One of the things we often see in the American Christian sub-culture is a tendency to link patriotism to being an American with what it means to be a Christian. This then builds a sense of entitlement and elitism within American Christians. The end result of this is that our identity as American's in many ways supercede's that of our identity as followers of Jesus and his way. When this occurs we begin to equate the blessings of our nation with the blessings of God, which then tends to cause us to look down on other people groups and nations who are not as rich or powerful and we equate that with a lack of blessing from God on them.
All of this leads to a spiritual elitism which is inevitably tied up with our standing as Americans, which then leads to a sense of us (Americans) being the new "chosen" people. Once the sense of being "chosen" settles into our being, it is very easy to look down upon and even neglect those who are of the "unchosen."
This is what the early first century Christians had to overcome. Their standing with God was wrapped around their identity as Jews being the "chosen ones" of God. This caused them to look down on others and not want God's blessings/favor to fall onto others.
So...here's is something worth discussing.
* How does our identification as Americans get in the way of how we view others?
* How does our identification as American's get in the way of our own faith?
* It took a vision to the lead disciple for the early church to change their view of others. What might it take to change us?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A matter of perspective
This past week I spent the week in Portland at a conference entitled, "The Child Abuse and Family Violence Summit." This conference is predominantly for law enforcement, mental health professionals, dhs/cps case workers, and advocate groups for women and children.
As I sat and listened to various presentations, the veil was lifted from my eyes to see the world that is really there but which most normal people do not want to acknowledge. Simple fact, there is a lot of really sick and twisted people out there.
So it got me thinking. What difference would it make if all people who are a part of churches had the veil pulled back and they saw the true levels of pain and suffering and hurt that is present in this world? What if they were able to fully understand the evil that is out there waiting to devour the innocent...would that change their priorities?
I think...I hope...that if this were the case Christians would quit fighting over stupid issues like the color of the carpet to install in the buildings, how messy the youth group can be from time to time, and all the stupid personality conflicts over perceived slights. I would hope that people would be so busy trying to care for the hurting and resolving injustice and battling the evil they encounter that they wouldn't have either the time nor the inclination to fight and argue over inconsequential issues like carpet or perceived slights.
really - what I am calling for is a change of perspective. As people who follow Jesus and his way, let's focus our thoughts and energy on bringing the way of the kingdom of God here on earth...as it is in heaven. And let's leave the way of the Adversary out of the doors and life of the church.
As I sat and listened to various presentations, the veil was lifted from my eyes to see the world that is really there but which most normal people do not want to acknowledge. Simple fact, there is a lot of really sick and twisted people out there.
So it got me thinking. What difference would it make if all people who are a part of churches had the veil pulled back and they saw the true levels of pain and suffering and hurt that is present in this world? What if they were able to fully understand the evil that is out there waiting to devour the innocent...would that change their priorities?
I think...I hope...that if this were the case Christians would quit fighting over stupid issues like the color of the carpet to install in the buildings, how messy the youth group can be from time to time, and all the stupid personality conflicts over perceived slights. I would hope that people would be so busy trying to care for the hurting and resolving injustice and battling the evil they encounter that they wouldn't have either the time nor the inclination to fight and argue over inconsequential issues like carpet or perceived slights.
really - what I am calling for is a change of perspective. As people who follow Jesus and his way, let's focus our thoughts and energy on bringing the way of the kingdom of God here on earth...as it is in heaven. And let's leave the way of the Adversary out of the doors and life of the church.
Monday, April 12, 2010
an issue of ownership
So...I've been thinking about the issue of ownership recently; especially as related to the ownership of a faith community (church). As I am teaching through portions of Acts, I realized that (perhaps) THE biggest problem facing faith communities today is that very few (if any) people who are a part of the church take an ownership in the life of the church.
Why is this true? For a couple of reasons I believe. One reason is that many church leaderships are structured so that there is very little ownership. It's the pastors or the elders or aunt Jenny's monkey's uncle that "own" the church, that decide things. Unfortunately I have seen far too many of those churches. Part of the reason for this, however, is the lack of ownership everyone else takes with the work and mission of the church. It is a pretty well-known statistic that 90% of the work of a church is done by 10% of the people. Additionally, 90% of the income of a church is given by 10% of the people.
Having said that, however, it would be tempting to think this is THE answer, but it would be short-sighted to do so. For the reality is, many people simply prefer to make church (even "their" church) just another thing that they do - that they are a part of. They view church as something they go to where others do things for them. In short, there is no ownership. They don't feel a responsibility to do whatever needs to be done to help the church be all it can be - so they don't serve, they don't connect, and they don't give. In fact, let's be honest. It really comes out in the issue of giving.
American Christians give less percentage of the their income than almost any other nation. And yet, we are the richest. What causes this? Maybe it's that we have a bit of Ananias in us.
In Acts 5, there is a guy named Ananias. He does something bad that shows he doesn't have any ownership in the church. He doesn't really care for the needs of others...it is all about him. So...what does it mean to have some Ananias is you?
* If you say that you believe in God and in the work of the ministry - but you give more to a restaurant or a movie theater than you do to the church - there's some Ananias in you.
* If you go and eat the donuts (which costs money) and drink the coffee ($) and use the bulletins $)and use the heat($)and the chairs and listen to the music and the teaching ($) - but you don't contribute so that your church can meet the financial needs of the church and of other people -- there's some Ananias in you.
If you or your kids have all the latest and greatest (Wii, PS, tv, etc) - but you don't take ownership in the church by getting involved, serving, and contributing financially so that your church can continue to try to reach out to people and hopefully - to meet people's needs - you have some Ananias in you.
If you talk about other people behind their backs, if you tear down rather than build up, if you discourage rather than encourage…you have some Ananias in you.
And can I say this…Having some Ananias in you - is not a good thing.
Why is this true? For a couple of reasons I believe. One reason is that many church leaderships are structured so that there is very little ownership. It's the pastors or the elders or aunt Jenny's monkey's uncle that "own" the church, that decide things. Unfortunately I have seen far too many of those churches. Part of the reason for this, however, is the lack of ownership everyone else takes with the work and mission of the church. It is a pretty well-known statistic that 90% of the work of a church is done by 10% of the people. Additionally, 90% of the income of a church is given by 10% of the people.
Having said that, however, it would be tempting to think this is THE answer, but it would be short-sighted to do so. For the reality is, many people simply prefer to make church (even "their" church) just another thing that they do - that they are a part of. They view church as something they go to where others do things for them. In short, there is no ownership. They don't feel a responsibility to do whatever needs to be done to help the church be all it can be - so they don't serve, they don't connect, and they don't give. In fact, let's be honest. It really comes out in the issue of giving.
American Christians give less percentage of the their income than almost any other nation. And yet, we are the richest. What causes this? Maybe it's that we have a bit of Ananias in us.
In Acts 5, there is a guy named Ananias. He does something bad that shows he doesn't have any ownership in the church. He doesn't really care for the needs of others...it is all about him. So...what does it mean to have some Ananias is you?
* If you say that you believe in God and in the work of the ministry - but you give more to a restaurant or a movie theater than you do to the church - there's some Ananias in you.
* If you go and eat the donuts (which costs money) and drink the coffee ($) and use the bulletins $)and use the heat($)and the chairs and listen to the music and the teaching ($) - but you don't contribute so that your church can meet the financial needs of the church and of other people -- there's some Ananias in you.
If you or your kids have all the latest and greatest (Wii, PS, tv, etc) - but you don't take ownership in the church by getting involved, serving, and contributing financially so that your church can continue to try to reach out to people and hopefully - to meet people's needs - you have some Ananias in you.
If you talk about other people behind their backs, if you tear down rather than build up, if you discourage rather than encourage…you have some Ananias in you.
And can I say this…Having some Ananias in you - is not a good thing.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
back to the judging issue
On my commute to Corvallis, I began to listen to my brother-from-another-mother...the favored son...a teacher named Rob Bell. He was talking about the issue of judging and what it is all about. One of the things that he really nailed down is that when you judge others, you are setting yourself up...above them. And in that way - it is really about control.
And the truth of that struck me. Judging others motives, actions, words, whatever...is really about control. Trying to get them to do something, be some way that fits your paradigm for their life.
As I drove, I thought about the issue of how often people try to control others and how they do it. Sometimes it is through physical force. Sometimes it is through mental and emotional manipulation - most DV situations are not physical force but emotional and psychological abuse and control - and sometimes it is through spiritual manipulation. This spiritual manipulation, like the others, often comes out in the form of judgmentalism. It is a control mechanism people use to make themselves look better, to set themselves up, to get people to respond and do what they want. It really isn't about looking out for someone. It is, plain and simply, about control.
One of the things this guy named Jesus said once was, "Do not judge or you will be judged." While there may well be a cosmic type of greater judgment implied, there is also something more basic. It's the closest Jesus gets to Karma. If you are a judgmental person, then people are going to make judgments on you. You place yourself in the role of God and judge people's actions, motives, heart...you will be a lonely person because people will make the judgment call that they simply don't want to be around you.
What Jesus is saying is that when you set yourself up over others, you are setting yourself up for a fall. You will be miserable. People won't want to be with you. People will want to stay away because you have set yourself up…to set yourself up.
So...do you want to be someone who people feel comfortable around...or someone people avoid because you are trying to control them. What is the best way? You be the judge.
And the truth of that struck me. Judging others motives, actions, words, whatever...is really about control. Trying to get them to do something, be some way that fits your paradigm for their life.
As I drove, I thought about the issue of how often people try to control others and how they do it. Sometimes it is through physical force. Sometimes it is through mental and emotional manipulation - most DV situations are not physical force but emotional and psychological abuse and control - and sometimes it is through spiritual manipulation. This spiritual manipulation, like the others, often comes out in the form of judgmentalism. It is a control mechanism people use to make themselves look better, to set themselves up, to get people to respond and do what they want. It really isn't about looking out for someone. It is, plain and simply, about control.
One of the things this guy named Jesus said once was, "Do not judge or you will be judged." While there may well be a cosmic type of greater judgment implied, there is also something more basic. It's the closest Jesus gets to Karma. If you are a judgmental person, then people are going to make judgments on you. You place yourself in the role of God and judge people's actions, motives, heart...you will be a lonely person because people will make the judgment call that they simply don't want to be around you.
What Jesus is saying is that when you set yourself up over others, you are setting yourself up for a fall. You will be miserable. People won't want to be with you. People will want to stay away because you have set yourself up…to set yourself up.
So...do you want to be someone who people feel comfortable around...or someone people avoid because you are trying to control them. What is the best way? You be the judge.
Monday, March 15, 2010
a matter of perspective
I was awoken last night by a phone call. But before I expound on that event, let me vent a little.
I am tired of being judged.
I am tired of people who think they know more than I do simply because they have a Sunday School education in the Bible. I've got a freaking Masters degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry and can read from both the Greek and the Hebrew. Doesn't mean I'm right. Just sayin'.
I'm tired of people judging the motives behind my words...my actions. You don't know what I'm thinking, you don't know what I'm feeling. No one besides me knows what's going on in this head of mine (and sometimes I'm not sure)...but don't judge me as if you know my motives.
I'm tired of people not acting like grownups. "Have a freakin' clue that the world doesn't revolve around you!" That's what I want to say. "Get over things already, move on already." That's what I want to say. Just sayin'.
I'm tired of double standards...whether in the church or in relationships. You want me to treat you that way? Then treat me that way. That's how it should go. You want me to listen, respect, forgive, whatever? Then do the same or don't take up my space. Just sayin'.
I'm tired of really bad bands at the bars. Someone who loves them...love them by being honest. Leave the singing to those of us who can actually...I don't know...sing!
So I was awoken last night by a phone call. A good friend of mine, her dad passed away. I went out to the home to be with the family. It was obvious how much love was shared among that family. And while I still tire of all those other things... they don't ultimately matter that much when compared to real issues of life or death. In fact, calls like the one i took ought to help us all re-prioritize what is really important. For I can't think of anything more important than this simple truth. Love God. Love others.
I am tired of being judged.
I am tired of people who think they know more than I do simply because they have a Sunday School education in the Bible. I've got a freaking Masters degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry and can read from both the Greek and the Hebrew. Doesn't mean I'm right. Just sayin'.
I'm tired of people judging the motives behind my words...my actions. You don't know what I'm thinking, you don't know what I'm feeling. No one besides me knows what's going on in this head of mine (and sometimes I'm not sure)...but don't judge me as if you know my motives.
I'm tired of people not acting like grownups. "Have a freakin' clue that the world doesn't revolve around you!" That's what I want to say. "Get over things already, move on already." That's what I want to say. Just sayin'.
I'm tired of double standards...whether in the church or in relationships. You want me to treat you that way? Then treat me that way. That's how it should go. You want me to listen, respect, forgive, whatever? Then do the same or don't take up my space. Just sayin'.
I'm tired of really bad bands at the bars. Someone who loves them...love them by being honest. Leave the singing to those of us who can actually...I don't know...sing!
So I was awoken last night by a phone call. A good friend of mine, her dad passed away. I went out to the home to be with the family. It was obvious how much love was shared among that family. And while I still tire of all those other things... they don't ultimately matter that much when compared to real issues of life or death. In fact, calls like the one i took ought to help us all re-prioritize what is really important. For I can't think of anything more important than this simple truth. Love God. Love others.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
attack of the drive-by fundamentalist
So...tearing everything down this afternoon, thinking that the ghost of Christian past was now a thing of my past, when up on the roof there arose such a clatter...I wondered to myself "Oh crap...whatsa matta!" Then what did my wondering eye gaze upon? But a tall ghostly man with a frown once upon.
He came up to me with a glint in his eye, his breath smelled like sulphur...well okay...apple pie. He spoke of his desire to correct my theology, and I thought to myself..."Oh man, I gotsta pee." I read his wordy note and I thought to myself, he truly, really, honestly believes I might be going to hell. His words were confused, his grammar atrocious, his attitude much like those who are bragadocious. His context confused, his motives unclear, I wondered aloud "Where can I find a beer."
Then out of my mind a thought as a mist, "Oh crap, I've been attacked...by a driveby fundamentalist!"
He came up to me with a glint in his eye, his breath smelled like sulphur...well okay...apple pie. He spoke of his desire to correct my theology, and I thought to myself..."Oh man, I gotsta pee." I read his wordy note and I thought to myself, he truly, really, honestly believes I might be going to hell. His words were confused, his grammar atrocious, his attitude much like those who are bragadocious. His context confused, his motives unclear, I wondered aloud "Where can I find a beer."
Then out of my mind a thought as a mist, "Oh crap, I've been attacked...by a driveby fundamentalist!"
Friday, March 12, 2010
Two questions:
1) Does anyone stand behind their products anymore?
2) Have you ever wanted to interactively shove a phone up a giant companies broad backside so deep that they have to floss to get it from being lodged between their teeth?
A little of the back story would help I suppose. I have maintained a long-standing relationship (in which I have spent thousands of dollars) with a cell phone company that rhymes with "horizon..." "Yourizon??" "Myrizon??" Well, if you still don't get it you are simply dense...but back to the story.
Said company replaced my defective phone this past week with...hold your breath now...a defective phone. Brilliant marketing philosophy isn't it. As I talked with their representative (firmly but politely I might add as he is simply a minimum wage employee following the dumba$$ policies of said company)...he informed me that I was going to have to pay the $50 replacement. Get this...pay the $50 fee to replace the defective phone they supplied me to replace the defective phone they had previously given me. Ingenious marketing scheme.
At one point, he even told me, "Well, technically it isn't our phone, it is LG's." To which I reminded him that they have their name on it, use LG as their subcontractor, and market it...thus it is your problem."
So...what has become of this? Absolutely nothing. Thus the need to vent.
I am thinking about sending in payment for my bill...in pennies. And then telling them that the debit card I usually pay for was defective, but that for $50 from them, I will restore its effectiveness.
1) Does anyone stand behind their products anymore?
2) Have you ever wanted to interactively shove a phone up a giant companies broad backside so deep that they have to floss to get it from being lodged between their teeth?
A little of the back story would help I suppose. I have maintained a long-standing relationship (in which I have spent thousands of dollars) with a cell phone company that rhymes with "horizon..." "Yourizon??" "Myrizon??" Well, if you still don't get it you are simply dense...but back to the story.
Said company replaced my defective phone this past week with...hold your breath now...a defective phone. Brilliant marketing philosophy isn't it. As I talked with their representative (firmly but politely I might add as he is simply a minimum wage employee following the dumba$$ policies of said company)...he informed me that I was going to have to pay the $50 replacement. Get this...pay the $50 fee to replace the defective phone they supplied me to replace the defective phone they had previously given me. Ingenious marketing scheme.
At one point, he even told me, "Well, technically it isn't our phone, it is LG's." To which I reminded him that they have their name on it, use LG as their subcontractor, and market it...thus it is your problem."
So...what has become of this? Absolutely nothing. Thus the need to vent.
I am thinking about sending in payment for my bill...in pennies. And then telling them that the debit card I usually pay for was defective, but that for $50 from them, I will restore its effectiveness.
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