Apparently my brother-in-law knows that it’s easier for me to rant and rave than to offer any viable solutions. He recently offered these comments and questions in response to my posts regarding losing my religion:
…How can followers of Jesus make a difference in the church without slipping into the subtle traps of religiosity? It's too easy to walk away, and I don't think that's a valid solution. How do we stay, and make a difference? Is it just a matter of quiet faithfulness over a long period of time? I'm not expecting a pat answer, just wondering your thoughts… Dan
It would be easy to walk away, wouldn’t it? I only wish there wasn’t a warning in the Bible about walking away being proof that we never belonged in the first place. The fact is that organized church is where most followers of Jesus regularly meet. I may not like fast food, but if the consensus in my family is to hang out at the local McGreasy King, then you’ll know where to find me. I’ll be the one ordering a side salad [totally hypothetical- I’m a french fry guy all the way].
I’m guessing that Dan put the words just and faithfulness together to poke me a bit. The idea of faithfulness being the least our virtues is really quite funny. Anyone who has caused God as much grief as I have knows that the definition of faithful is probably closer to obstinate devotion than resigned boredom or frustration. So yes Dan, I think obstinate devotion is critically Christlike.
The key for us is deciding ahead of time what exactly it is we are devoted to.
Are we devoted to our theological heritage? I hope not, because that assumes we don’t have too much left to learn. What about our worship service preferences? I’m not even going to… never mind.
Be devoted to Jesus alone. Like other long term relationships, this one will require us to constantly adjust our comfort zones, personal space, and priorities in order to remain vibrant.
I hope that doesn't sound like a pat answer. I know it's simple, but also understand that it isn't easy.
Hey Bill,
ReplyDeleteNo "poke" was intended. I'm simply wrestling with my calling to be a pastor while agreeing that the church in North America seems far from what it should be. It was in Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. And I don't think it was intended as a compliment. These people were being deliberately labelled as Christ followers. So how is it possible that so many years later that the term "Church" doesn't immediate bring to mind devoted followers of Jesus?!?! And I don't ask that question while sitting from a distance being critical. I wonder how come that connection between my life and Jesus isn't consistently obvious. Forgive me Lord. Having said all this, .Jesus words "I will build my church" haven't changed. Neither has the promise that came with it. "The gates of Hell will NOT prevail against it." If Jesus is still that committed to the gathering of His people, and to the effect on the world He desires to produce through them, then we dare not walk away. Obstinate devotion is right on mark. Obstinate devotion to Jesus, and relentless grace towards His children. Dan
Have you read the End of Religion by Bruxy Cavey? Or Patience with God by Frank Schaeffer? Good stuff in these books.
ReplyDeleteJesus came to restore humanity into relationship with Himself and the Father . . . and with each other. Jesus stated this truth simply in His conversation with Peter (John 21) as He restored Peter back to Himself after Peter's heartbreaking denial of his Lord . . . "Simon [Peter} son of John,do you love me?" and when Peter affirmed that yes he did, Jesus replied, "Take care of my sheep". Not "Do as you have been taught" or " Do all you have been commanded" or any other new rule or way of doing things, but the gentle reminder that if he really loved his Lord Jesus, then he was to reach out in that same love to those around him in an active manner that met their needs. That is the simplest expression of Christ in us; the loving and sacrificial relationship of the Saviour with his Beloved bride actively and vigorously acted out in the daily life of those who profess to love Him. Now the kicker . . . does this describe the Church today? Does it describe my church? Does it describe me?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! I've got three books on my reading list at the moment, Teresa, but thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDelete