pastor leaves or retires, not much changes because the compassion and care is not dependent upon the pastor--it's shown with or without him/her.
When people show such care and concern for each other, no one feels left out. No one feels isolated. No one feels demeaned or unimportant. A congregation might hold a belief or policy that people do not agree with, but because of the love that people show towards one another, such things do not take on the utmost importance.
I am convinced that when people care for one another and are not dependent upon the pastor for such care, great things happen in congregations.
Who cares about such things?
I do. For I long to see congregations thriving and showing God's love--sharing the Gospel because they know the difference a relationship with Christ can bring. I long to see congregations thriving in a culture which a times is openly hostile to public faith. I long to see congregations full of joy and hope and people who smile and laugh with one another.
I simply cannot make people do these things.
All I can and will do is preach the Good News and hope that Christ transforms communities into such places of care and compassion.
Who cares, indeed?
In many congregations, it is assumed that the primary caregiver for people is the pastor. When people are troubled, they go to the pastor. When people are having surgery or they end up in the hospital, the pastor is supposed to visit. When someone loses a loved one, the pastor is there at the death, at the funeral preparation, calls numerous times afterward, and checks in on important dates: Christmas, Easter, a year after the death. When a member has cancer, the pastor is supposed to call, text, write, email on a regular basis to check in. If someone misses church a couple Sundays in a row, the pastor should call upon that person to see what is going on. And the list goes on.
Mind you, this isn't a bad thing. I am not trying to get into a bad versus good argument over this, but what I would like to suggest is a good versus better approach.
In the above scenario, the pastor basically functions as a congregation's chaplain offering care and concern for his/her members. This works pretty well for smaller congregations, but as congregation's grow, problems occur, mainly: the pastor is simply incapable of caring for so many people. More and more things pile up. More and more people have need. The calendar becomes overwhelmed, and, even worse, the pastor becomes emotionally overwhelmed. With so many people to care for with so many varied issues and difficulties, the pastor eventually hits emotional overload--no matter how good he or she is with caring for him/herself.
And even in smaller congregations, while this works, I am not convinced it is the best model of care and concern. Why?
Generally this: in those congregations, the pastor becomes the "glue" that holds the congregation together. People have a relationship with the pastor, but not necessarily with one another. And that brings me to an important point: what happens to that congregation should the pastor take another call or retire? If he/she is the glue that holds things together, what happens when the glue is gone? The results aren't necessarily pretty. In fact, you will see many congregations experience a drop in worship attendance and giving when the pastor leaves. This is not the healthiest thing in my estimation.
So, what model might be better?
First of all, I think there are some things that clergy must keep in mind and practice and then things congregations should keep in mind and practice.
First, I think those of us who are clergy need to remember our job is not to bind a congregation together by having people have a relationship with us. Far from it. I believe our job is to help people connect with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sure, it's nice to get strokes when people tell us how much they appreciate us and like us. It's nice to hear, "I am so thankful for all that you have done." To a person who generally cares for others, these things touch a soul very deeply. However, if people are simply enjoying their relationship with you, are they growing in their walks of faith? Are they coming in contact with the God who works through you? That is another question entirely, and it is one I wrestle with constantly. As much as I like to be liked, I have become convinced that people don't need a relationship with me nearly as much as they need a relationship with Christ. He alone brings the peace that passes all understanding. He alone brings healing. He alone brings transformation. If folks are not experiencing such things, perhaps it is because we are in the way.
Second, I think a much better model for congregations to follow is care and concern for each other. When a pastor cares for members, one person essentially is the care giver. When people care for one another, well, that's a whole other ball of wax--a very powerful ball of wax. Suddenly, it's not the pastor alone who is showing compassion, concern, and mercy--to those he or she agrees and doesn't agree with--instead, a whole body of people begin to care about one another--they truly have compassion, concern, and mercy for one another. Suddenly, it's not one person alone trying to model the love of God for others, it's an entire group of people; and while God can certainly make a difference with one person, He can reach more people through the acts of others.
Furthermore, when people genuinely care for each other, the pastor no longer becomes the bonding mechanism for a congregation. People's relationship with God and with each other form that bond. Ideally, when the pastor leaves or retires, not much changes because the compassion and care is not dependent upon the pastor--it's shown with or without him/her.
When people show such care and concern for each other, no one feels left out. No one feels isolated. No one feels demeaned or unimportant. A congregation might hold a belief or policy that people do not agree with, but because of the love that people show towards one another, such things do not take on the utmost importance.
I am convinced that when people care for one another and are not dependent upon the pastor for such care, great things happen in congregations.
Who cares about such things?
I do. For I long to see congregations thriving and showing God's love--sharing the Gospel because they know the difference a relationship with Christ can bring. I long to see congregations thriving in a culture which a times is openly hostile to public faith. I long to see congregations full of joy and hope and people who smile and laugh with one another.
I simply cannot make people do these things.
All I can and will do is preach the Good News and hope that Christ transforms communities into such places of care and compassion.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Positives of the Church
I think we live in a culture which likes to accentuate the negative. For some reason, we believe that pointing out and harping out the negative will inspire a person or institution to change and become better. While this might prove true if given at a certain point, it is much less certain to happen if one leads with such negativity.
My favorite illustration of this comes in John 8 with the woman caught in adultery. Jesus didn't tell her, "Go and sin no more." at the beginning of the story. It was only after saving her life that He dropped this command upon her. At that point, I am positive she was very receptive to His teaching. When someone saves you from getting your head bashed in by rocks, one is apt to listen very carefully to any instructions given.
In the U.S. we don't see very many people about to get their heads bashed by rocks for committing adultery. Usually, the worst that happens is furor raised in the media or through the rumor mill in a community. Names get drug through the mud, and fortunately, bodily harm is not a part. So, it makes me wonder how the Church can "save a life" before offering instruction and the commands of Christ. How can the Church act with compassion before asking someone to change?
A little of my own personal experience:
Last year, I went through a tumultuous period of burnout. I questioned a lot of things about my work habits, my role as leader of the congregation, and my spiritual life and growth. Much of my questioning led to some very painful realizations. I had become over-involved in the life of the congregation. Instead of letting the people do the work of the congregation, I had been doing too much. I had become overly connected emotionally. I was carrying a lot of pain and frustration that should have been given over to God. In effect, I was not an effective, healing presence. I had over-invested in my time at work. Somehow, I thought more hours spent at the office and running around visiting and contacting people would translate into more growth and better functioning of the congregation.
When I hit the proverbial wall, things weren't pretty. I needed help, and I asked for it.
Now, things didn't necessarily go as I wanted. In fact, I thought there was a sure and certain route that I needed to chart to ensure my health and sanity--to recover from burning out. But that route was closed off. Instead, something much different happened.
Within the Church and within a congregation there are those who God inspires to offer a helping hand to pastors who are in need. Who need time and healing. Who need avenues to practice self-care. When you ask, they will arise.
There is often a temptation to go it alone. To refuse to ask. To think "physician, heal thyself!" After all, no one really wants to take care of you. It's your job as a clergy to take care of everyone God has placed in your congregation. Or so some think.
Balderdash!
A congregation ideally functions differently than this. A congregation functions as a community of mutual conversation and consolation. This process includes the pastor. He or she is intricately involved in this process. Sure, he or she is constantly engaging in conversation and consolation--mainly giving, but also receiving. The entire process focuses on building one another up in love.
After burning out, I am blessed to have had many persons involved in building me up. The list that follows catches the highlights. It certainly is not exhaustive, and for my congregation members who read this, please do not think I am trying to slight anyone or play favorites. I am not. I care deeply about all of you. The following list does not include those of you who pray for me regularly who keep this an absolute secret. I know you are there even though I do not know who you might be.
This is, I believe, what happens when the church is at its best. This should not just be my story. It should be the story of each and every congregation member in the pews. It should be the story of each and every congregation member who is unable to leave their home for one reason or another. It should be the story of each and every congregation member who suffers from illness, debilitation, worry, stress, anxiety or what have you. The temptation is to say, "I'll handle it myself." But with a community of faith full of people who care and who believe in Christ who commanded His disciples to, "Love one another and by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another," why? Why keep it down deep? Why try to go it alone?
God has gifted the Church with many gifts including compassion. It is a driving force in the Church. I've been blessed by many congregation members who have it and share it. I invite you to come experience it as well.
My favorite illustration of this comes in John 8 with the woman caught in adultery. Jesus didn't tell her, "Go and sin no more." at the beginning of the story. It was only after saving her life that He dropped this command upon her. At that point, I am positive she was very receptive to His teaching. When someone saves you from getting your head bashed in by rocks, one is apt to listen very carefully to any instructions given.
In the U.S. we don't see very many people about to get their heads bashed by rocks for committing adultery. Usually, the worst that happens is furor raised in the media or through the rumor mill in a community. Names get drug through the mud, and fortunately, bodily harm is not a part. So, it makes me wonder how the Church can "save a life" before offering instruction and the commands of Christ. How can the Church act with compassion before asking someone to change?
A little of my own personal experience:
Last year, I went through a tumultuous period of burnout. I questioned a lot of things about my work habits, my role as leader of the congregation, and my spiritual life and growth. Much of my questioning led to some very painful realizations. I had become over-involved in the life of the congregation. Instead of letting the people do the work of the congregation, I had been doing too much. I had become overly connected emotionally. I was carrying a lot of pain and frustration that should have been given over to God. In effect, I was not an effective, healing presence. I had over-invested in my time at work. Somehow, I thought more hours spent at the office and running around visiting and contacting people would translate into more growth and better functioning of the congregation.
When I hit the proverbial wall, things weren't pretty. I needed help, and I asked for it.
Now, things didn't necessarily go as I wanted. In fact, I thought there was a sure and certain route that I needed to chart to ensure my health and sanity--to recover from burning out. But that route was closed off. Instead, something much different happened.
Within the Church and within a congregation there are those who God inspires to offer a helping hand to pastors who are in need. Who need time and healing. Who need avenues to practice self-care. When you ask, they will arise.
There is often a temptation to go it alone. To refuse to ask. To think "physician, heal thyself!" After all, no one really wants to take care of you. It's your job as a clergy to take care of everyone God has placed in your congregation. Or so some think.
Balderdash!
A congregation ideally functions differently than this. A congregation functions as a community of mutual conversation and consolation. This process includes the pastor. He or she is intricately involved in this process. Sure, he or she is constantly engaging in conversation and consolation--mainly giving, but also receiving. The entire process focuses on building one another up in love.
After burning out, I am blessed to have had many persons involved in building me up. The list that follows catches the highlights. It certainly is not exhaustive, and for my congregation members who read this, please do not think I am trying to slight anyone or play favorites. I am not. I care deeply about all of you. The following list does not include those of you who pray for me regularly who keep this an absolute secret. I know you are there even though I do not know who you might be.
- I have been invited to hunt and fish on several properties owned by congregation members in the community. This has provided me with an outlet beyond the walls of the congregation in which I can get away and do something that I have enjoyed doing for many years. Self-care folks tell you to have a hobby outside the congregation, and I know now the worth of that hobby.
- I have a couple of congregation members who engaged me educationally, literally giving me material which fed a hungry soul. Individual prayer and meditation is but one avenue for spiritual growth. My own avenue is through study. Unfortunately, the theological education I received wasn't nurturing, but I was led by the influence of several congregation members to find a theological path which was much more intellectually satisfying and nurturing as it engaged life's biggest questions. Repeated discussions fed me in a way my college and seminary educations couldn't match.
- I have had one person in particular take me out to lunch once a month with the caveat "what is said here, stays here." Everything is kept in complete confidence. I cannot tell you the difference this makes.
- After my puppy had to be put down, I received well wishes and support in my family's grief. From the congregation member/vet who put my dog down, to him and his brother's well wishes in worship the following morning, to prayers sent through emails and on Facebook, to donations being made to a local adoption/spay/neuter organization in my pup's honor. All of these were heart-felt and helped ease the grief of her death.
- The leadership of the congregation paid for counseling and gave policy approval adding flexibility to the time I can take off during the week--ensuring I work as close to 40 hours a week as possible instead of the "normal" clergy work load of 50+.
This is, I believe, what happens when the church is at its best. This should not just be my story. It should be the story of each and every congregation member in the pews. It should be the story of each and every congregation member who is unable to leave their home for one reason or another. It should be the story of each and every congregation member who suffers from illness, debilitation, worry, stress, anxiety or what have you. The temptation is to say, "I'll handle it myself." But with a community of faith full of people who care and who believe in Christ who commanded His disciples to, "Love one another and by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another," why? Why keep it down deep? Why try to go it alone?
God has gifted the Church with many gifts including compassion. It is a driving force in the Church. I've been blessed by many congregation members who have it and share it. I invite you to come experience it as well.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Who is Welcome?
A Facebook colleague shared the following blog post:
When my abuser is welcome at the table and, I am not.
Pertinent quotes:
It’s the cool thing in more progressive branches of Christianity now to talk about how EVERYONE is welcome at the communion table. I should be glad about that, I guess...
But this trend in Christianity where EVERYONE is welcome scares me.
Maybe it’s because of the time when a former friend of Abe’s, who knew my back story, told Abe and I that we had to be grateful that Jesus forgives rapists. Who told us that because we could not see rapists as sinners just like us, we must not know Jesus like he does.
Or maybe it’s because of the people who cut off all ties to me because I’m not all that cheery and positive in my critiques of abusive systems and ideologies. Those same people who talk about how they long to sit down at the communion table with popular spiritually abusive leaders in a show of grace and forgiveness.
Or maybe it’s because of the way I see so-called progressive Christians in powerful positions react when my friends who are gay or trans* or disabled or people of color say, “Hey, this person/ideology is oppressing us.”
EVERYONE is welcome. But more and more it seems the “EVERYONE” that Christians are really going after is abusers.
And why not? How radical and Jesus-like does that sound? Abusers and survivors, sitting at the same table. Sharing the same bread and wine. The lion lying down next to the lamb.
Sure. That sounds great. Excuse me while I go have a panic attack or two.
I apologize for the length of that quote, but I do not want to diminish what Sarah Moon is saying. She's been abused. She's been raped. She's terrified of coming to a place where her abuser is welcomed, and she senses that she is not--not that she isn't welcome, she knows that, but where it seems like there is little compassion, comfort, or even safety for her.
Everyone is welcome. That is the mantra. No boundaries. Anything goes.
This is one of those responses to pluralism that has infected the church--yes, I used infected purposely.
The idea that everyone is welcome has never been embraced by orthodox Christianity. It wasn't embraced by Jesus. It wasn't embraced by Paul. So where did this idea come from? Where did people start buying into the idea EVERYONE is welcome at the table of the Lord?
It's About Grace
Progressive Protestantism is enamored with the concept of grace. I don't blame them in the least. I am too. When I hear the words of Romans 3
21 But now, irrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
and Ephesians 2
8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
my heart quickens. This central doctrine of Christianity is something I cling to and refuse to let go of.
But there is a dark side to the concept of grace. A dark side which reared its head in the early church and still rears its head even to this day. It's called antinomianism. That's the fancy word for it. The less fancy word is lawlessness or anti-law.
You see, Christianity is both law and gospel. The laws are the commands of God, the commands of Christ, the admonishments to live our lives according to God's will and do the works He commands. The gospel is the acclamation that since we are unable to accomplish living the commands of Christ to perfection, we are forgiven and set free to live our lives striving to achieve perfection (follow the law) without worrying about being punished when we fail.
There is a bit of tightrope walking that I am doing in that last paragraph. I hope you can see it. In no way, shape or form does grace git rid of the law. In no way, shape or form does grace nullify the commands of God or the commands of Jesus. They are still in effect. What is gone is that we are no longer under the discipline of that law should we fail. (Galatians 3:25). But that certainly does not mean we are allowed to simply break the law. Far be it. For the same person (St. Paul) who wrote that we are no longer under the DISCIPLINE of the law also wrote: Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. (Romans 3:31)
So, as Christians, we are free from the discipline of the law, but we still strive to uphold it. This is important for without the Law, there are no boundaries; and in Christianity, there are definitely boundaries.
Who is Out?
The idea that Jesus showed this radical love and accepted everyone regardless of who they were and what they did is simply asinine. It is a misreading of Jesus. The very fact that Jesus died for the world does not mean that He accepted everyone and believed everyone was welcome. There is a very important teaching to illustrate this point, and it applies to Sarah Moon's situation as well as to the understanding of boundaries in the church. From Matthew chapter 18:
Jesus teaches: 15 ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Would that the church follow these instructions!! But alas, I can hope, can't I?
First off, we must recognize immediately Jesus saying, "If another member of the church sins against you..." There is definitely right and definitely wrong going on here. And how do we know what sin is? How do we know what is right and what is wrong? The Law. We cannot abolish the Law!!! It is necessary for clarity and boundaries and helping us know what is sin!!!
If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.
That's the first step. Now, if I were counseling Sarah or any other woman or man who had been abused by another, I would never counsel them to go alone. There are exceptions to things, and this is one of them. I would counsel them to bypass this step and move to step two--for protection's sake and for courage's sake.
I know intimately people who have been abused. I know the pain inflicted upon them. I know their desire and want to avoid those whom have harmed them, but I also know that if one tries to avoid everyone and every situation that one might encounter an abuser, then the one who was abused becomes trapped. This is not good. The church, in whatever form that might take, should provide a safe place for someone who has been abused to find courage, strength, healing, support, a place to break down without judgement and other means of emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. We cannot diminish these things.
And one of those things is the courage to stand up to those who committed the abuse with the knowledge that person will not be allowed to harm him or her again--the courage to announce, "You sinned against me!"
Now, here is a very important piece. Jesus says, "If the person repents, you have gained a brother."
This might cause some consternation because forgiveness comes with difficulty. The healing is not necessarily done at that moment, but it none-the-less must take place. Reconciliation is hard--very hard. If you don't think so, just listen to some of the voices in minority communities these days when dealing with the effects of the Jim Crow laws. There are still demands for retribution--even given to generations born well after these laws were in effect. Forgiveness does not come easy. Forgetting never happens. Which is why support from those abused should never, ever be withdrawn until the abused say, "I am healed."
But that is just one scenario. "If he repents..."
What if he doesn't?
Well, there are a series of steps to continue on with including exposing the sinner to the entire church. Yeah, I know all about privacy laws and such things, but in order for infection to be dealt with, it must be exposed. In this case, if an unrepentant sinner refuses to acknowledge wrongdoing--refuses to come to grips with what he did to damage another, then the church must act.
"Treat that one as a Gentile or tax collector."
These were outsiders in the Jewish society. They were not allowed certain privileges when it came to worship and the holding of positions in Jewish society. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't come in contact with such folks. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't care about or love them. They were now restricted though. There were certain things they were not allowed to participate in.
In the early church and as the church grew, this meant excommunication--a refusal of the Lord's Supper. Until repentance was shown, the means of grace would not be allowed to this person.
Boundaries. They were important then. They are still important now.
St. Paul knew this--knew it well. He had to deal with a situation in Corinth which was not healthy, and once again, we see him drawing the lines in the sand with a particular church member:
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons— 10not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. 11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? 13God will judge those outside. ‘Drive out the wicked person from among you.’ --1 Corinthians 5:9-13
How quickly we forget such admonitions from both Jesus and Paul. How quickly we forget that they drew boundaries, lines in the sand, which should not be crossed. How quickly we forget that radical grace meant radically new ways of living and transformation of the heart and soul.
Who is welcome? Well, all sinners are welcome. There is no doubt about that. But sinners who are accused of sinning against another and refusing to repent according to Matthew 18 are not. The church has had means of dealing with such things since its inception. Somehow, there are those who have forgotten.
When my abuser is welcome at the table and, I am not.
Pertinent quotes:
It’s the cool thing in more progressive branches of Christianity now to talk about how EVERYONE is welcome at the communion table. I should be glad about that, I guess...
But this trend in Christianity where EVERYONE is welcome scares me.
Maybe it’s because of the time when a former friend of Abe’s, who knew my back story, told Abe and I that we had to be grateful that Jesus forgives rapists. Who told us that because we could not see rapists as sinners just like us, we must not know Jesus like he does.
Or maybe it’s because of the people who cut off all ties to me because I’m not all that cheery and positive in my critiques of abusive systems and ideologies. Those same people who talk about how they long to sit down at the communion table with popular spiritually abusive leaders in a show of grace and forgiveness.
Or maybe it’s because of the way I see so-called progressive Christians in powerful positions react when my friends who are gay or trans* or disabled or people of color say, “Hey, this person/ideology is oppressing us.”
EVERYONE is welcome. But more and more it seems the “EVERYONE” that Christians are really going after is abusers.
And why not? How radical and Jesus-like does that sound? Abusers and survivors, sitting at the same table. Sharing the same bread and wine. The lion lying down next to the lamb.
Sure. That sounds great. Excuse me while I go have a panic attack or two.
I apologize for the length of that quote, but I do not want to diminish what Sarah Moon is saying. She's been abused. She's been raped. She's terrified of coming to a place where her abuser is welcomed, and she senses that she is not--not that she isn't welcome, she knows that, but where it seems like there is little compassion, comfort, or even safety for her.
Everyone is welcome. That is the mantra. No boundaries. Anything goes.
This is one of those responses to pluralism that has infected the church--yes, I used infected purposely.
The idea that everyone is welcome has never been embraced by orthodox Christianity. It wasn't embraced by Jesus. It wasn't embraced by Paul. So where did this idea come from? Where did people start buying into the idea EVERYONE is welcome at the table of the Lord?
It's About Grace
Progressive Protestantism is enamored with the concept of grace. I don't blame them in the least. I am too. When I hear the words of Romans 3
21 But now, irrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
and Ephesians 2
8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
my heart quickens. This central doctrine of Christianity is something I cling to and refuse to let go of.
But there is a dark side to the concept of grace. A dark side which reared its head in the early church and still rears its head even to this day. It's called antinomianism. That's the fancy word for it. The less fancy word is lawlessness or anti-law.
You see, Christianity is both law and gospel. The laws are the commands of God, the commands of Christ, the admonishments to live our lives according to God's will and do the works He commands. The gospel is the acclamation that since we are unable to accomplish living the commands of Christ to perfection, we are forgiven and set free to live our lives striving to achieve perfection (follow the law) without worrying about being punished when we fail.
There is a bit of tightrope walking that I am doing in that last paragraph. I hope you can see it. In no way, shape or form does grace git rid of the law. In no way, shape or form does grace nullify the commands of God or the commands of Jesus. They are still in effect. What is gone is that we are no longer under the discipline of that law should we fail. (Galatians 3:25). But that certainly does not mean we are allowed to simply break the law. Far be it. For the same person (St. Paul) who wrote that we are no longer under the DISCIPLINE of the law also wrote: Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. (Romans 3:31)
So, as Christians, we are free from the discipline of the law, but we still strive to uphold it. This is important for without the Law, there are no boundaries; and in Christianity, there are definitely boundaries.
Who is Out?
The idea that Jesus showed this radical love and accepted everyone regardless of who they were and what they did is simply asinine. It is a misreading of Jesus. The very fact that Jesus died for the world does not mean that He accepted everyone and believed everyone was welcome. There is a very important teaching to illustrate this point, and it applies to Sarah Moon's situation as well as to the understanding of boundaries in the church. From Matthew chapter 18:
Jesus teaches: 15 ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Would that the church follow these instructions!! But alas, I can hope, can't I?
First off, we must recognize immediately Jesus saying, "If another member of the church sins against you..." There is definitely right and definitely wrong going on here. And how do we know what sin is? How do we know what is right and what is wrong? The Law. We cannot abolish the Law!!! It is necessary for clarity and boundaries and helping us know what is sin!!!
If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.
That's the first step. Now, if I were counseling Sarah or any other woman or man who had been abused by another, I would never counsel them to go alone. There are exceptions to things, and this is one of them. I would counsel them to bypass this step and move to step two--for protection's sake and for courage's sake.
I know intimately people who have been abused. I know the pain inflicted upon them. I know their desire and want to avoid those whom have harmed them, but I also know that if one tries to avoid everyone and every situation that one might encounter an abuser, then the one who was abused becomes trapped. This is not good. The church, in whatever form that might take, should provide a safe place for someone who has been abused to find courage, strength, healing, support, a place to break down without judgement and other means of emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. We cannot diminish these things.
And one of those things is the courage to stand up to those who committed the abuse with the knowledge that person will not be allowed to harm him or her again--the courage to announce, "You sinned against me!"
Now, here is a very important piece. Jesus says, "If the person repents, you have gained a brother."
This might cause some consternation because forgiveness comes with difficulty. The healing is not necessarily done at that moment, but it none-the-less must take place. Reconciliation is hard--very hard. If you don't think so, just listen to some of the voices in minority communities these days when dealing with the effects of the Jim Crow laws. There are still demands for retribution--even given to generations born well after these laws were in effect. Forgiveness does not come easy. Forgetting never happens. Which is why support from those abused should never, ever be withdrawn until the abused say, "I am healed."
But that is just one scenario. "If he repents..."
What if he doesn't?
Well, there are a series of steps to continue on with including exposing the sinner to the entire church. Yeah, I know all about privacy laws and such things, but in order for infection to be dealt with, it must be exposed. In this case, if an unrepentant sinner refuses to acknowledge wrongdoing--refuses to come to grips with what he did to damage another, then the church must act.
"Treat that one as a Gentile or tax collector."
These were outsiders in the Jewish society. They were not allowed certain privileges when it came to worship and the holding of positions in Jewish society. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't come in contact with such folks. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't care about or love them. They were now restricted though. There were certain things they were not allowed to participate in.
In the early church and as the church grew, this meant excommunication--a refusal of the Lord's Supper. Until repentance was shown, the means of grace would not be allowed to this person.
Boundaries. They were important then. They are still important now.
St. Paul knew this--knew it well. He had to deal with a situation in Corinth which was not healthy, and once again, we see him drawing the lines in the sand with a particular church member:
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons— 10not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. 11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? 13God will judge those outside. ‘Drive out the wicked person from among you.’ --1 Corinthians 5:9-13
How quickly we forget such admonitions from both Jesus and Paul. How quickly we forget that they drew boundaries, lines in the sand, which should not be crossed. How quickly we forget that radical grace meant radically new ways of living and transformation of the heart and soul.
Who is welcome? Well, all sinners are welcome. There is no doubt about that. But sinners who are accused of sinning against another and refusing to repent according to Matthew 18 are not. The church has had means of dealing with such things since its inception. Somehow, there are those who have forgotten.
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