Thursday, November 27, 2008

A Renewed Sense of Thanksgiving

As I sat in church last Sunday, I experienced one of those moments that we treasure, a moment when God draws close and speaks to us in a way that is desperately needed. We were singing about our God being "indescribable" and "uncontainable" when the reality of His greatness suddenly took hold of my heart, giving me a deep sense of peace and joy. In that extraordinary moment, the Spirit bore witness to my spirit that our God is bigger than the boxes we so often use to define Him, that He is so much more than our preconceived, predictable, and comfortable notions, and that He is far beyond our frail and limited comprehension. It was an encounter that I personally needed, a reminder that arrived at a critical time, and it's giving shape to my expression of Thanksgiving this week.

I am thankful for a God who is great beyond my comprehension and is never defined by our human paradigms and structures.

I am thankful for a Creator so incredible that through His Word this world of life, beauty, and mystery was spoken into existence.

I am grateful for a Father who loves so deeply and fully that He was willing to risk rejection for the sake of true relationship.

I am thankful for a God who loves so completely that He was willing to restore a sinful and broken world through His own sacrifice.

I am thankful for a Father who is abundant in mercy and delights in forgiveness.

I am thankful for a God who extends to me patience beyond measure in spite of my seemingly endless weaknesses and struggles.

I am thankful for a God who is constant in His heart and character, even when I am not.

I am thankful for a God who understands that I don't always understand and is faithful to me all the same.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Issue With Taking Issue

I have come to understand that sometimes the issue is not the issue. I'm sure others could express the meaning of that statement in a more coherent and sensible way, but stay with me here. The point is, we have the ability to make a big deal out of some issue or event, when in fact our real concern and motivation is something else entirely. We're even pretty good at fooling ourselves, turning a blind eye to the true motivations behind what we do and say.

Take, for example, the disciples of John the Baptist and their discussion in John 3:22-30. They got into a big argument with someone over the nature of ceremonial washing, but the details of that theological debate are not shared with us. In fact, the very next verse has these disciples returning to John the Baptist and complaining that Jesus was now baptizing and everyone was going to him. Wait a second - what happened to that pressing theological debate about ceremonial washing? Where is the resolution to this monumental issue that brought on such an argument?

Is it possible that the reasons and particulars of this debate are not shared with us because they were not the real issues driving these disciples? Maybe the real issue behind this public argument was actually the concern they shared with John: people were now going to Jesus, and they were not on center stage anymore. You know, one of the easiest ways to get back in the spotlight is to get involved in some public controversy or argument. Could it be that some of John's disciples, threatened by Jesus' rising popularity, stirred up a controversy in order to bring attention back to themselves? That's not to say there weren't some genuine theological issues being debated, but was that the genuine motivation? In other words, was the issue of the debate really the issue, or was it more about their need for attention and position?

I realize I cannot make that judgment with certainty. After all, half the time I can't figure out people here and now, let alone someone that lived centuries ago. However, I believe the question is worth raising, and I believe that because I know myself. To be honest, there have been times when I have taken issue with something or someone, and my real concern was far more personal and self-centered in nature. Debates and crusades over some grand cause can easily provide cover for my need for attention and importance; small issues can grow into great controversy when my ego is the secret motivation.

You can't help but notice that we spend a lot of time in our churches debating matters of all sorts. There are always those on a crusade for some great cause or against some great conspiracy. At times we seem to live for controversy and conflict. And of course, we justify it all as necessary because of the importance of the issues involved. Now I don't question the fact that many of these issues are valid and important, but at the same time, I can't help but wonder if they are always the real issue. Are there times when the conflicts and crusades are actually attempts to fulfill our need for attention, when the controversies are secretly motivated by our desire to control, when the debates are fueled by our desire for importance? For my part, I must admit that there have been times when the answer is "yes."

I doubt that I am alone. So, as the followers of Jesus, let's pray together for a greater awareness and sensitivity to the truth that the issue is not always the issue, and may a spirit of honesty and humility prevail in His Church.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Some Thoughts On Being Right

I like to be right.

It feels good when I am.

In fact, it feels so good that I want to be right all the time. Therein lies the problem.

Being right about some fact or issue, and having others acknowledge that I am right, too often becomes my only priority, blinding me to the essential matters of character and attitude. It can quickly take the form of an idol, something I give myself to so completely that I neglect things far more significant. Winning the debate can sometimes become more important than people and relationships; having my view and opinion prevail can take precedence over Christlikeness.

God is teaching me the dangers of my unhealthy need to always be right about everything:

My need to be right does not allow for confession and apologies. Since such things, by their very nature, admit to being wrong, my driving desire to be right will not allow them. Instead, I seek refuge in excuses and rationalizations. The need to always be right depends greatly on a spirit of denial and deception.

My need to be right does not allow me to truly listen to others, especially my critics. Unwilling to face the possibility that others might understand something better, or have a valid point that is contrary to my own, I choose not to hear what they are saying. I listen only for the purpose of responding or arguing, and not for the sake of that person. My intense desire to be right leads me to devalue and disrespect others.

My need to be right can propel me into hurtful, destructive behaviors and attitudes. In my effort to win, I can lose sight of love, mercy, and grace. Like Peter in the garden, I begin to swing my sword in defense of what is right and true, oblivious to the damage it causes. Being right becomes my justification for hurtful words, unloving attacks, and a spirit of division. Jesus did not excuse Peter's behavior because he was on the right side - he told Peter to put the sword away. Jesus tells me the same thing, but the desire to be proven right can cause spiritual deafness.

My need to be right hinders my growth as a follower of Jesus. Growth is dependent upon a confession of need, the admission that I do not have it all together and have it all figured out. The desire to always be right is not comfortable with such confessions; it leads instead to a spiritual pride and arrogance that denies any need for further understanding, change, or growth.

Some of you may defensively jump to the conclusion that I am promoting some kind of relativistic, "every way is true" approach to spirituality. Relax - that's not the point. Jesus is the truth, and seeking to know and understand the truth revealed in Him is essential. However, my self-focused need to be right about everything, and to be seen as right by everyone else, is something entirely different. Distinguishing between the two can be difficult, but it is necessary. As a follower of Jesus, the call on my life is bigger than being factually right - it's about being like Him. When I lose sight of that, I can quickly find myself being wrong, even when I'm right.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

A Post-Election Mandate

After months of campaigning and millions of dollars spent, the votes have been cast and counted, bringing to a close another election season. We have now entered into the period of reflection and response, with all of its analysis, opinions, and reactions. Obviously, the responses vary greatly, depending on which candidates and issues you voted for. Some are elated, while others are defeated; some are hopeful, while others are disappointed; some see a bright, sunny day ahead, while other believe the sky is falling. Then there are always those who, either through disinterest or disillusionment, have disconnected from the whole process and seem to go on their way completely unaffected by such matters.

Regardless of where you fall in this spectrum, there is one reaction that is necessary for the followers of Jesus, one response that should rise above all the others. Let's remember the words of Paul and Peter:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority - whether the king as head of state or the officials he has appointed. (I Peter 2:13-14a)


These words are not contingent on who we voted for or what party the candidate belongs to. We are not released from this response because we are disappointed in who was elected. There is no escape clause when we disagree with their decisions. This is to be the reaction of God's people - period. We pray and intercede for those in authority because it is the response of love and
grace. We will give respect to those in authority because we are called to reflect the character of Christ. In all things, we are to walk in grace, kindness, and mercy; in everything, we are to love and pray for others, wanting God's best for everyone. The words of Paul and Peter remind us that the realm of politics does not give us a free pass - we're still supposed to be like Jesus.

Throughout the election process, we have often appealed to the authority of Scripture in discussing and debating various social issues. May we remember that these words about respecting and praying for those in authority are just as inspired and authoritative as the passages we have quoted to others. We cannot be selective in our observation of Biblical values. Demonstrations of disrespect and a lack of love will do nothing but make all of our other arguments ring hollow. Whatever you might feel about the election and its outcome, there is one reaction that must rise to the surface: we will love, respect, and pray for others, whether we voted for them or not. The way of Jesus does not change, even in an election year.