Godless Nation

In considering the phrase in our Declaration of Independence that articulates a belief in the self-evident truth that all are created equal I have come across some thoughts that are new to me. As we know, the composers and signers of the Declaration were mostly Christian, so it is of no surprise that they would consider this to be both self evident and also true. You see, created equal we are. We certainly all have in ourselves the same potential to do good or non-good. Of this we must agree.

However, I think my observations of the American mind are correct when I say that we have two problems with this phrase. First, it assumes we are created beings. Thus, necessarily, those who are not Creationists must find another way to phrase it. I submit that it has been transformed into saying born equal. This is where the second problem comes into play. We are not born equal. Let me begin the discussion now that these two principles in plain sight.

We, as a politically correct (tolerant) nation, must not say created equal for that necessarily recognizes Intelligent Design and opens our minds to a creator, God. As such, we are forced to reconcile this phrase to say that we are born equal, which we empirically know to be false. One would be absurd to insist that the Hispanic girl born in the ghetto was equal in opportunity and privilege to the white male born in Beverly Hills. While we may still assert that the same potential for greatness or evil is equal in both, we must not say they are born equal because we know that, socioeconomically, that is certainly not correct. I believe that it is because of this recognition that as Americans, we are set on developing (or in certain cases demanding) a social order. You see, when we rid our worldview of a God who reveals a natural order, we are limited to doing it ourselves. When there is no God who enforce natural (moral) justice, we are forced to demand that social justice take place.

Here is what I mean: when I am wronged by someone in a very serious way, as a Christian, I can be at peace knowing that I will be taken care of. My thoughts are not centered around the offender getting what they deserve, or myself being recompensated for my being violated. I know that life will go on and that my God will take care of me. Justice is found outside myself and the truths that I hold as inherently known are still unchanged. However, the Godless person who is violated depends upon a social order to defend them because they cannot – they do not have the means or authority. As such, our society tries to set up a system where someone of greatness can defend those who are not (mainly Judicial Branch).

Think of our super heroes…Batman, Superman, etc. Extraordinary beings, either by birthright or super human ability, are counted on by the masses to be their deliverer. When failed by them, we cry “woe is me…I am unvalued and despised.” There is no natural (moral) order to structure the way in which we view life, and as such, there is no justice found when our system fails.

No wonder our nation is so hurting. We abandon our morals and then depend on the godless values of others to take care of us. Put God in American life and thought, we are created equal. We are judged equally (according to our works, the same cup we gave of we will be measured by). No more crying “Woe!” and a little more letting go. Our God is just, he is supreme. We have nothing to fear and certainly nothing to complain about.

When we depend on something less than God to satisfy, we get results that are less than divine. When God is off the table, so is any kind of equality.

Pulling stumps

Today Deanna and I spent a great deal of time out in the yard. We are trying to prepare the flower beds that have been over-run by weeds and small trees after years of neglect. (Our house had not been lived in prior to us for quite some time...I guess.) After we were done shoveling weeds and pulling stumps (some requiring the assistance of my truck and a chain) I went to the service at our church. Pastor Shane started my thinking about things being buried and things that are left uncovered. His point was to challenge people to recognize the talents that were gifts of the Spirit and use them accordingly. However, I couldn't help but wonder why people wouldn't do that already? You see, in our jobs, most of us look for a way to get ahead. Most of us look for some way that we can rise above the rest. Why is it that when it comes to being the church we do not always reach out to those who are in need, why do we not volunteer our services, why do sit in the back row? This doesn't seem to make so much sense. We pay hundreds (some do) to be front row at a concert. Why not sit in the front at church? What is the difference between church and the rest of life? Why are we so eager to do our thing at work, pay to get the good seat, but then at church sit quietly in the middle or back and not do a thing? Please comment thoughts...I am confused. It seems that the Church (universal, not local) needs to pull some stumps in hopes that something new and beautiful can grow. Before you get upset, I am not saying kick people out...just get them off their butts and get them working for the Lord the way the work for themselves. Any solutions or suggestions?

Spiderman

As much as I absolutely hate when people ruin a good movie by trying to make it theological...I must make a comment that came to my last night when I was watching Spiderman 3. My wife made a remark regarding these thoughts before I said anything to her, so it is possibly worth a mention. Oh, if you are really interested in seeing the flick, and haven't yet...don't read this. I will give away part of the ending.

When Spiderman is fighting off the black "goo" and freeing himself from the poison of revenge, he does so in a church's bell tower. When he kills Venom in the end, he does it using the sound of the bells. (sort of) Please pardon the theological leaps that are made here, I understand the church is a community of believers, etc. I could not help but think of the way that we must get to the church, we must find our way to God to really become free from the things that poison our lives. There was still quite a struggle on the part of Peter Parker because of the way he had let it take over his life. It wasn't until it had cost him everything that he was able to recognize that it needed to go. It is so true of us as well. Sin does take us farther and cost us more than we are willing.

There is one other thing that stood out to me as well. Another sad truth. As Eddie Brock (later Venom) stood at the bottom of the tower and watched this hero, Spiderman, struggle, he fell victim too. How many times do we get caught looking up to people, only to have our own lives ruined when they struggle. Sure, Spiderman got free from his vengeful spirit, but poor Eddie Brock's life was ended because of the direct contact he had with the consumed Peter Parker and the struggling Spiderman. I wonder what would have happened if Parker would not have exploded on Brock? I wonder what would happen if our hero was the one who couldn't let us down...Christ?

Here is the point: Only Christ can free us and the only one who will never let us down is Christ. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus so you are not taken captive to the sins that are common to man. Be delivered by the power of the Spirit.

Acts 2

In my last reading of Acts 2, I really noticed what it means for the church to be missional. We so often think that it is merely going on trips, like the one to Kentucky I will take my youth on this summer, or to the city mission to serve soup. It is notable how the church added nearly 3000 to it’s number on the day of Pentecost. I think it was the church’s mission, in action.

You see, our friends were “having church” when a lot of people came strolling by. They recognized where the people found their origin and became confused at how they could be understood. You see, the tongue of fire came upon them, the wind blew and all could hear. This made no sense to the passer-bys. So often we, the church, find ourselves in this position. But it gets closer to home…they began to tease them, make jokes. “These men are drunk!” Amusing…it was 9 a.m.

Are you ready? Here is the mission in action. Peter, the Rock upon whom Christ built the church said to them. We aren’t drunk, we are merely worshiping our risen Lord who has sent upon us the Spirit promised in the prophecies of Isaiah. Let me tell you about this Lord. You see, Peter seized the moment to list the groups credentials…Christ. He then proceeded to share His life, death, resurrection. He told them “Our God lives, prophecies are being fulfilled, now just wait until God makes our enemies become our footstool!”

These witnesses did what I would do…they joined in and became a part of the “Jesus movement”. I feel shamed because of the times that I feel embarrassed because a passer by sees me worshiping and laughs. I feel heartbroken about the times that I can share Christ, but don’t because someone just doesn’t understand. Why this insecurity? Peter didn’t seem to mind.

I am embarrassed that I, a part of the church, have done missions…but not been missional.

But what does it mean?

My last blog did not answer the question of what is effective ministry. I hope this will open a discussion amongst my ministry constituents.

As I sit and think of the ministry of Christ, I admit that I am looking to plagiarize. Here is the problem – Christ preached, listened, called out, offered grace, was stern, was loving, got angry, wept, observed Law, abolished Law, healed, and forgave. Jesus was public, he prioritized privacy, he taught, he got frustrated with stupid questions, he ministered to thousands, focused on a few, even did it one on one. He healed the sick then let one die so he could raise him to life. Jesus was praised and he was hated, he spoke out boldly but then stood silent at his trial.

Here are my observations: Christ loved the people. Christ never lost sight of his calling. My only assertion at this point is that effective ministry must be dedicated and people oriented. Now I will ask the church board question – what does this look like?

Calling in Life

There have been many sleepless nights in the past ten months that I have found myself in a puddle of my own tears because of the circumstances I find my loved ones in. More often than not these are situations relative to my students, occasionally family and friends. As I lay thinking about these things there is one truth that continues to run through my mind “He must become greater, I must become less.” John 3:30.

I know this sounds counter-cultural, somewhat motivational, yet seriously impractical in today’s world. Seriously, how do you use this as an encouragement to a suicidal teen who feels abandoned by everyone who once loved him/her, a confused adolescent in midst of deciding whether to live with their father or mother, or a student who just cannot understand the equations in math, conjugations in foreign language, or retain knowledge through rote memory as is required in history causing this young person to fear failure due to unmet expectations in a highly competitive society? Sure, it is easy to tell the state championship athlete to give God glory, but what about these other students? Can we equivocate “sucking it up” to becoming less for Christ’s sake as if they are actually tantamount? And in the midst of this, how am I supposed to be an effective minister?

The startling revelation is this paradox, this counterintuitive truth – we must lose our life to save it (Luke 17:33), suffering and defeat opens the window to victory and accomplishment, and freedom comes in fulfilling our life’s calling. Moments, better yet – times, of tribulation bring us to our knees. There is no place to go when our world seems to crash down, when things go wrong, we cannot find a way to meet expectations or satisfy “the man”. However, the good news is this: through our obedience to Christ, our dedication to our call (following His perfect plan for our life) we can preserve our life for eternity.

I will be the first to say that I don’t know what this looks like for you…but I know what it means for me. It means coming home with a shoulder soaked with teenage tears, only to fill the pillow with my own. Sometimes it means in delighting in the joy of success for the sake of God’s Kingdom. At all times, it means preaching the gospel.

Wedding pictures slideshow