This past Sunday, I was privileged to fill the pulpit at church in the absence of our pastor. For the past several weeks, as our pastor has led us through the Gospel of John, he has purposefully pointed out some Scriptures that probably give us pause for concern. Actually, he defines them as "The Hard Things of Scripture."
Ours is a world where theory and practice can be worlds apart. Perhaps that is most evident in our faith walk. We often articulate one thing and do something entirely different. Under a cloak of transparency, even the apostle Paul said of himself:
" I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me…For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [Romans 7: 15-20].
How often is that confession true of you or of me? It is a common denominator that we share. Throughout, the Gospel, we are provided Christian imperatives that should surface in our lives because we love Jesus.
Okay, I watered the description of a Christian imperative down. A more accurate rendering of a Christian imperative is a description of things that must be a priority in our lives. When we really love Jesus, his values surface in our lives.
While it was true of the world in which Jesus lived, it is equally true in today's world. Sadly, when you look around at our watered-down version of Christian commitment, there isn't a lot of evidence to suggest that the things of God are priorities in our lives.
Do I need to highlight the importance of this Christian imperative found in the Word of God?
At some level, both of my kids think that my recommendations of a movie or book doesn't necessarily equate with that of a person who demonstrates prudent judgement. In most instances, they don't choose to follow my recommendations.
I don't even remember the movie,"Tea with Mussolini", but Craig has mentioned more than once that I previously recommended the movie. My grandsons even brought it up with laughter several years ago. Truth be told, I don't think any of them actually watched it. Why would they?
Both Craig and Andrea are equally cautious about any book recommendation that I make. In his book "Weird Because Normal Isn't Working", pastor and author, Craig Groschell writes:
"Normal people are stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Many of their relationships are, at best, strained and, in most cases, just surviving. Even though we live in one of the most prosperous places on earth, normal is still living paycheck to paycheck and never getting ahead. And when it comes to God, the majority believe in him, but the teachings of scripture rarely make it into their everyday lives."
He adds, "People who embrace life without a sense of joy do a lot of damage."
Personally, I try to be alert as to whether joy is reflected in my life. For years, since my grandchildren were very young, I've told them: "It is okay to say that Granddad is crazy as long as they say Granddad is crazy and fun."
The same is true of joy. Joy is a dimension I need to experience. It is as important to me as air and water. I can't live without it. I don't want to live without joy. I've encountered too many people who are strangers to the concept. They all fall into the EGR category – extra grace required.
In his book, "Weird Because Normal Isn't Working", Craig Groschell gives an example of what I'm talking about:
"Early in his ministry as an associate pastor, he often filled-in for other preachers. One week, his friend Paul asked him to preach while he was on vacation.
"Sporting his best and only suit, with his shirt ironed and shoes polished to make a good first impression, Groschell arrived early and was greeted by the church secretary. "I've got great news! She said beaming. We're having a visitor at church today- so you better preach great."
"He asked how she knew a visitor would be coming. She said that a woman had called the church that morning and asked for directions. She reportedly had fallen on hard times and wanted to give church a try.
"The secretary prayed with the caller and said she would be sure to look for her in the service. Armed with a little extra motivation, Groschell silently prayed and asked God to use him to minister to this hurting lady.
"Just before the service started, the church secretary stationed him by the church's big wooden front doors alongside another pillar of the congregation, an older man named Virgil.
"Within moments, he could tell that Virgil loved his church and took his post at the big wooden door seriously. In between greeting the few dozen members trickling into the building, Virgil started a running monologue with Groschell about the problems with today's generation. They're rebellious Virgil barked, complaining that young people aren't respectful of God and his church.
"In the middle of Virgil's rant, Groshell saw her – the visitor – drive up in a beat-up older car so dirty that he couldn't tell if it was light gray or faded blue. Its balding tires, low in air pressure, squeaked as she turned into the parking spot. Getting out, she revealed a very dented driver-side door. To say that she stood out was an understatement.
"While everyone else entering the church that morning wore suits or dresses, the visitor closed her car door with a cigarette in her hand and displayed an ensemble of tight blue jeans and slightly tighter sleeveless shirt.
"When he saw her, he found his mind considering the possibilities: abusive boyfriend? Drug addiction? Unemployment? Depression? Abandonment? All of these and more?
"As she walked toward the church, she took a deep breath and tilted her head slightly, looking at Virgil and him. He silently prayed again asking God to give him the words to say that might encourage her with hope.
"His silent prayer was interrupted as Virgil hurled the welcome grenade at the young woman. "We wear our best clothes for God at this church. Is that the best outfit you own? Or do you just not care what God thinks?
"Without saying a word, the visitor simply turned, walked back to her clunker of a car, and drove away. Virgil mumbled, Rebellious.
"People who are strangers to the concept of joy, live damaged lives and they share it with others." It is seldom a feel-good experience.
I'm not making this up, several years ago, we previously had a church member who was mostly friendly. He was not a stranger to joy, but he didn't always get it right. He was really a likeable guy. Yet, if you missed two or three weeks from church, he greeted you for all to hear: "Well, Look who the dogs drug up. Where have you been?"
I tried gentle redirection with him. I suggested to him privately, "Wouldn't it be better to say, 'I'm really glad to see you.' We both know that is what you really feel."
Did I mention that gentle redirection doesn't work with everyone?
The next time, I heard someone being greeted with: Well, look what the dogs drug up, I provided a primer from the pulpit the following Sunday.
I shared that when folks like the Prodigal Son show up at church after being gone for an extended period, I always truthfully tell them: "It is so very good to see you. We are better when you are here."
I don't need an explanation of where they've been. It is unimportant. The important thing is that they are back. I want them to feel welcomed and needed."
Isn't that the way it is supposed to work at church?
All My Best!
Don
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