Look, I know we seem kinda hard to reach. Probably a little arrogant too. I'm sure at times we come off cocky, self-centered, annoying, flashy, and over all full of shit. And, well... that's because we are. But regardless of our countless flaws and short attention spans, we are still looking to you. I think it's safe to say that the majority of us are ready to start building bridges between the gap of you and us. So, I thought I'd tell you some of the tools that would help in the building process.
Honesty
We are tired of cookie cutter Christians, and frankly? We're not buying it anymore. We would much rather you be a hot mess in front of us than polished and proper. Why? Because we are quite the hot mess ourselves. Not to mention we are intimidated (and distracted) by shiny things. We want to see your broken ugly sinner self. Guess what? We'll like you better for it.
Mentors.
I think we both agree my generation is kinda screwed up. We might go about asking for it in strange ways, but when it comes down to it- we need your help. Teach us, guide us, correct us. We will probably be complete jerks about it at first, but give us time to figure out how to knock down our own walls, walls we don't even remember building- and I promise we will respect you more for having patience.
Depth.
Stop with the feel good theology. We want and need to know God. Every single dimension of him. Don't water Him down for us. Sure, we like hearing about Grace and Mercy and all the other things that go down easy- but we also want to know about the harder stuff. We want to know about His suffering, and the dark times that come along with following Him. You know why you're young adult groups and youth groups are dwindling? Because we didn't have a clue what we were getting ourselves into with this whole Christianity thing. So when hardships come and God seems far off- we need you to step in the gap. We need you to teach us things about the valley that we can't learn from the mountain top.
Reckless Faith
I know you don't see it right now, but we actually believe all of the verses that tell us to "Die to ourselves, and pick up our cross daily" But we need to be challenged to do it. We need your wisdom and stories and testimonies of leaving it all behind for the Cross. It will scare the crap out of us, but once we pull ourselves together we will passionately pursue your footsteps.
Impact.
Let us change the world. Empower us, and believe in us, Most importantly pour into us. Care about what we care about. We know you want us happy and comfortable and to learn from your mistakes. But we're bored with that. We want to live uncomfortable for the sake of Jesus and others. We want orphans to become ours and we want strangers to know Jesus. We want smaller houses and bigger impacts. But we don't really know what that looks like- show us.
Jesus.
He's not just a list of do's and don'ts anymore. He's a person who we love and would do anything for. Show us Him. Show us his grace and mercy and justice and compassion. Tell us about how you were blind, but then He helped you see. Tell us how you were lost, but then He found you.
Prayers.
Again, we're a bunch of little turds. Blame social media or the Kardashians or whatever but it's true. We need your prayers. And we need to see you praying them. We have no clue what we are doing, let us learn from you.
I know- it's a long list and I may have made it sound like we're needy and exhausting. And, while that might be true it's for a good reason. See, I look around at my generation, and I'm afraid that instead of mounting up on wings like eagles, we're more like parrots. Instead of soaring high and gaining new strength, we're just sitting in a pew and repeating what we've heard. I guess I can't speak for everyone, but I want more than that.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Friday, April 10, 2015
I've Got the Power!
"And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,
according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ
when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand
in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,
and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."
Ephesians 1:19-21
Power is a funny thing isn't it?
Maybe it's just because of my own personal pet peeves, especially lately. But when I think of someone "with power" I rarely ever think of anything positive.
I think of that guy at work who got a little ounce of recognition, and now uses his "title" as an excuse to sit around threatening and be-littling others.
I think of how it makes me want to knock 'em into next week.
I think of rulers who have abused power. Or leaders who have ruined lives for the sake of a power trip.
I think of people who have it but refuse to use it.
I think of people who have it who shouldn't
I think of power trips and power struggles.
I think of people who had it but lost it because of whatever.
You know what the word "Power" doesn't make me think of?
It doesn't make me think of the mother who started a business with only 5 pieces of jewelry in order to make a little cash so she could bring her son home from Rwanda. Who took that little bit of power and made tens of thousands of dollars and gave it all to the Kingdom of God.
It doesn't make me think of the missionary who brought a sewing machine to a third world country and taught women how to sew hand bags to support their families. Women who then took that skill, and used it to build a freaking city to make a better life for their children.
The word 'Power' doesn't make me think of the little churches in little towns filled with great people who want to do great things not just for God, but with Him.
It doesn't make me think of that mom who is raising her kids up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I don't think it's ever made me think of that new mom when her baby boy was diagnosed with a heart condition and a thousand prayers from her church went up.
It doesn't make me think of the Pastor who is thinking about how to better feed the sheep.
But ya know what? It should.
Because the bible talks a lot about power, and it even equates power to the immeasurable greatness those who believe are capable of.
This got me thinking, I think the biggest problem with power is not in the abuse of it, but rather in the denial of it. The world doesn't need to be told the effects of abusing power, they've already seen it. They need to see the outcome of power put to good use. We've all been given power, the question is- do we use it well? And what would that even look like?
I'm relatively new to the whole power being positive thing- so I'm just guessing here but I think we could start by following a few simple guidelines.
It's not about you. Weather its a feeling of entitlement or inadequacy. Both are disobedience and both limit the power God's given you.
Take the initiative. Give much, because you have been given much. Use your freedom, voice, grace, or your gifts and do something great with them.
Fight for others. God says he comforts us so that we can comfort others. I think that applies across the board. He gives us grace so that we can show others grace, he gave us forgiveness so that we could forgive others. And I think he gave us power so that we could empower others.
Let's stop trying to change the world and just start loving it.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Marriage Myths and Bliss.
I love Love and I love marriage and I love seeing so many of our friends loving each other and getting married. So, I thought I would share some marital myths and the truths that I wish someone would have told me.
1. Never go to bed mad.
My dad would always tell me "Your mom and I have never gone to bed mad, but we have had our fair share of sleepless nights". It sounds like good advice at first, but there is a very real and very practical reason why it doesn't work at least in our marriage. I'm mean when I'm tired. Plain and simple. Anything that comes out of my mouth after 8pm can fit perfectly in to 1 of 2 categories. 1. Mean. or 2. Not Quite English. Sometimes it's a bit of both. Add in high emotions and frustration and you might as well issue a storm warning and possibly find a translator. Now I know that the bible says to "not let the sun go down on your anger" and again, that's good advice. However I think we take that verse to mean we can't sleep until we are done being angry but what I think that verse is really telling us is to not go to bed until you've given your anger to God. And guess what? 10/10 times when I fall asleep in the middle of a disagreement with my husband, I wake up not mad. Then we can work out a solution to the initial problem over coffee, and blankets, and hugs because waking up is already hard enough on its own. So bottom line don't stay up til 4 in the morning fighting just because you're "not going to go to bed mad" instead, go repent- pray about it- give it to God and then get some rest.
2. One person is called to make the money, the other is called to make dinner.
False. You're called to make a life together. Preferably with as little stress and debt as possible. We've tried to do the gender specific role thing and it was nice for a while. Until we learned that our specific roles couldn't help us predict a layoff or a lawsuit. You are called to make goals and dreams and success together. Whatever that looks like for you, for us right now it looks like working whatever jobs we can to keep sane, have enough money to buy coffee and still make it to church. Because it's never mattered how much money we have, when we were doing well financially but community-less and church-less we just felt poor.
3. All you need is a shared faith and sense of values.
True. But a shared sense of humor is also crucial. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be able to laugh at yourself after falling into the left open toilet seat at 2 am, even after the 100th time... not bitter.
4. All you need is Love.
False. Love is nice but forgiveness is better. Because when your husband just had a friend commit suicide the same week he got laid off and he's cold and shut off and depressed he's going to say some stupid crap. And I guarantee he's going to piss you off in that season. Or at the very least, hurt your feelings. In which case you might find it hard to "love" him in those seasons. While you should still try, you won't get far without forgiveness. Un-forgiveness is you telling God that you don't trust Him enough to handle the situation. And that's not good for anyone.
5. As a woman, you have to get creative about sharing your ideas so the man thinks it was really his.
Ew. Just stop. I've attended far too many bridal showers and women's bible studies where they share tips and tricks and joke on how to "get your way". I'm sure this concept somehow came from the whole "women are to be silent" or the "women are to submit to their husbands and not make any decisions about anything ever" theology but here's why it's not only annoying but ineffective (at least in my marriage) 1. Matt doesn't respond to manipulation. Period. If he thinks your being passive aggressive or manipulative he tunes you out. Men respond to respect. 2. Men don't think like women. Which is probably why they get offended way less. For instance lets say I have this idea that we need a new car. If I say "boy, I love the car you bought me. It's perfect! Except I wish it got good gas mileage." or "Hey! Wouldn't it be cool if we got a car that never leaked any fluid? I mean I'm totally happy with this one but I just have a hard time remembering which fluid goes where, so ya know maybe our next car won't leak. But don't worry I'm totally content with this one babe" He's going to tune me out because he either thinks I'm hinting at him to fix the fluids or that I just can't make up my mind if I like the car or not. But if I'm like "HEY! This car sucks! I don't like it, I can't reach the pedal and it freaking leaks everywhere. WE NEED A NEW CAR" It gets the point across much more efficiently and then he starts putting money away for a new car. It's what you call a win-win. and Reason #3. I have some damn good ideas. And Matt's okay with that. He's also okay making the final decision when my idea isn't as good as I initially thought it was. And he never puts me down in the process.
and last but not least.
You should take all of my advice super seriously and follow it to a T because I've obviously got this marriage thing down.
Just kidding. I still am figuring it out and hope to spend the next 60 years figuring it out. Take everything I say with a grain of salt and a sense of humor because I'm writing this at 3 in the afternoon still in my pajamas. I can't expect to be taken too seriously.
Here's some pics from our big day, as well as some in between. Mainly to show you I'm serious about the whole "Laugh at yourself" thing and also show you that I meant it when I said I have some damn good ideas. Like spending $15,000 on a car my husband couldn't fit into. =) Just kidding, that was a terrible idea and he took all idea privileges away for quite some time.
1. Never go to bed mad.
My dad would always tell me "Your mom and I have never gone to bed mad, but we have had our fair share of sleepless nights". It sounds like good advice at first, but there is a very real and very practical reason why it doesn't work at least in our marriage. I'm mean when I'm tired. Plain and simple. Anything that comes out of my mouth after 8pm can fit perfectly in to 1 of 2 categories. 1. Mean. or 2. Not Quite English. Sometimes it's a bit of both. Add in high emotions and frustration and you might as well issue a storm warning and possibly find a translator. Now I know that the bible says to "not let the sun go down on your anger" and again, that's good advice. However I think we take that verse to mean we can't sleep until we are done being angry but what I think that verse is really telling us is to not go to bed until you've given your anger to God. And guess what? 10/10 times when I fall asleep in the middle of a disagreement with my husband, I wake up not mad. Then we can work out a solution to the initial problem over coffee, and blankets, and hugs because waking up is already hard enough on its own. So bottom line don't stay up til 4 in the morning fighting just because you're "not going to go to bed mad" instead, go repent- pray about it- give it to God and then get some rest.
2. One person is called to make the money, the other is called to make dinner.
False. You're called to make a life together. Preferably with as little stress and debt as possible. We've tried to do the gender specific role thing and it was nice for a while. Until we learned that our specific roles couldn't help us predict a layoff or a lawsuit. You are called to make goals and dreams and success together. Whatever that looks like for you, for us right now it looks like working whatever jobs we can to keep sane, have enough money to buy coffee and still make it to church. Because it's never mattered how much money we have, when we were doing well financially but community-less and church-less we just felt poor.
3. All you need is a shared faith and sense of values.
True. But a shared sense of humor is also crucial. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be able to laugh at yourself after falling into the left open toilet seat at 2 am, even after the 100th time... not bitter.
4. All you need is Love.
False. Love is nice but forgiveness is better. Because when your husband just had a friend commit suicide the same week he got laid off and he's cold and shut off and depressed he's going to say some stupid crap. And I guarantee he's going to piss you off in that season. Or at the very least, hurt your feelings. In which case you might find it hard to "love" him in those seasons. While you should still try, you won't get far without forgiveness. Un-forgiveness is you telling God that you don't trust Him enough to handle the situation. And that's not good for anyone.
5. As a woman, you have to get creative about sharing your ideas so the man thinks it was really his.
Ew. Just stop. I've attended far too many bridal showers and women's bible studies where they share tips and tricks and joke on how to "get your way". I'm sure this concept somehow came from the whole "women are to be silent" or the "women are to submit to their husbands and not make any decisions about anything ever" theology but here's why it's not only annoying but ineffective (at least in my marriage) 1. Matt doesn't respond to manipulation. Period. If he thinks your being passive aggressive or manipulative he tunes you out. Men respond to respect. 2. Men don't think like women. Which is probably why they get offended way less. For instance lets say I have this idea that we need a new car. If I say "boy, I love the car you bought me. It's perfect! Except I wish it got good gas mileage." or "Hey! Wouldn't it be cool if we got a car that never leaked any fluid? I mean I'm totally happy with this one but I just have a hard time remembering which fluid goes where, so ya know maybe our next car won't leak. But don't worry I'm totally content with this one babe" He's going to tune me out because he either thinks I'm hinting at him to fix the fluids or that I just can't make up my mind if I like the car or not. But if I'm like "HEY! This car sucks! I don't like it, I can't reach the pedal and it freaking leaks everywhere. WE NEED A NEW CAR" It gets the point across much more efficiently and then he starts putting money away for a new car. It's what you call a win-win. and Reason #3. I have some damn good ideas. And Matt's okay with that. He's also okay making the final decision when my idea isn't as good as I initially thought it was. And he never puts me down in the process.
and last but not least.
You should take all of my advice super seriously and follow it to a T because I've obviously got this marriage thing down.
Just kidding. I still am figuring it out and hope to spend the next 60 years figuring it out. Take everything I say with a grain of salt and a sense of humor because I'm writing this at 3 in the afternoon still in my pajamas. I can't expect to be taken too seriously.
Here's some pics from our big day, as well as some in between. Mainly to show you I'm serious about the whole "Laugh at yourself" thing and also show you that I meant it when I said I have some damn good ideas. Like spending $15,000 on a car my husband couldn't fit into. =) Just kidding, that was a terrible idea and he took all idea privileges away for quite some time.
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Sunday, December 7, 2014
Do something about it.
So a couple of weeks ago I had several people come up and blatantly tell me that they think I should go through the book of Joshua.
Not like, 1 or 2 people. Like 4 actual humans that I know and then 3 sermons from 3 different pastors in 2 different states. Then like 2 dreams. It was flippin' weird.
So, with numbers like that I decided to start going through Joshua. Now, this may not sound like a big deal to you but If you have learned anything about me through this blog it's probably that I don't like reading the old testament. Like, at all. I don't understand it, I don't relate to it hardly ever and not to mention it's kinda graphic. The first time I read it on my own I happen to pick up right where some crazy lady wiped her sons foreskin on a dudes feet. The next time wasn't much better. It involved poop, a belly button and an overall poor representation of how the human body's digestive system works.
That's a rocky start to any relationship.
Anyways, all that to say that I don't just poke my head into the OT for funsies. So Jesus knew he had to be fairly clear with me if he wanted me to go there. So hesitantly I forced myself to read through the story of Joshua, and I did pretty good, for like... a week. Then I got bored because, well it was old testament and that's just kinda what I do. Sorry if your offended. But don't worry, I started back up again. It's only taken a little over a month and I'm on chapter 3 now, your welcome.
Here's what I've noticed, Joshua is all about watching, waiting, praying, preparing, and consecrating.
Check it out.
"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things" Joshua 3:5
For those of you who are like me and think consecrate sounds like a cool enough word, but you're not quite sure what it means; don't worry. We've got dictionary.com for that and here is what it says consecrate means.
consecrate
1.
to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity:
to consecrate a new church building.
2.
to make (something) an object of honor or veneration; hallow:
a custom consecrated by time.
3.
to devote or dedicate to some purpose:
a life consecrated to science.
Okay, before I get into why exactly I think this is such a cool verse I'll give you some context. So at this point, Moses had died and the Israelite's had wandered aimlessly around in a dessert for 40 years.
For 40 years.
For 40 freaking years.
Forty. Like, as in the number.
Ew.
Okay sorry, back to the whole context thing. So they had been promised this chunk of land which was supposed to have like a ton of milk and honey (I imagine it's like today's equivalent to Starbucks and pastries. So; while we are on my blog we'll pretend that the Lord promised the Israelites a land of caffeine and carbs. Because that's how my brain works) Anyways, so they got this promise and they waited 40 years, they've already had one leader die and now another one is like "Look guys all we have to do is cross this stupid river" Then they did, because they laid some stones down or something. (Again; OT is not my thing).
But that's not the cool part. Or maybe it is and I just don't understand it enough- who knows. But the part that stuck out to me is that Joshua wanted them to get ready because the Lord was going to do something amazing tomorrow.
Did you catch that? After 40 freaking years Joshua still had enough faith in God and his promises to be like "Hey- it's here. The Lords going to do something amazing tomorrow".
For the record- That would NOT be me. I'd be the one like "Uh Joshua? No offense, but you kinda sound crazy."
Anyways, Joshua knew that God was going to do something amazing, but he also knew that they needed to be prepared for it.
They had to consecrate themselves. They had to devote themselves to it. Another version says "Cleanse yourselves". In order to really experience all God had for them in the promise land, they had to get off their asses and do something.
So, that must mean that if I want to see God do amazing things in my life tomorrow, I gotta get off my ass (or butt if you don't have a potty mouth like me) today.
If I want God to heal me- I've got to get my mind and body ready to be healed.
If I want God to soften my heart- Then I've got to stop focusing on myself.
If I want God to fix my relationships- Then I've got to start loving them and praying for them and forgiving them.
If I want God to fulfill his promise of giving us children- Then I've got to.... well.. ya know.
Ahem, anyways I think you get the picture.
My point is this: God's going to do amazing things tomorrow, but you've got to act like it today.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Being insecure, falling off cliffs, and the real Light.
Hi, I'm insecure. Nice to meet you.
I generally tend to think that 90% of girls are insecure so I've never really seen this as an issue. But I still think about it often. By the way, a good way to tell if you're insecure or not is if your insecure about being insecure. Because ya know, that makes a ton of sense.
Anyways, so then I started thinking about it and analyzing it and most likely over thinking and over analyzing this whole insecurity issue one day and I realized what my problem is.
I focus on my weaknesses, more than I focus on His strength.
Here's what I mean by that. When I am praying I say things like "God I have this problem. I just don't know what to do. I mean I should probably know what to do by now, I've been a Christian long enough. But I don't. I'm probably just not forgiving enough. That's gotta be it. Sorry Jesus for ya know, sucking. I don't mean to, really. Could you make me more like you and um, less like me? That'd be great. Okay, Amen."
When you first think about it, it sounds like a pretty normal prayer. I confessed sin, repented and then gave it to Jesus.
But, the more I think about it, it's not all that normal. I mean the theology behind it is, but it just doesn't pan out in real life.
Think about it like this. You're running through a forest and you trip. You fall off a cliff but luckily there's a nice branch there that you're able to grab and hold onto. You're able to hold on, but not quite strong enough to pull yourself back up. You see someone walking by. Do you say, "Hey, I'm really sorry but I am just so clumsy! I was running and I wasn't watching where I was going and then I fell. Ugh, that is just SOO like me. Anyways, My arms hurt and my muscles are starting to cramp. I'm tired and sore and sorta thirsty and..."
Umm, No.
You'd say "HEY! EXCUSE ME...SIR? Can you PLEASE help me get off this stupid branch?"
Because that makes way more sense. They don't need to hear how you got down on that branch, they just need to know that you want them to pull you back up.
Okay, I know I'm rambling a little but I swear I have a point in all this. See the bible says it like this;
"This is the message we have heard from HIm and announce to you, that God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin... 1 John 1:5-7
He is the light. The thing about light is that it's transparent. It brings a sense of clarity. Light has the ability to show you just how dirty something really is.
I'll never forget the first time I saw my favorite Italian restaurant in the day time with all of the lights on. When the candle light and warm fire glow were traded in for nice large florescent lights I could see that the floor was chipped, the furniture was old, the paint was peeling, ect. It was far from a "Taste of Tuscany" actually- it was kind of gross.
I think more often than not, especially if you grew up Christian we read that verse and others like it and tend to think that we are "walking in darkness" whenever we screw up. Or worse, we tend to think that we used to walk in darkness but now that we are Christians we never walk in darkness. But I'm learning that neither of those things are correct.
Because He is the Light, really the only time we walk in darkness is anytime that we are walking in our own strength, going our own way and not His.
So that must mean that I'm not "walking in darkness" anytime I feel insecure, I'm only walking in darkness when I focus more on my insecurities and weaknesses than on His strength.
Because darkness is not a behavior, it's an attitude.
I generally tend to think that 90% of girls are insecure so I've never really seen this as an issue. But I still think about it often. By the way, a good way to tell if you're insecure or not is if your insecure about being insecure. Because ya know, that makes a ton of sense.
Anyways, so then I started thinking about it and analyzing it and most likely over thinking and over analyzing this whole insecurity issue one day and I realized what my problem is.
I focus on my weaknesses, more than I focus on His strength.
Here's what I mean by that. When I am praying I say things like "God I have this problem. I just don't know what to do. I mean I should probably know what to do by now, I've been a Christian long enough. But I don't. I'm probably just not forgiving enough. That's gotta be it. Sorry Jesus for ya know, sucking. I don't mean to, really. Could you make me more like you and um, less like me? That'd be great. Okay, Amen."
When you first think about it, it sounds like a pretty normal prayer. I confessed sin, repented and then gave it to Jesus.
But, the more I think about it, it's not all that normal. I mean the theology behind it is, but it just doesn't pan out in real life.
Think about it like this. You're running through a forest and you trip. You fall off a cliff but luckily there's a nice branch there that you're able to grab and hold onto. You're able to hold on, but not quite strong enough to pull yourself back up. You see someone walking by. Do you say, "Hey, I'm really sorry but I am just so clumsy! I was running and I wasn't watching where I was going and then I fell. Ugh, that is just SOO like me. Anyways, My arms hurt and my muscles are starting to cramp. I'm tired and sore and sorta thirsty and..."
Umm, No.
You'd say "HEY! EXCUSE ME...SIR? Can you PLEASE help me get off this stupid branch?"
Because that makes way more sense. They don't need to hear how you got down on that branch, they just need to know that you want them to pull you back up.
Okay, I know I'm rambling a little but I swear I have a point in all this. See the bible says it like this;
"This is the message we have heard from HIm and announce to you, that God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin... 1 John 1:5-7
He is the light. The thing about light is that it's transparent. It brings a sense of clarity. Light has the ability to show you just how dirty something really is.I'll never forget the first time I saw my favorite Italian restaurant in the day time with all of the lights on. When the candle light and warm fire glow were traded in for nice large florescent lights I could see that the floor was chipped, the furniture was old, the paint was peeling, ect. It was far from a "Taste of Tuscany" actually- it was kind of gross.
I think more often than not, especially if you grew up Christian we read that verse and others like it and tend to think that we are "walking in darkness" whenever we screw up. Or worse, we tend to think that we used to walk in darkness but now that we are Christians we never walk in darkness. But I'm learning that neither of those things are correct.
Because He is the Light, really the only time we walk in darkness is anytime that we are walking in our own strength, going our own way and not His.
So that must mean that I'm not "walking in darkness" anytime I feel insecure, I'm only walking in darkness when I focus more on my insecurities and weaknesses than on His strength.
Because darkness is not a behavior, it's an attitude.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
On behalf of Christians, I'd like to say I'm sorry.
I know, I know. I already wrote a holiday blog voicing all my frustrations about the war between "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas". I also know that it's a bit overkill to have 2 holiday blogs posted before even the end of November. But as an avid lover of all things Christmas, I've noticed my usual holiday drive dampened a bit by thoughts of how us Christians have kinda given Christmas a bad name. I had a conversation with someone who told me quite frank that the thing she dreads most about Christmas is all the annoying Christians who think it's more about them than about God. I had to cringe a little when she said that, but I also had to take a little bit of ownership in it. I'm sure there are Christians who have indeed done just that, but regardless of their actions, I know their intent was to do something so much greater, but they just let themselves get in the way of it. So on behalf of all well intentioned, yet poor choice making Christians, I'd like to say I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that we will inevitably argue about stupid things like putting manger scenes on public property, and which phrase we think you should greet us with.
I'm sorry that we have decided that this whole month only belongs to our holiday. I'm sorry that we forget that you might have a holiday you're family celebrates this month as well.
I'm sorry that we've been so busy with our yard signs and bumper stickers and ugly sweaters that we've forgotten to tell you the reason why we get so worked up over something as silly as a simple shorthand phrase, or a nonchalant greeting.
I'm sorry about the irony of it all, because according to our own beliefs this is a time to come together. To be unified. To reflect on one of the most amazing feats in all of history. Instead of hammering down our picket signs, we should be telling you about the most incredible act of humility ever known to man. Instead of correcting your wording and merely saying that we know the "reason for the season" we should be making that reason so undeniably clear to you and telling you incredible stories of joy and hope. I'm sorry we forget to do that.
I'm talking about the incarnation. The "reason for the season" if you will. The word incarnation literally means "To make into flesh". The apostle John said it like this "In the beginning was the word, and the word became flesh" then goes on to say that "No one has ever seen God" but that Jesus has "made God known"
You might be thinking "So what?" But here's what that really means, if you want to know what God is like, just look at Jesus.
Jesus, the one who used what should have been a scandal as an opportunity to set both the oppressed, and the oppressors free.
Jesus, the guy who hung out with prostitutes, and criminals, and low-lifes.
Jesus, who broke the cultural rules and religious laws just to heal a hurting life.
Jesus, the one who loved the least of these.
Jesus, the one who bridged the gap between Jew and Gentiles.
Jesus, the one who treated women with love and gentleness and respect.
Jesus, the one who knew that the future was in the hands of the children. And that we better make darn sure we love them, and love them well.
Jesus who loved.
Jesus who prayed.
Jesus who served.
Jesus who wept.
Jesus, the one who was willingly murdered so that you could break the chains of addiction, of shame, of guilt, of your past, of people who have wronged you and of those who you yourself have wronged.
Theologian Elton Trueblood said it like this "The historic Christian doctrine of the divinity of Christ does not simply mean that Jesus is like God, it is far more radical than that. It means that God, is like Jesus.
This must mean that God suffered. God wept. God loved the poor, and the sick, and the hungry, and the untouchable. God came to us. It means that God loved us so much, that he gave us his words. Then when words weren't enough He took on flesh and became the story.
He loved us enough, to be like us.
I don't know about you, but if I didn't already know Jesus, I'd be way more interested in that story than one of proper greetings and ugly sweaters.
I'm sorry that we will inevitably argue about stupid things like putting manger scenes on public property, and which phrase we think you should greet us with.
I'm sorry that we have decided that this whole month only belongs to our holiday. I'm sorry that we forget that you might have a holiday you're family celebrates this month as well.
I'm sorry that we've been so busy with our yard signs and bumper stickers and ugly sweaters that we've forgotten to tell you the reason why we get so worked up over something as silly as a simple shorthand phrase, or a nonchalant greeting.
I'm talking about the incarnation. The "reason for the season" if you will. The word incarnation literally means "To make into flesh". The apostle John said it like this "In the beginning was the word, and the word became flesh" then goes on to say that "No one has ever seen God" but that Jesus has "made God known"
You might be thinking "So what?" But here's what that really means, if you want to know what God is like, just look at Jesus.
Jesus, the one who used what should have been a scandal as an opportunity to set both the oppressed, and the oppressors free.
Jesus, the guy who hung out with prostitutes, and criminals, and low-lifes.
Jesus, who broke the cultural rules and religious laws just to heal a hurting life.
Jesus, the one who loved the least of these.
Jesus, the one who bridged the gap between Jew and Gentiles.
Jesus, the one who treated women with love and gentleness and respect.
Jesus, the one who knew that the future was in the hands of the children. And that we better make darn sure we love them, and love them well.
Jesus who loved.
Jesus who prayed.
Jesus who served.
Jesus who wept.
Jesus, the one who was willingly murdered so that you could break the chains of addiction, of shame, of guilt, of your past, of people who have wronged you and of those who you yourself have wronged.
Theologian Elton Trueblood said it like this "The historic Christian doctrine of the divinity of Christ does not simply mean that Jesus is like God, it is far more radical than that. It means that God, is like Jesus.
This must mean that God suffered. God wept. God loved the poor, and the sick, and the hungry, and the untouchable. God came to us. It means that God loved us so much, that he gave us his words. Then when words weren't enough He took on flesh and became the story.
He loved us enough, to be like us.
I don't know about you, but if I didn't already know Jesus, I'd be way more interested in that story than one of proper greetings and ugly sweaters.
Monday, November 10, 2014
The Early Church and Fighting Like Siblings.
I’ve been a little okay, super frustrated lately.
I won’t go into detail really since most of my frustrations involve relationships with people that I love and respect mightily and it would absolutely break my heart if they misunderstood my frustrations. But, none-the-less I knew I had to address my frustrations somehow because other wise my flight instinct would kick in and before I knew it I would be somewhere lounging in a hammock in Colombia.
How do I know that? Well because the moment I realized I had to change something was when I started Googling the cost of living in Colombia immediately after mentally replaying all my relational frustrations and not being able to find a reasonable solution.
I knew I had to re-evaluate my plan of attack, because frankly though I've never personally visited, my friends make it sound like a fairly enjoyable place but I know myself well enough to know that I wouldn't last 10 minutes in Colombia. My tendency to get sort of bitchy when the thermostat reads anything over 70 mixed with my very rational fear of anything that crawls or has more legs than necessary are both very important factors and definite deal breakers to the whole "Move to Colombia" thing.
Thinking about my frustrations further, now with the hope of fleeing to Colombia squashed, I suddenly realized that Christians live under a fanciful notion that no one in the early church ever disagreed with another. I’m not picking on you, clearly my Google search history over the past couple of weeks would quickly suggest that I too live under the same fictional notion.
I often imagine the early apostles sitting in a circle cross legged, politely nibbling on communion bread, smiling and nodding as they discussed how to apply the teachings and stories of Jesus to their own lives. It's a pretty picture however I have no idea where it came from, because it certainly didn't originate from the epistles. No, the epistles would strongly suggest quite the opposite. They would tell us that anytime you take a large group of people from different ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds, there is always going to be a bit of friction, maybe some frustration, and yes- even hurt feelings.
If there wasn't then I don’t think Paul would have ever had to urge the church in Ephesus to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Then follow up on that statement with acknowledging that the church was made up of “Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
So, basically what Paul was saying was that we’re not there yet. We’re still growing, and anytime there’s growth there is inevitably going to be growing pains. But instead of addressing the growing pains he simply urged them to love one another through the growing pains, because “then we will no longer be infants.. Instead speaking the truth in love we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it’s work."
I think Paul was onto something when he was writing those letters. He must have known that unity is not synonymous with uniformity.He also probably knew that we would eventually find a way to confuse the two.
He knew we weren't called to agree; we were called to love.
We’re not called to never have any differences; we’re just called to love.
We're not called to never have hurt feelings or misunderstandings; we're called to love.
We’re not even called to get along all the time; we’re only called to love.
So maybe differences and frustrations within the church and within relationships are not necessarily a sign of decay, but rather of growth and maturity.
With all of this in mind I will make a stronger effort to better cling onto Romans 14:19 and 12:18 as a personal mantra and make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification and to live at peace with others as far as it depends on me. I will be devoted to the intentional act of respect and I will stop looking at these people who I love through the lens of frustration or of hurt feelings but rather through the eyes of Christ. I will remember that we are in every sense of the term brothers and sisters, which means we’re gonna annoy each other like them too, until the day of completion and that is perfectly fine.
I won’t go into detail really since most of my frustrations involve relationships with people that I love and respect mightily and it would absolutely break my heart if they misunderstood my frustrations. But, none-the-less I knew I had to address my frustrations somehow because other wise my flight instinct would kick in and before I knew it I would be somewhere lounging in a hammock in Colombia.
How do I know that? Well because the moment I realized I had to change something was when I started Googling the cost of living in Colombia immediately after mentally replaying all my relational frustrations and not being able to find a reasonable solution.
I knew I had to re-evaluate my plan of attack, because frankly though I've never personally visited, my friends make it sound like a fairly enjoyable place but I know myself well enough to know that I wouldn't last 10 minutes in Colombia. My tendency to get sort of bitchy when the thermostat reads anything over 70 mixed with my very rational fear of anything that crawls or has more legs than necessary are both very important factors and definite deal breakers to the whole "Move to Colombia" thing.
Thinking about my frustrations further, now with the hope of fleeing to Colombia squashed, I suddenly realized that Christians live under a fanciful notion that no one in the early church ever disagreed with another. I’m not picking on you, clearly my Google search history over the past couple of weeks would quickly suggest that I too live under the same fictional notion.
I often imagine the early apostles sitting in a circle cross legged, politely nibbling on communion bread, smiling and nodding as they discussed how to apply the teachings and stories of Jesus to their own lives. It's a pretty picture however I have no idea where it came from, because it certainly didn't originate from the epistles. No, the epistles would strongly suggest quite the opposite. They would tell us that anytime you take a large group of people from different ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds, there is always going to be a bit of friction, maybe some frustration, and yes- even hurt feelings.
If there wasn't then I don’t think Paul would have ever had to urge the church in Ephesus to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Then follow up on that statement with acknowledging that the church was made up of “Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
So, basically what Paul was saying was that we’re not there yet. We’re still growing, and anytime there’s growth there is inevitably going to be growing pains. But instead of addressing the growing pains he simply urged them to love one another through the growing pains, because “then we will no longer be infants.. Instead speaking the truth in love we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it’s work."I think Paul was onto something when he was writing those letters. He must have known that unity is not synonymous with uniformity.He also probably knew that we would eventually find a way to confuse the two.
He knew we weren't called to agree; we were called to love.
We’re not called to never have any differences; we’re just called to love.
We're not called to never have hurt feelings or misunderstandings; we're called to love.
We’re not even called to get along all the time; we’re only called to love.
So maybe differences and frustrations within the church and within relationships are not necessarily a sign of decay, but rather of growth and maturity.
With all of this in mind I will make a stronger effort to better cling onto Romans 14:19 and 12:18 as a personal mantra and make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification and to live at peace with others as far as it depends on me. I will be devoted to the intentional act of respect and I will stop looking at these people who I love through the lens of frustration or of hurt feelings but rather through the eyes of Christ. I will remember that we are in every sense of the term brothers and sisters, which means we’re gonna annoy each other like them too, until the day of completion and that is perfectly fine.
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