There are important Scriptures that are ignored because they seem to clash with our tradition ridden faith, and they are ignored at our personal peril. There is religious wisdom that is neither from God or wise that robs us of both the adventure and power of faith. One of these often overlooked passages is 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
We are to identify with those in need, but the temptation is to distance ourselves. The Pharisees complained when Jesus got close to sinners in a party (Luke 5:27-32), when he let a prostitute touch him (Luke 7:39), when he favored tax collectors and "sinners" with his presence. They believed they were better than others and would be polluted by with them. Sadly, the same is often true today.
Paul has learned that to live in obedience we must identify with those God is reaching out to. If we distance ourselves, then we are not following Jesus example or command to us. In other words, we are rebelling against Jesus. But it doesn't stop there. We are not only to identify with them, we are to become like them.
Really!?! In what way?
Paul says, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." first, that phrase, "by all possible means", is important. From the rest of Paul's writings we know this means that he avoids active sin. While I can minister in a bar without sinning, I cannot minister in a topless bar without sinning. That's just the way I'm made. So I avoid that. If I struggled with alcoholism, I would also avoid the bar. I will also avoid becoming drunk in response to God's command. Wisdom is not thrown to the wind.
What Paul is saying is that he becomes as much like the people he ministers to as possible. He adopts their customs, their food, their speech. This doesn't mean that he begins to curse around those who curse, or that he believes that he has to drink to fit in with those who drink, but neither will he flee from those who curse or drink. Too often today, Christians are uncomfortable with those who merely disagree and will avoid them. How short that falls from Paul's definition of active faith.
Paul has a reason for his actions. He has given himself to Jesus. Jesus is now his Lord. He wants to follow Jesus. And what is Jesus doing in the world? Why did the Son come to earth in the first place? He came to reach the lost. He inconvenienced himself for the sake of others, and he calls us to do the same.
A faith that revolves around personal salvation alone seems pretty selfish when compared against Jesus' call. He has called us to become fishers of men and women, and we are to alter our lives to be true to that call. Anything less and we miss out on so much of what Jesus has to offer. A life of faith is not safe or convenient. It clashes with the American dream so often. But it is dynamic, powerful, and, every time God touches someone through us, incredibly intimate. What seems like sin to some of the "religious" turns out to be the holiness of God.
How close are you to the people around you? How many preChristian friends do you have? How often do you invite them into your life, or respond to their invitations? How often are you in the party with Jesus?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Your Date with the World
Imagine the following date:
Charley doesn’t really like Sara very much. He has said so on many occasions to anyone who would listen. This dislike has led him to spend a great deal of time to find reasons to defend his dislike. He even went so far as to write an editorial complaining about the annoying way she sucks her teeth in public.
One night, Charley shows up on Sara’s doorstep with a book in hand. The book is entitled 100 Things Sara Needs To Change To Become A True Human Being. He rings the doorbell.
When Sara answers the door, he shoves the book at her startled face and declares, “I’ve decided it would be best for you if we date. When you finish reading this, I’ll be waiting in my truck.”
Or perhaps we can look at Sam’s love life.
He is attracted to Cheryl, but he has never gotten up the nerve to tell her. After all, who knows how she might react? She might laugh in his face and tell him to get lost. She could suddenly sprout fangs and, with a voice of sulfur laced sarcasm, tell everyone else what a pathetic worm he is. Or worse yet, she might say nothing, confirming once and for all his worst fear that he is not worthy of even the slightest notice. But even though he is held back by fear, he continues to dream.
Finally, the dream is too much. He has to act. He has already rehearsed her every objection. He has prepared a series of witty responses. But he still can’t risk facing her. He might lose his nerve. So, late at night, he stands in Cheryl’s front yard and yells up to her second floor window all the reasons that she would be stupid not to love him.
So why the voyeuristic glimpse into these two dates gone wrong? Because they resemble a great deal of modern Christian evangelism. In many cases preChristians are made to feel like undesirable irritants that need to be dealt with a lot like mosquitos. No one wants to be treated like pests. Far too much Christian media is aimed at making Christians feel good about themselves by slamming anyone who disagrees, making them look silly, stupid, or evil. This is the especially seen in talk radio in most of its manifestations. This attitude is a poison for the soul, far from the example and attitude of Jesus, and should be avoided.
The second example reflects a growing fear that many Christians have of preChristians. Jesus has planted a love in us for those far from him, but we have let irrational fears planted by the enemy grow in us. These fears distort our neighbors in our eyes. We begin to believe that they will respond like monsters at the mere mention of Jesus. Our comfort and reputation clash with the love of God. The tension can lead us to explode in inappropriate, and often very distant and impersonal, blasts of communication.
Evangelism is central to the call of Christ. I'll examine that in the next blog. But evangelism does not have to come in the form of harsh "turn or burn" diatribes. In fact it shouldn't. Our communication of Christ's love should actually reflect Christ's love. We should be working on our dating habits.
Charley doesn’t really like Sara very much. He has said so on many occasions to anyone who would listen. This dislike has led him to spend a great deal of time to find reasons to defend his dislike. He even went so far as to write an editorial complaining about the annoying way she sucks her teeth in public.
One night, Charley shows up on Sara’s doorstep with a book in hand. The book is entitled 100 Things Sara Needs To Change To Become A True Human Being. He rings the doorbell.
When Sara answers the door, he shoves the book at her startled face and declares, “I’ve decided it would be best for you if we date. When you finish reading this, I’ll be waiting in my truck.”
Or perhaps we can look at Sam’s love life.
He is attracted to Cheryl, but he has never gotten up the nerve to tell her. After all, who knows how she might react? She might laugh in his face and tell him to get lost. She could suddenly sprout fangs and, with a voice of sulfur laced sarcasm, tell everyone else what a pathetic worm he is. Or worse yet, she might say nothing, confirming once and for all his worst fear that he is not worthy of even the slightest notice. But even though he is held back by fear, he continues to dream.
Finally, the dream is too much. He has to act. He has already rehearsed her every objection. He has prepared a series of witty responses. But he still can’t risk facing her. He might lose his nerve. So, late at night, he stands in Cheryl’s front yard and yells up to her second floor window all the reasons that she would be stupid not to love him.
So why the voyeuristic glimpse into these two dates gone wrong? Because they resemble a great deal of modern Christian evangelism. In many cases preChristians are made to feel like undesirable irritants that need to be dealt with a lot like mosquitos. No one wants to be treated like pests. Far too much Christian media is aimed at making Christians feel good about themselves by slamming anyone who disagrees, making them look silly, stupid, or evil. This is the especially seen in talk radio in most of its manifestations. This attitude is a poison for the soul, far from the example and attitude of Jesus, and should be avoided.
The second example reflects a growing fear that many Christians have of preChristians. Jesus has planted a love in us for those far from him, but we have let irrational fears planted by the enemy grow in us. These fears distort our neighbors in our eyes. We begin to believe that they will respond like monsters at the mere mention of Jesus. Our comfort and reputation clash with the love of God. The tension can lead us to explode in inappropriate, and often very distant and impersonal, blasts of communication.
Evangelism is central to the call of Christ. I'll examine that in the next blog. But evangelism does not have to come in the form of harsh "turn or burn" diatribes. In fact it shouldn't. Our communication of Christ's love should actually reflect Christ's love. We should be working on our dating habits.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tolerance Gone Bad
Definitions are important. Words shape our understanding, and words used poorly distort our thoughts and actions. When intolerance of people who do not yet have faith becomes a virtue, we have left the gospel of Jesus far behind us. I have already written on this (Tolerance is not Approval). But when we make tolerance in matters of truth a virtue, then we have left productive thought behind. We can value pluralism in matters of opinion, but never in matters of truth.
Open-mindedness means that we are willing to explore and test new ideas. Open-mindedness is not the belief that everyone's grasp on truth is equally accurate. That is usually defined as gullibility (not one of the great virtues). Just because you believe something does not make it true.
Truth is something that conforms to reality and demonstrated or arguable facts. Truth does not allow for contradictions. The idea of a square circle is just as unacceptable as saying there is only one way to God (as Jesus did) and many roads lead to the same mountaintop. Either there is one way to God or many. While both could be wrong, they both could not be right. They contradict each other.
We should be tolerant of opinion where opinion is appropriate. Your taste in food, clothes, and music are matters of taste. While I may have different tastes, my tastes are not better or worse than yours. This same tolerance does not extend to matters of truth.
Intolerance to error does not mean we live a life with blinders on, hiding from new or different ideas. I am not God. I don't possess perfect knowledge. I need to continually challenge what I think I know. Truth exists outside of me. I am an explorer. I search out and expose myself to thoughtful people and new cultures in hopes of growing while at the same time I poke what I think I know with a stick to test its strength.
One of the great dangers here is that we combine an intolerance of error with an intolerance of people. We are to persuade and convince each other while still demonstrating God's love and service. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:15-17)
It is also important to remember that intolerance of error is a private matter. We should not be at work to suppress or censor false ideas. There is moral conduct that is harmful and should be suppressed (rape, for example), but we should not be involved in the suppression of ideas. Instead, we should discuss and argue false ideas and give people a reason to abandon them. As Christians we should be thinking, growing people; unafraid to test new ideas; while presenting the truth in love. We should be loving and tolerant of people while intolerant of error, beginning with ourselves.
Open-mindedness means that we are willing to explore and test new ideas. Open-mindedness is not the belief that everyone's grasp on truth is equally accurate. That is usually defined as gullibility (not one of the great virtues). Just because you believe something does not make it true.
Truth is something that conforms to reality and demonstrated or arguable facts. Truth does not allow for contradictions. The idea of a square circle is just as unacceptable as saying there is only one way to God (as Jesus did) and many roads lead to the same mountaintop. Either there is one way to God or many. While both could be wrong, they both could not be right. They contradict each other.
We should be tolerant of opinion where opinion is appropriate. Your taste in food, clothes, and music are matters of taste. While I may have different tastes, my tastes are not better or worse than yours. This same tolerance does not extend to matters of truth.
Intolerance to error does not mean we live a life with blinders on, hiding from new or different ideas. I am not God. I don't possess perfect knowledge. I need to continually challenge what I think I know. Truth exists outside of me. I am an explorer. I search out and expose myself to thoughtful people and new cultures in hopes of growing while at the same time I poke what I think I know with a stick to test its strength.
One of the great dangers here is that we combine an intolerance of error with an intolerance of people. We are to persuade and convince each other while still demonstrating God's love and service. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:15-17)
It is also important to remember that intolerance of error is a private matter. We should not be at work to suppress or censor false ideas. There is moral conduct that is harmful and should be suppressed (rape, for example), but we should not be involved in the suppression of ideas. Instead, we should discuss and argue false ideas and give people a reason to abandon them. As Christians we should be thinking, growing people; unafraid to test new ideas; while presenting the truth in love. We should be loving and tolerant of people while intolerant of error, beginning with ourselves.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Virtue of Compromise
There are two types of compromise. One is a necessary virtue and the other a weakness to be avoided. Today, there is a tendency to villainize all types of public compromise while turning a blind eye to personal, moral compromise until it blows up in scandal. This reversal of values and practice has led to public division and an erosion of character.
Compromise is necessary whenever two or more people interact. We each have goals and desire that often encroach on each other's lives. If we demand our way in all things, then we each become petty dictators at war with all those around us that interfere with what we want. Compromise is reached through communication and understanding. It's finding a way to live peacefully with each other by balancing and curbing our desires. It is an essential part of love... And of growing up.
Marriage is a good example. Two people come together who have a lot in common but are still bound to have competing goals, habits, and desires. In order to experience the best that marriage has to offer, they must communicate, decide what is most important to them, and bend a bit to make room for each other. We've all seen couples that refuse to do this. One or the other acts as a controlling bully, aggressively lording it over the other.
We see this in modern politics when a party insists on getting its way and "winning" instead of finding solutions that will work for the people they serve, but in all honesty, this also reflects a lack of civility that is growing throughout our society. The Christian values of love and service - even to our enemies - are seen as weak. Uncompromising dominance has become a perceived Christian virtue, and one which - make no mistake - God opposes. Paul was obedient to God by becoming all things to all people so that he could reach as many people as possible (1 Cor 9:19-22). Too often today, Christians are demanding others act just like them before they will even talk to them.
I desire to follow Jesus before I follow my desires or my culture's mandates (I wish I was better at it, but that is the growth point in all our lives). He desires that I reach out in love to reach those far from the gospel. I can't do that if my uncompromising nature has built walls against those who don't agree with me. A culture with room for diversity and different views may be messy, but it allows me access to those who still need to hear the gospel.
Compromise becomes evil when it is the compromise of my personal values and convictions, when I know what is right, but tell God I'm the exception. Jesus comes to us as Lord as well as savior. In fact, he only becomes our savior when we surrender to his Lordship. It is only in those things that would insist on behavior that would violate my relationship with God that I can't compromise.
But here's the rub. If I refuse to compromise with those around me so that we can live in peace (as long as the compromise does not include active sin on my part), then I have placed my wants and comforts before God's desire that I be salt and light. In other words, in rejecting relational compromise, I have compromised my personal relationship with God. That's getting it backward. That's sin.
Compromise is necessary whenever two or more people interact. We each have goals and desire that often encroach on each other's lives. If we demand our way in all things, then we each become petty dictators at war with all those around us that interfere with what we want. Compromise is reached through communication and understanding. It's finding a way to live peacefully with each other by balancing and curbing our desires. It is an essential part of love... And of growing up.
Marriage is a good example. Two people come together who have a lot in common but are still bound to have competing goals, habits, and desires. In order to experience the best that marriage has to offer, they must communicate, decide what is most important to them, and bend a bit to make room for each other. We've all seen couples that refuse to do this. One or the other acts as a controlling bully, aggressively lording it over the other.
We see this in modern politics when a party insists on getting its way and "winning" instead of finding solutions that will work for the people they serve, but in all honesty, this also reflects a lack of civility that is growing throughout our society. The Christian values of love and service - even to our enemies - are seen as weak. Uncompromising dominance has become a perceived Christian virtue, and one which - make no mistake - God opposes. Paul was obedient to God by becoming all things to all people so that he could reach as many people as possible (1 Cor 9:19-22). Too often today, Christians are demanding others act just like them before they will even talk to them.
I desire to follow Jesus before I follow my desires or my culture's mandates (I wish I was better at it, but that is the growth point in all our lives). He desires that I reach out in love to reach those far from the gospel. I can't do that if my uncompromising nature has built walls against those who don't agree with me. A culture with room for diversity and different views may be messy, but it allows me access to those who still need to hear the gospel.
Compromise becomes evil when it is the compromise of my personal values and convictions, when I know what is right, but tell God I'm the exception. Jesus comes to us as Lord as well as savior. In fact, he only becomes our savior when we surrender to his Lordship. It is only in those things that would insist on behavior that would violate my relationship with God that I can't compromise.
But here's the rub. If I refuse to compromise with those around me so that we can live in peace (as long as the compromise does not include active sin on my part), then I have placed my wants and comforts before God's desire that I be salt and light. In other words, in rejecting relational compromise, I have compromised my personal relationship with God. That's getting it backward. That's sin.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
What Do You Desire?
I often hear two extremes within the Christian community when it comes to the subject of dreams and desires. One is that humility demands that we abandon our dreams. We should give up ambition, desires, or plans that would make us stand out. Mediocrity is wrongly associated with humility, but our God is not a mediocre God. On the other hand, there is a popular theology that God is there to make all our heart's desires come true. Unfortunately our heart can be misinformed and deceitful, and our desires can be in conflict with God. Neither of these extremes reflect the truth of God's work in our lives.
I want to take the second extreme first. The world is constantly feeding us dreams and desires that are at war with God's wisdom and righteousness. This is especially true when faith and nationalism are mixed. The American dream has much to be said for it, but we must never forget that it was the invention of fallen men. No matter how well informed any founders are, their vision must still be developed, adjusted, and transformed by the gospel. The desire for peace and prosperity can become excuses for selfishness and abusive self-protection if they are not tempered by a strong desire to see God's justice realized for all.
Too often, today's American dream is shaped by consumerism. We are told in numerous commercials and billboards what success is. We are sold an ever-changing and superficial image of beauty to sell products (compare the magazine images of women from different decades to see just how much our vision of beauty is manipulated). We are told daily what we should desire if we want to be seen as significant.
God is a good father who gives good gifts. He will not give us everything we desire because he knows some of those desires will diminish, twist, and even kill us. We need to take time to slow down and bring our desires out into the light. Sit down in prayer, with paper and pencil, and let God help us see what is driving us. God is kind and gentle. His goal is not to humiliate us, but to help us see what is driving us, so we can make conscious decisions about our lives. The harmful, dark, and conflicted desires will be weakened by the light, and the power of his Spirit will allow freedom and growth.
But this doesn't mean the death of dreams. We are made in the image of God. We are to be creative and loving people that make a difference in the world. Too often democracy is twisted into the idea that no one should stand out or do better than anyone else. In fact, we are gifted to stand out in very different ways. We are one body with individual gifts that add value to each other.
I work with students who dream of curing major diseases someday. That's a good dream and should never be hidden. I have also known men and women who have used their gifts to transform neighborhoods, to serve in PTAs to help shape the lives of students, or as scout leaders. They have changed the character of the life around them and should never be dismissed because others thought their ambitions too small. The body of Christ, the village, the city, the nation, even the world needs it all. It's all significant.
That's why dreams and desires are so important. It is important that we choose them well, because they have the power to build up or destroy. They define so much about you. It is also why we don't rank each other's dreams if they are from God. We don't despise a dream because we think it's too grand or to ordinary. If they are from God, they fit and they are important.
Our dreams are too important to be neglected or to leave them unexamined. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Dreams shape our heart. If you take your dreams out, examine them with God, and ask for his guidance, he will shape your dreams. But you need to take the time.
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:3-4
I want to take the second extreme first. The world is constantly feeding us dreams and desires that are at war with God's wisdom and righteousness. This is especially true when faith and nationalism are mixed. The American dream has much to be said for it, but we must never forget that it was the invention of fallen men. No matter how well informed any founders are, their vision must still be developed, adjusted, and transformed by the gospel. The desire for peace and prosperity can become excuses for selfishness and abusive self-protection if they are not tempered by a strong desire to see God's justice realized for all.
Too often, today's American dream is shaped by consumerism. We are told in numerous commercials and billboards what success is. We are sold an ever-changing and superficial image of beauty to sell products (compare the magazine images of women from different decades to see just how much our vision of beauty is manipulated). We are told daily what we should desire if we want to be seen as significant.
God is a good father who gives good gifts. He will not give us everything we desire because he knows some of those desires will diminish, twist, and even kill us. We need to take time to slow down and bring our desires out into the light. Sit down in prayer, with paper and pencil, and let God help us see what is driving us. God is kind and gentle. His goal is not to humiliate us, but to help us see what is driving us, so we can make conscious decisions about our lives. The harmful, dark, and conflicted desires will be weakened by the light, and the power of his Spirit will allow freedom and growth.
But this doesn't mean the death of dreams. We are made in the image of God. We are to be creative and loving people that make a difference in the world. Too often democracy is twisted into the idea that no one should stand out or do better than anyone else. In fact, we are gifted to stand out in very different ways. We are one body with individual gifts that add value to each other.
I work with students who dream of curing major diseases someday. That's a good dream and should never be hidden. I have also known men and women who have used their gifts to transform neighborhoods, to serve in PTAs to help shape the lives of students, or as scout leaders. They have changed the character of the life around them and should never be dismissed because others thought their ambitions too small. The body of Christ, the village, the city, the nation, even the world needs it all. It's all significant.
That's why dreams and desires are so important. It is important that we choose them well, because they have the power to build up or destroy. They define so much about you. It is also why we don't rank each other's dreams if they are from God. We don't despise a dream because we think it's too grand or to ordinary. If they are from God, they fit and they are important.
Our dreams are too important to be neglected or to leave them unexamined. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Dreams shape our heart. If you take your dreams out, examine them with God, and ask for his guidance, he will shape your dreams. But you need to take the time.
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:3-4
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Awash in the Image of God
Last night I joined 800,000 people along the banks of the Charles river to watch the 4th of July fireworks. I was awash in a sea of humanity that had gathered together to celebrate all we had in common. When the program was over and the applause faded away, that sea of humanity became a sudden flood of people moving through the streets like a river that had jumped its banks. That is the part of the night I like best.
The subway is free after the fireworks, but it takes forever for 800,000 people to squeeze down the stairs and then try to force their way into already filled train cars. I opt to walk a bit further. Starting at MIT, we walk from Boston to Cambridge to catch the train at Harvard Square. That walk is incredible.
First, Boston is a town that rolls up the sidewalks at 9:00 PM. Outside of Fridays and Saturdays, there aren't many people about. But on the 4th the streets are full of people. Every kind of person imaginable. Boston has always been a city of immigrants. There are still well-defined Italian and Irish neighborhood, although the old European lines are fairly blurred. Today add Brazilian, Ethiopian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Australian, Nicaraguan, and... you get the picture. The city is a riot of diverse dress, food, language, and custom all brought together by the desire to prosper together, and on this night, they all move together filling the midnight streets.
I walk with them, and I am fascinated. So many different hopes and dreams. So much creativity. So much love, hope, and - sadly - despair. So much of the image of God displayed in its many facets. It must make Jesus smile.
We often under rate humanity as though it were a mistake that God made on one of his less than inspiring days. But God is an amazing Creator. He never has an off day. He made us as a work of art in his own image. We disrespect God when we see others as a blight, an inconvenience, as enemies, invaders, or just a drain on resources. We honor God when we treasure his image in others. Love is at the center of all he commands. Love for God and love for others - even those who go out of their way to be our enemies.
Human sin doesn't let us off the hook. God so loved sinful humanity that he sacrificed his own Son for them. For them? For us. Those of us who don't recognize our own sinfulness and the great generosity and sacrifice God expressed to meet our need are not yet able to pass that grace on. The main point James wants to make in his book to us is that our faith begins with a powerful act of grace that transforms us into gracious people. If we are not gracious people, then James questions if we know faith yet.
I see too much fear and self-protection in America today, even in the church. This nation is at a crossroads. Do we wrap our fears in religious language and become hostile? Do we prejudicially decide the nation between Democrat and Republican, fifth generation immigrant versus first generation immigrant, free or slave, Jew or Gentile?
Jesus is our peace who has broken down every dividing wall (Eph 2:14) uniting people from every tribe and nation through the new life he brings.
Are you fascinated by the people around you? Do you want to get to know them? Do you desire to have God meet their needs through you? Does the idea of walking through streets filled with people of every color, language, and culture excite you? Then you have been touched and transformed by the kiss of God. Pass it on.
The subway is free after the fireworks, but it takes forever for 800,000 people to squeeze down the stairs and then try to force their way into already filled train cars. I opt to walk a bit further. Starting at MIT, we walk from Boston to Cambridge to catch the train at Harvard Square. That walk is incredible.
First, Boston is a town that rolls up the sidewalks at 9:00 PM. Outside of Fridays and Saturdays, there aren't many people about. But on the 4th the streets are full of people. Every kind of person imaginable. Boston has always been a city of immigrants. There are still well-defined Italian and Irish neighborhood, although the old European lines are fairly blurred. Today add Brazilian, Ethiopian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Australian, Nicaraguan, and... you get the picture. The city is a riot of diverse dress, food, language, and custom all brought together by the desire to prosper together, and on this night, they all move together filling the midnight streets.
I walk with them, and I am fascinated. So many different hopes and dreams. So much creativity. So much love, hope, and - sadly - despair. So much of the image of God displayed in its many facets. It must make Jesus smile.
We often under rate humanity as though it were a mistake that God made on one of his less than inspiring days. But God is an amazing Creator. He never has an off day. He made us as a work of art in his own image. We disrespect God when we see others as a blight, an inconvenience, as enemies, invaders, or just a drain on resources. We honor God when we treasure his image in others. Love is at the center of all he commands. Love for God and love for others - even those who go out of their way to be our enemies.
Human sin doesn't let us off the hook. God so loved sinful humanity that he sacrificed his own Son for them. For them? For us. Those of us who don't recognize our own sinfulness and the great generosity and sacrifice God expressed to meet our need are not yet able to pass that grace on. The main point James wants to make in his book to us is that our faith begins with a powerful act of grace that transforms us into gracious people. If we are not gracious people, then James questions if we know faith yet.
I see too much fear and self-protection in America today, even in the church. This nation is at a crossroads. Do we wrap our fears in religious language and become hostile? Do we prejudicially decide the nation between Democrat and Republican, fifth generation immigrant versus first generation immigrant, free or slave, Jew or Gentile?
Jesus is our peace who has broken down every dividing wall (Eph 2:14) uniting people from every tribe and nation through the new life he brings.
Are you fascinated by the people around you? Do you want to get to know them? Do you desire to have God meet their needs through you? Does the idea of walking through streets filled with people of every color, language, and culture excite you? Then you have been touched and transformed by the kiss of God. Pass it on.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Summer Reading Fun
Summer and reading go together. Hopefully, you get some break in your normal routine to relax and pick up a book, so I thought it might to be helpful to throw out a few fun suggestions. The books that made this list had to be an enjoyable read. If you need an encyclopedia next to you in order to get through the book, that's not a fun summer read. I also chose books that were upbeat and inspiring for this list. I think those are good ingredients for a summer read. Oh, and they tend to be shorter books. No 800 page books here.
Generous Justice, by Timothy Keller. Keller did his homework on this one, but he didn't feel it was necessary to display all of it (there are footnotes for fact checking). Justice is a central theme of both the Old and New Testament. Justice shows that God really does care. As always, Keller focuses on and enlightens the gospel demonstrating once again that God is good.
The Christian Imagination, by Thomas C. Peters. G. K. Chesterton was an imaginative and witty Christian writer. He was known for both his fiction and nonfiction. Peter uses Chesterton's words and stories to explore the value of imagination in a Christian's life. This selection of Chesterton's thoughts is a humorous, creative, and insightful window into one of modern Christianity's most influential writers... and it's short.
Finding Darwin's God, by Kenneth R. Miller. For the scientifically inclined Miller, a Christian professor at Brown University, lays out a simple to understand picture of modern biology's current understanding of our human genetic history. He also explores what the Bible has to say about human origins. This could have been a contentious book, but Miller's tone and respect for those who might disagree with him (while never abandoning a strong defense of truth) make this an enjoyable read.
Fiction is always my favorite. Here's a few fun reads:
The Man Who Was Thursday, by G. K. Chesterton. An imaginary fantasy romp through early twentieth century London. There are spies, disguises, anarchists, and mysterious masterminds enough for anyone. All this while exploring significant theological issues on what it means to follow God.
Monk's Hood, by Ellis Peters. For the mystery lover, Peters created one of the great detectives, the monk Cadfael. A soldier, adventurer, and great sinner turned monk, Cadfael solves mysteries that often contain theological and moral significance.
Monsignor Quixote, by Graham Greene. An probable descendant of a fictional character goes on a cross country trip with a communist mayor. During the trip they discuss God, conviction, and the purpose of life. This comedy explores just what windmills are worth titling with.
For the essay lover, I offer one of my favorites: Teaching a Stone to Talk, by Annie Dillard. Most of these essays come from a period when Dillard was a visiting professor at my alma mater, Western Washington University. This is a series of witty, creative, and startlingly insightful essays about our response to God. It's not unusual to hear God chuckling as he reads over your shoulder.
Just a few ideas. I hope they are helpful.
Generous Justice, by Timothy Keller. Keller did his homework on this one, but he didn't feel it was necessary to display all of it (there are footnotes for fact checking). Justice is a central theme of both the Old and New Testament. Justice shows that God really does care. As always, Keller focuses on and enlightens the gospel demonstrating once again that God is good.
The Christian Imagination, by Thomas C. Peters. G. K. Chesterton was an imaginative and witty Christian writer. He was known for both his fiction and nonfiction. Peter uses Chesterton's words and stories to explore the value of imagination in a Christian's life. This selection of Chesterton's thoughts is a humorous, creative, and insightful window into one of modern Christianity's most influential writers... and it's short.
Finding Darwin's God, by Kenneth R. Miller. For the scientifically inclined Miller, a Christian professor at Brown University, lays out a simple to understand picture of modern biology's current understanding of our human genetic history. He also explores what the Bible has to say about human origins. This could have been a contentious book, but Miller's tone and respect for those who might disagree with him (while never abandoning a strong defense of truth) make this an enjoyable read.
Fiction is always my favorite. Here's a few fun reads:
The Man Who Was Thursday, by G. K. Chesterton. An imaginary fantasy romp through early twentieth century London. There are spies, disguises, anarchists, and mysterious masterminds enough for anyone. All this while exploring significant theological issues on what it means to follow God.
Monk's Hood, by Ellis Peters. For the mystery lover, Peters created one of the great detectives, the monk Cadfael. A soldier, adventurer, and great sinner turned monk, Cadfael solves mysteries that often contain theological and moral significance.
Monsignor Quixote, by Graham Greene. An probable descendant of a fictional character goes on a cross country trip with a communist mayor. During the trip they discuss God, conviction, and the purpose of life. This comedy explores just what windmills are worth titling with.
For the essay lover, I offer one of my favorites: Teaching a Stone to Talk, by Annie Dillard. Most of these essays come from a period when Dillard was a visiting professor at my alma mater, Western Washington University. This is a series of witty, creative, and startlingly insightful essays about our response to God. It's not unusual to hear God chuckling as he reads over your shoulder.
Just a few ideas. I hope they are helpful.
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