Over the past few days, several things related to Jesus and/or faith have caught my attention. One of my oft-repeated prayers is that the Spirit would open my eyes, mind, and heart to God's presence throughout the day. Sometimes that happens without me having to look at all - it's just there. Here those things that have caught my eye, engaged my mind, and warmed or challenged my heart over the past week:
- Stephen Colbert's excellent segment titled "Jesus is a Liberal Democrat". The last sentence is a sermon in itself. I was going to list O'Reilly's op-ed, but Colbert eviscerates it enough without me giving it a shot. O'Reilly ought to sit with Philippians 2:5-11 for a while. Here's O'Reilly's op-ed: "Keep Christ in Unemployment"
- There's an article by Judson Phillips (a Tea Party figure) making the rounds among my Methodist Facebook friends. Here's the blog post: "My Dream: No More Methodist Church" There is plenty of stuff in that blog post to unpack, dismantle, and obliterate. Perhaps at another time.
- Today, I was out and about looking for a cd of instrumental Christmas music for our drop-in communion on Christmas Eve. As I was walking out of the Lifeway Store, I saw a license tag that read: "Favor Ain't Fair". Like the aforementioned blog post by Mr. Phillips, that statement raises a few issues for me.
But here's what I was thinking today as I was driving around. Faith in Jesus is deeply contested territory. And this is not a novel idea to me, I just don't think about it that often. People envision and present Jesus in innumerable ways, some I find to be Biblically appropriate, some are completely powerless and incapable of offering heart/mind/life transformation, and some are downright wrong or offensive. As a preacher, one of my tasks is to present or express an understanding or vision of Jesus that is effective and that might offer the congregation an invitation to salvation. This is one of the most important reasons that I believe firmly in theological training. When I preach on Sunday mornings, I am not playing games. When we speak of God and claim authority in doing so (an authority that belongs to all who are called to witness - meaning, every Christian - see 2 Corinthians 5:20), it is serious business. I think some things are necessary when speaking about Jesus or faith in Jesus in a very public way (with a glance at Messrs. O'Reilly and Phillips):
1. As a fallible person, prone to mistakes and sin, my posture is one of humility. As evangelist D.T. Niles put it, "Evangelism is a beggar showing another beggar where to find food." There is a sickness at the heart of American Christianity that is a potent mix of entitlement ("Favor Ain't Fair"), nationalistic hubris and exceptionalism, and a take-no-prisoners approach that brooks no compromise or disagreement. Contrast this not-even-close-to-exhaustive list (and the above articles) with the actual ministry and teaching of Jesus. Prayerful humility keeps us focused on Jesus and continually takes the focus off of ourselves and our own theological, philosophical, political, or ideological axes to grind.
2. Faith in Jesus requires a ever-deepening prayer life. This only leads to greater humility. And not simply praying for God's favor for your own life, but learning what it means to have a life of prayer. Learning the art of prayer. This takes much time and practice. As for me, I'm only beginning and I am often pretty terrible at it. But God's working with me. Seeking a serious prayer life means that you believe that Jesus is alive, that the Spirit of God is at work, and that God hears and speaks in prayer. It also indicates a willingness to be changed in any area of your life.
3. Reading, knowing, and living God's Word. One thing I noticed while reading Mr. O'Reilly's op-ed and Mr. Phillips' blog post is that neither quoted Scripture. It's awfully hard to make definitive statements about the Christian faith and a major Christian denomination without referencing Scripture, at least once. A good starting place for both gentlemen would be John 3:16, followed by Romans 12 (all of it), I Corinthians 12 (all of it), Mark 8:34-38, Acts 2:43-47, I could go on...and I didn't even mention the Sermon on the Mount, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery....
4. For too long, we Americans have battled over a representation of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) that is more defined by our own political or social agendas than by the witness of Scripture or the Church. If the Church in America is to not only survive but thrive, we must move beyond a left/right or liberal/conservative divide and understand that God is the God of all people, not just people I agree with. That might sound overly-idealistic or simplistic, but so often people assume that if they have a deeply held conviction, then Jesus obviously sides with them. See point 1...
5. I am encouraged by the explosive growth of Christianity in Africa, South America, and Asia. Perhaps this will help us to see God's activity, the movement of the Spirit, and the person of Jesus Christ in new and challenging ways, ways not warped by conspicuous consumption, hubristic nationalism, empty cultural relevance, or any number of ways that we limit and cheapen the Gospel of our Savior. Not that these other cultural perspectives are in some way inherently superior to our own, but simply being exposed to differing points of view allows us to challenge our lazy assumptions and self-righteous tendencies. See point 1 (again).
Closing thought, related to the "Favor Ain't Fair" license plate (I've said this at least 5 or 6 times from the pulpit): Jesus was not born, did not teach and minister, did not die and rise again so that you could be happy. He did this so you could be made holy.
Peace and Grace to all of you...have a blessed and merry Christmas!
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