I was hanging out at Boyer's Coffee and Ice Cream the other day (like them on fb here) when I picked up a copy of something interesting, something I had not seen before, something that really caught my attention ... it was a magazine called Richmond Grid. As I thumbed through I saw themes pop up that really resonated with me: creativity, innovation, service. This was a magazine that highlighted activity in the city that I really cared about - I was hooked.
When I got home I looked them up online to see about getting a subscription (http://richmondgrid.com/), and on their website I found the following titles ... Kindness: Every Move Matters. Richmond Moves to Knock Out Poverty. And an article about a VCU student who started the Humanity Helping Sudan Project. This was exciting stuff!
But do you know what I didn't see, anywhere. The church. I kept thumbing through, kept looking; I saw lots about non-profits, I saw lots of words and phrases that we use in church, but no recognition of the church impacting the city through innovation, creativity, and service. And these things belong to God! He created creativity! He calls us to service! But the glory of God was not represented in this publication, which was all about things that He made for His glory. Certainly part of that is due to the anti-church bias that seems to be pervasive, especially in urban settings. But part of it is because the church is so far behind in these areas!
I quickly felt God stirring something in my heart - infiltrate, let the Kingdom break through in your life, and make it known. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16. These people are letting their lights shine! And doing good deeds ... but I heard nothing about the glory of God. I want to change that.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Thoughts about Servanthood and the Problem of Consumerism
Well, it may be a little cliche for a pastor to be ranting about consumerism right now. We've all recognized the cultural trend, how it has bled into the church, and how it is counter productive. But the problem isn't just about wanting to buy something because it's new and shiny, or wanting the latest thing because we feel left behind if we don't (new Christian series on anti-consumerism? ... maybe not). The problem is the way consumerism has shaped our minds.
Think about the message of consumerism ... (go ahead, slow down, pause, think about what we're being told for a minute) Now consider this passage:
Think about the message of consumerism ... (go ahead, slow down, pause, think about what we're being told for a minute) Now consider this passage:
"... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:42-45
The message of consumerism is how you can be served.
The message of Jesus is how you can serve.
The message of consumerism is about putting yourself first.
The message of Jesus is about putting others first.
The message of consumerism is about acting on your needs.
The message of Jesus is about acting on others' needs.
The message of consumerism is about preserving your life.
The message of Jesus is about giving your life away.
But why is it that we are so quick to put ourselves first ... to think first about our own condition ... to react first to our own needs? Why do we so often do the opposite of what Jesus said?
Because we drank the Kool-Aid. Not that ... the consumerism Kool-Aid. We've bought it ... completely. I mean you, me, us ... the church ... the people ranting about making disciples who are producers and not consumers ... we're self-centered people, and too often it shows up in our actions.
Our commitment to anti-consumerism must show up in the way we serve others in everyday life, in the little things. If you want to make disciples, if you want to plead the cause of the oppressed, if you want to be a voice for the poor ... start by serving the people closest to you, in simple ways, regularly. Wash someone's feet (or perhaps someone's dishes). Give up something you want to give it to someone else (the last bit of milk for the bowl of cereal you already poured). Find ways to put others above yourself, then keep ranting against consumerism.
The message of consumerism is how you can be served.
The message of Jesus is how you can serve.
The message of consumerism is about putting yourself first.
The message of Jesus is about putting others first.
The message of consumerism is about acting on your needs.
The message of Jesus is about acting on others' needs.
The message of consumerism is about preserving your life.
The message of Jesus is about giving your life away.
But why is it that we are so quick to put ourselves first ... to think first about our own condition ... to react first to our own needs? Why do we so often do the opposite of what Jesus said?
Because we drank the Kool-Aid. Not that ... the consumerism Kool-Aid. We've bought it ... completely. I mean you, me, us ... the church ... the people ranting about making disciples who are producers and not consumers ... we're self-centered people, and too often it shows up in our actions.
Our commitment to anti-consumerism must show up in the way we serve others in everyday life, in the little things. If you want to make disciples, if you want to plead the cause of the oppressed, if you want to be a voice for the poor ... start by serving the people closest to you, in simple ways, regularly. Wash someone's feet (or perhaps someone's dishes). Give up something you want to give it to someone else (the last bit of milk for the bowl of cereal you already poured). Find ways to put others above yourself, then keep ranting against consumerism.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
What keeps us from living the way Jesus lived?
The simplest answer would be ... we're not Jesus. But let's not use that as an excuse, because if I understand it correctly, that's exactly who we are created to be like ... and called to be like. Just a few examples ...
But how do we change this?! I said that it is the most natural reaction - but it doesn't have to be! We can change our nature ... wait, let me say that differently - God has changed our nature! There's a new natural! But we have to work it out, we have to exercise it. We have to stop living in the old nature and live in the new nature we've been given. "You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off the old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24. Ok, enough with the Scripture, we get it, you can't just throw verses at something to fix it ... or can you? We react based on our mindset, our mind is shaped by what we put in it. So, yes, throwing Scripture at something can be very effective in bringing change! But I'd prefer a different phrase - inserting truth.
You see, we've been told a lie. The lie is that you are the most important person in the universe. You are told this lie often. Usually by marketing slogans enticing you to buy something that is supposed to make you happier. We are an entitled people. And it's wrong. So in order to reverse the effects of this lie that we're constantly fed - we need to insert truth, often. Maybe it's wisest not to spend too much time running from the lie (you'll end up a recluse), but rather insert truth and let it chase the lie away. Here's some to start with ...
- "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" Romans 8:29a
- "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5
- "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
- "He is the image of the invisible God ... Christ in you, the hope of glory" Colossians 1:15, 27
- "For in Christ all the fulness of the deity lives in bodily form. And you have been given fulness in Christ" Colossians 2:9-10a
- "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts" Galatians 4:6
But how do we change this?! I said that it is the most natural reaction - but it doesn't have to be! We can change our nature ... wait, let me say that differently - God has changed our nature! There's a new natural! But we have to work it out, we have to exercise it. We have to stop living in the old nature and live in the new nature we've been given. "You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off the old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24. Ok, enough with the Scripture, we get it, you can't just throw verses at something to fix it ... or can you? We react based on our mindset, our mind is shaped by what we put in it. So, yes, throwing Scripture at something can be very effective in bringing change! But I'd prefer a different phrase - inserting truth.
You see, we've been told a lie. The lie is that you are the most important person in the universe. You are told this lie often. Usually by marketing slogans enticing you to buy something that is supposed to make you happier. We are an entitled people. And it's wrong. So in order to reverse the effects of this lie that we're constantly fed - we need to insert truth, often. Maybe it's wisest not to spend too much time running from the lie (you'll end up a recluse), but rather insert truth and let it chase the lie away. Here's some to start with ...
- "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45
- "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4
- "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" Colossians 3:12
- "Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you." James 4:10
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
They Understand the Problem... but Not the Solution
It seems very often that I run across some brilliant insight from the world's perspective about the world's problem. Consider the following ...
"Somewhere in the seven pounds of gray matter that rests between our ears we hear tiny voices. We don't usually know what's being said but we know something is up. Something is not quite right with our lives, the voice seems to be saying. But because most of us are usually tired at the end of the day and because our kids want us to watch another episode of Sponge Bob with them and it's our turn to take out the garbage and walk the dog, etc., we struggle to respond correctly ... you feel the need for something in your life that is not quite tangible"
That's not the beginning of Erwin McManus's next book about the passionate longings in your soul. It's from the intro to a book about rustic log cabins. And though I also am fascinated by them, I don't think they are the answer to the things that are "not quite right with our lives."
Or consider this ...
"Since the dawn of recorded history something like one hundred and ten billion human beings have been born into this world, and not a single one of them made it... Roughly 60 million people die every year ... I read this quote once 'We live alone; we die alone. Everything else is just an illusion." It used to keep me up at night. We all die alone. So why am I supposed to spend my life working sweating, struggling for an illusion ... no amount of friends, no girl, no assignment about conjugating the pluperfect... is gonna help avoid my fate."
That's not John Elderedge at Catalyst setting us up for an explanation of how God has written a story that does gives meaning to what seems meaningless to so many. It's the opening monologue of a movie called The Art of Getting By.The world understands the problem very well. Things are not right ... and the world system not only displays this reality, it acknowledges it. I recall Matchbox 20 - "can you help me I'm bent, I'm so scared that I'll never get put back together ..." Watch movies, listen to music - the world knows things are messed up! Listen to Coldplay passionately crying out "tears stream down your face, when you lose something you cannot replace..." We have indeed lost something we cannot replace - the purpose that God created us for, the meaningful existence we were meant for.
But here's the thing, though the world is well versed about the problem ... they have nothing to offer in the way of a solution. I remember riding in the car with a friend who was struggling with addictions... a Pink Floyd song came on the radio and he talked about how it resonated with him ... he could relate to it b/c of his issues ... but not b/c it offered him hope for overcoming those issues.
Sad thing about the world's insight on our plight ... it stops with the plight, their heart cries are genuine and honest, but with no direction. The best the world has to offer is the progress of modern man, who sees himself as the answer to his own problems.
The world must look beyond the world for a solution to what is troubling the world. We long for something like Heaven, but know it is unattainable ... so we just sing about the troubles of earth. BUT ... there is a place where Heaven and earth intersect ... the incarnation. Jesus understood the troubles of earth too, because He entered into our troubles in the flesh. But, unlike the world's system, He had a view of heaven, and He has made that view a reality for us... "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." - I Peter 3:15. Jesus brought Heaven to earth when it was out of our reach, and because of His life and death, and resurrection, we don't have to be stuck with songs that only articulate the world's problems ... we have a God who provided a solution.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Things Dads Do
I have a three year old son. The past three years of my life has been challenging, and has brought many good memories to my mind and heart, memories about the things dads do, about the things my Dad did. Most people begin to realize sometime around their late teens that there are things they want to emulate from their father, and things they don’t. I have been realizing the past three years just how much of the things my Dad did that I want to make sure I do. It’s a lot. So, here we go … here are things Dads do … things I want to do … and mainly, for today, on his birthday, in honor of “Bobby” (as Trey calls him) … things my Dad did …
Play with us – whether it was in the yard, on our gravel basketball court, making forts, or watching me do some ridiculous stunt that really wasn’t as cool as I thought it was … Dad played with us. And it was great. At the time I probably thought, “of course he plays with us, look how cool and fun we are” … only now do I realize that it takes more energy than I thought, but it’s so worth it. Thanks for playing with us Dad.
Put us first – I don’t think I ever really noticed it, but he was always making sure we had what we needed. One piece of chicken left, one of the kids is still hungry, not even a question – “you take it.” That may sound simple, but it was consistent. In so many different ways, he was always looking out for us, putting us first, providing for us. Thanks for the chicken Dad.
Discipline us – sometimes this one hurt, but man was it necessary. How else was I going to learn how life works – right behavior brings good consequences; wrong behavior brings pain. This is a general rule in life… one that I got to start learning at a very young age, ouch … uh, thanks Dad? I’m learning consistency is the key on this one, and that requires a lot of energy, and commitment. Yes. Thanks Dad.
Take us on vacation – I can’t imagine having any greater memories than I have of the vacations Dad would take us on. He’d drive through the night as we sprawled out in the back of the van and slept. He'd play with us on the beach, teach us to swim, take us to water parks. Unforgettable stuff. Thanks Dad.
Read to us – oh the memories … I can still hear his voice. I remember the big blue book of Bible stories. I remember Maxy and Mini (whoa! Where did that come from?!). I remember Dr. Seuss. Kids still need this, it wasn’t just a fad. Got a good book? Go ask your Dad. You had to be tired at the end of a long day, but thanks for reading to us Dad.
Teach us to work – yes I am thankful for this. It’s part of life. From the time I was strong enough to carry a piece of firewood I carried firewood into our basement to help keep the family warm. This wasn’t an option. Sometimes I didn’t want to; sometimes it was crazy cold outside. Didn’t matter. Hm, that sounds mean. No, it sounds like a dad who was teaching his son some realities about life at very young age. Thanks for teaching me to work Dad, even when I didn’t want to learn.
Make us pancakes – and other fun stuff. My Dad knows how to whip up some good stuff in the kitchen, but man do I remember those pancakes. And we’re not just talking special occasion on a Saturday … this was in the morning before school, from scratch. What?! Oh yea. Thanks Dad.
Verbally affirm us – those of you who know me know how crucial this one is. Dad was always loving and affectionate and consistently told us he loved us. One of the things a son longs to hear from his dad is “I’m proud of you son.” And I had the privilege of hearing that on a regular basis. Thanks Dad. I'm proud of you too.
Pray for us – there’s something big about this one. It communicates dependency on God. He could have done all these other things right, but the real influence on our lives was not just the way our Dad loved us, but the way that He prayed to his Father to lead, guide, and protect us. I am very convicted of my need to pray for my kids, and I am so very glad my Dad prayed for us. Thank you Father. Thanks Dad.
Lay down in my bed with me before I go to sleep – it’s the end of the day, we’ve played, made forts, read books, done baths, brushed teeth … I’m tired. Trey’s tired but doesn’t know it yet. What does he want? “Daddy, can you lay down with me one minute?” Sure son. That’s exactly what I would ask my Dad. And that’s exactly what he would say. So comforting. What a way to fall asleep. Thanks Dad.
Dad - you have set a great example to me of things Dads do - I am doing my best to follow it. I always hoped I would be a great dad. I never knew how much it would require of me. I always thought my dad was a great dad … I never knew how much it required from him. Thank you Dad. Happy Birthday.
Play with us – whether it was in the yard, on our gravel basketball court, making forts, or watching me do some ridiculous stunt that really wasn’t as cool as I thought it was … Dad played with us. And it was great. At the time I probably thought, “of course he plays with us, look how cool and fun we are” … only now do I realize that it takes more energy than I thought, but it’s so worth it. Thanks for playing with us Dad.
Put us first – I don’t think I ever really noticed it, but he was always making sure we had what we needed. One piece of chicken left, one of the kids is still hungry, not even a question – “you take it.” That may sound simple, but it was consistent. In so many different ways, he was always looking out for us, putting us first, providing for us. Thanks for the chicken Dad.
Discipline us – sometimes this one hurt, but man was it necessary. How else was I going to learn how life works – right behavior brings good consequences; wrong behavior brings pain. This is a general rule in life… one that I got to start learning at a very young age, ouch … uh, thanks Dad? I’m learning consistency is the key on this one, and that requires a lot of energy, and commitment. Yes. Thanks Dad.
Take us on vacation – I can’t imagine having any greater memories than I have of the vacations Dad would take us on. He’d drive through the night as we sprawled out in the back of the van and slept. He'd play with us on the beach, teach us to swim, take us to water parks. Unforgettable stuff. Thanks Dad.
Read to us – oh the memories … I can still hear his voice. I remember the big blue book of Bible stories. I remember Maxy and Mini (whoa! Where did that come from?!). I remember Dr. Seuss. Kids still need this, it wasn’t just a fad. Got a good book? Go ask your Dad. You had to be tired at the end of a long day, but thanks for reading to us Dad.
Teach us to work – yes I am thankful for this. It’s part of life. From the time I was strong enough to carry a piece of firewood I carried firewood into our basement to help keep the family warm. This wasn’t an option. Sometimes I didn’t want to; sometimes it was crazy cold outside. Didn’t matter. Hm, that sounds mean. No, it sounds like a dad who was teaching his son some realities about life at very young age. Thanks for teaching me to work Dad, even when I didn’t want to learn.
Make us pancakes – and other fun stuff. My Dad knows how to whip up some good stuff in the kitchen, but man do I remember those pancakes. And we’re not just talking special occasion on a Saturday … this was in the morning before school, from scratch. What?! Oh yea. Thanks Dad.
Verbally affirm us – those of you who know me know how crucial this one is. Dad was always loving and affectionate and consistently told us he loved us. One of the things a son longs to hear from his dad is “I’m proud of you son.” And I had the privilege of hearing that on a regular basis. Thanks Dad. I'm proud of you too.
Pray for us – there’s something big about this one. It communicates dependency on God. He could have done all these other things right, but the real influence on our lives was not just the way our Dad loved us, but the way that He prayed to his Father to lead, guide, and protect us. I am very convicted of my need to pray for my kids, and I am so very glad my Dad prayed for us. Thank you Father. Thanks Dad.
Lay down in my bed with me before I go to sleep – it’s the end of the day, we’ve played, made forts, read books, done baths, brushed teeth … I’m tired. Trey’s tired but doesn’t know it yet. What does he want? “Daddy, can you lay down with me one minute?” Sure son. That’s exactly what I would ask my Dad. And that’s exactly what he would say. So comforting. What a way to fall asleep. Thanks Dad.
Dad - you have set a great example to me of things Dads do - I am doing my best to follow it. I always hoped I would be a great dad. I never knew how much it would require of me. I always thought my dad was a great dad … I never knew how much it required from him. Thank you Dad. Happy Birthday.
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