What an interesting question: 'Is anything worth more than your soul?' I would venture to guess that there's nothing worth more than your soul, however, in today's culture we are often too busy to even consider asking such a thought-provoking question.
I've been bothered by this question because I know the answer. But in youth group when I get the 'knee-jerk' response of 'no' because it's such an easy question I am not satisfied. What's worse is that I know they're content with their answer.
Yesterday I went to the Dare2Share Youth Leader's Luncheon at Wilderness Lodge and Greg Stier (founder of D2S) asked a simple question: 'What if Jesus used Twitter?' He took it a step further by asking: 'What would Jesus 'tweet' about your church if He came to visit?' And then he shocked us all by asking: 'What would Jesus 'tweet' if He came to youth group'?
I have an idea as to what He might 'tweet' about concerning today's church: 'They're still lost and there's no reason for it'. Or maybe it's something closer to this: 'They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me' (Isaiah 29:13). Now, if He were to stop by youth group he might 'tweet': 'They are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm...how sad' (Rev. 3:16). And I like what Francis Chan wrote in Crazy Love, specifically in 'PROFILE OF THE LUKEWARM': 'Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives'.
Is this you? Perhaps it's time to take your relationship further and deeper. You don't have to quote lots of scripture or know all of Jesus' miracles, you just need to be willing to go deeper and not be content with the 'ho-hum'/busy way of life.
While I could go on and on about today's culture and how too many have bought into it 'hook-line-and-sinker'...I won't. I'd rather leave you with this verse to look up and the question first asked: Matthew 16:24-26
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
MESSY SPIRITUALITY: CHAPTER 1
I know it's been a while since I've actually written a post, but here's what you can look forward to. Each week-when there is Youth Group, I will be posting on Messy Spirituality, a book by Mike Yaconelli. Now, that's not to say that there won't be any blogs concerning scripture, recent events, or things I've been kicking around/thinking about. I just plan to share my notes and small group discussion questions with you-to give you something to chew on. *I suggest getting yourself a copy of the book. If you'd like a copy-ask me.
HERE'S CHAPTER 1:
THE WORKSHOP OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
Who wants to live a godly life?
Our author, Mike Yaconelli had been trying to follow Jesus for over 45 years, but kept losing Him in the crowded busyness of his life. Here’s a quote: ‘I know Jesus is there, somewhere, but it’s difficult to make Him out in the haze of everyday life. Yet when I look at the yesterdays of my life, what I see, mostly, is a broken, irregular path littered with mistakes and failures.’ (pg. 10)
Does that sound like you?
Is the only consistency in your life your inconsistency?
Are who you want to be and who you are very different?
So what is spirituality?
What do you think of when you hear the word spirituality?
Do you think of monks, the disciples, saints, grandparents?
Generally speaking, most people who use the word spiritual describe it or attribute it to those who they think pray all day long, read their Bibles constantly, never get angry or rattled, have an ‘inside’ track to God, or have special powers.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with that kind of living, monks are able to experience, seek, and know God in ways we haven’t…but what about the rest of us?
What about those of us who are single, married, have kids, or go to school, have a job, have friends, have the scars of rejection upon their hearts, are lost, seeking understanding and acceptance?
Is there a spirituality for the rest of us who don’t have it all together and probably never will?
YES!
WHAT LANDED JESUS ON THE CROSS?
The idea that common, ordinary, broken, screwed-up people could be godly.
WHAT DROVE HIS ENEMIES CRAZY?
Jesus’ criticisms of the ‘perfect religious’ people and his acceptance of the imperfect non-religious people. (Luke 11:37-54)
Jesus basically said anyone can be spiritual.
The pages of the Bible are filled with messy people. Think of Old Testament and New Testament.
God chose a murder to free his people…
God chose a crazy and a drunk to build a boat…
God chose a person who was filled with lust, had an affair, killed her husband, then married her.
That’s just the Old Testament, just look at the failures those few alone had-those are ones we would all be embarrassed of. But why should we be surprised? All of God’s chosen in the Bible had moments of weakness and strength, courage and fear…but they were also murderers, adulterers. Yet, they were men and women who could be gentle, holy, defenders of the faith one minute and insecure, unbelieving, grudge-holding tyrants the next.
THE SCANDAL OF SPIRITUALITY:
THE ANNE LAMOTT STORY (PG. 17-19).
THE TRUTH ABOUT MESSY SPIRITUALITY:
MESSY SPIRITUALITY UNVEILS THE MYTH OF FLAWLESSNESS AND CALLS CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE TO COME OUT OF HIDING AND TO STOP PRETENDING.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY HAS THE AUDACITY TO SUGGEST THAT MESSINESS IS THE WORKSHOP OF AUTHENTIC SPIRITUALITY, THE GREENHOUSE OF FAITH, THE PLACE WHERE THE REAL JESUS MEETS THE REAL US.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS A CELEBRATION OF A DISCIPLESHIP WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS THE SCANDALOUS ASSERTION THAT FOLLOWING CHRIST IS ANYTHING BUT TIDY AND NEAT, BALANCED AND ORDERLY.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS ANYTHING BUT A STRAIGHT LINE; IT IS A MIXED UP, TOPSY-TURVY, HELTER-SKELTER GODLINESS THAT TURNS OUR LIVES INTO AN UPSIDE-DOWN TOBOGGAN RIDE FULL OF UNEXPECTED TURNS, SURPRISE BUMPS, AND BONE-SHATTERING CRASHES.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS THE DELIRIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF A LIFE RUINED BY A JESUS WHO WILL LOVE US RIGHT INTO HIS ARMS.
QUESTIONS:
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT JESUS’ CRITIQUE OF THE PHARISEES?
READ: Luke 11:37-54
WHAT DO YOU THINK JESUS WAS TRYING TO SAY IN VERSE 39?
‘You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness’
DO YOU THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH BEING A FAKE OR A ‘POSER’?
DO YOU LISTEN OR EVEN ACCEPT SOMEONE ONCE IT’S BEEN REVEALED THEY’RE A POSER?
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE WAS TRYING TO SAY IN VERSE 46?
‘For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.’
DO YOU THINK JESUS WAS ASKING THEM TO BE MORE HUMBLE AND THOUGHTFUL?
ARE YOU THOUGHTFUL AND HUMBLE WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING, LISTENING AND SHARING?
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU HELPED?
HOW DID YOU EASE THEIR BURDEN?
JAMES BOND SAID IT BEST: ‘WHY IS IT THAT PEOPLE WHO INSIST ON GIVING ADVICE NEVER TAKE ANY ADVICE?’
IS THAT YOU? ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO JUDGES AND INSISTS ON ALWAYS BEING RIGHT?
-WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDS OR PARENTS
DO YOU HAVE A MESSY LIFE?
CHALLENGE:
THINK ABOUT HOW MESSY YOUR LIFE IS…HOW YOU MIGHT BE TOO BUSY FOR GOD (READING YOUR BIBLE, GOING TO YOUTH GROUP, CHURCH OR SUNDAY SCHOOL) OR TOO BUSY TO DO GOD’S WILL (HELPING SOMEONE WHO’S HURTING OR MARGINALIZED IN SCHOOL-THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO SIT ALONE).
READ MATTHEW 25:31-46
ANSWER THIS QUESTION: WHO ARE THE ‘LEAST OF THESE’ JESUS SPEAKS OF IN YOUR BUSY LIFE?
HERE'S CHAPTER 1:
THE WORKSHOP OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
Who wants to live a godly life?
Our author, Mike Yaconelli had been trying to follow Jesus for over 45 years, but kept losing Him in the crowded busyness of his life. Here’s a quote: ‘I know Jesus is there, somewhere, but it’s difficult to make Him out in the haze of everyday life. Yet when I look at the yesterdays of my life, what I see, mostly, is a broken, irregular path littered with mistakes and failures.’ (pg. 10)
Does that sound like you?
Is the only consistency in your life your inconsistency?
Are who you want to be and who you are very different?
So what is spirituality?
What do you think of when you hear the word spirituality?
Do you think of monks, the disciples, saints, grandparents?
Generally speaking, most people who use the word spiritual describe it or attribute it to those who they think pray all day long, read their Bibles constantly, never get angry or rattled, have an ‘inside’ track to God, or have special powers.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with that kind of living, monks are able to experience, seek, and know God in ways we haven’t…but what about the rest of us?
What about those of us who are single, married, have kids, or go to school, have a job, have friends, have the scars of rejection upon their hearts, are lost, seeking understanding and acceptance?
Is there a spirituality for the rest of us who don’t have it all together and probably never will?
YES!
WHAT LANDED JESUS ON THE CROSS?
The idea that common, ordinary, broken, screwed-up people could be godly.
WHAT DROVE HIS ENEMIES CRAZY?
Jesus’ criticisms of the ‘perfect religious’ people and his acceptance of the imperfect non-religious people. (Luke 11:37-54)
Jesus basically said anyone can be spiritual.
The pages of the Bible are filled with messy people. Think of Old Testament and New Testament.
God chose a murder to free his people…
God chose a crazy and a drunk to build a boat…
God chose a person who was filled with lust, had an affair, killed her husband, then married her.
That’s just the Old Testament, just look at the failures those few alone had-those are ones we would all be embarrassed of. But why should we be surprised? All of God’s chosen in the Bible had moments of weakness and strength, courage and fear…but they were also murderers, adulterers. Yet, they were men and women who could be gentle, holy, defenders of the faith one minute and insecure, unbelieving, grudge-holding tyrants the next.
THE SCANDAL OF SPIRITUALITY:
THE ANNE LAMOTT STORY (PG. 17-19).
THE TRUTH ABOUT MESSY SPIRITUALITY:
MESSY SPIRITUALITY UNVEILS THE MYTH OF FLAWLESSNESS AND CALLS CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE TO COME OUT OF HIDING AND TO STOP PRETENDING.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY HAS THE AUDACITY TO SUGGEST THAT MESSINESS IS THE WORKSHOP OF AUTHENTIC SPIRITUALITY, THE GREENHOUSE OF FAITH, THE PLACE WHERE THE REAL JESUS MEETS THE REAL US.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS A CELEBRATION OF A DISCIPLESHIP WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS THE SCANDALOUS ASSERTION THAT FOLLOWING CHRIST IS ANYTHING BUT TIDY AND NEAT, BALANCED AND ORDERLY.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS ANYTHING BUT A STRAIGHT LINE; IT IS A MIXED UP, TOPSY-TURVY, HELTER-SKELTER GODLINESS THAT TURNS OUR LIVES INTO AN UPSIDE-DOWN TOBOGGAN RIDE FULL OF UNEXPECTED TURNS, SURPRISE BUMPS, AND BONE-SHATTERING CRASHES.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS THE DELIRIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF A LIFE RUINED BY A JESUS WHO WILL LOVE US RIGHT INTO HIS ARMS.
QUESTIONS:
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT JESUS’ CRITIQUE OF THE PHARISEES?
READ: Luke 11:37-54
WHAT DO YOU THINK JESUS WAS TRYING TO SAY IN VERSE 39?
‘You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness’
DO YOU THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH BEING A FAKE OR A ‘POSER’?
DO YOU LISTEN OR EVEN ACCEPT SOMEONE ONCE IT’S BEEN REVEALED THEY’RE A POSER?
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE WAS TRYING TO SAY IN VERSE 46?
‘For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.’
DO YOU THINK JESUS WAS ASKING THEM TO BE MORE HUMBLE AND THOUGHTFUL?
ARE YOU THOUGHTFUL AND HUMBLE WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING, LISTENING AND SHARING?
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU HELPED?
HOW DID YOU EASE THEIR BURDEN?
JAMES BOND SAID IT BEST: ‘WHY IS IT THAT PEOPLE WHO INSIST ON GIVING ADVICE NEVER TAKE ANY ADVICE?’
IS THAT YOU? ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO JUDGES AND INSISTS ON ALWAYS BEING RIGHT?
-WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDS OR PARENTS
DO YOU HAVE A MESSY LIFE?
CHALLENGE:
THINK ABOUT HOW MESSY YOUR LIFE IS…HOW YOU MIGHT BE TOO BUSY FOR GOD (READING YOUR BIBLE, GOING TO YOUTH GROUP, CHURCH OR SUNDAY SCHOOL) OR TOO BUSY TO DO GOD’S WILL (HELPING SOMEONE WHO’S HURTING OR MARGINALIZED IN SCHOOL-THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO SIT ALONE).
READ MATTHEW 25:31-46
ANSWER THIS QUESTION: WHO ARE THE ‘LEAST OF THESE’ JESUS SPEAKS OF IN YOUR BUSY LIFE?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Safe and Fun?
Below is something I'd like to share with you. It has to do with what we all know too well about, but the question is, are we doing something about it? Parents, are you talking to your teens about this? Teens, are you talking to your friends about this?
It's a pretty intense video and I hope everyone is moved by this.
It's a pretty intense video and I hope everyone is moved by this.
Friday, August 28, 2009
THE FORGOTTEN GOD: REVISTED
Since posting my review, I sought out my friends at David C Cook and checked out their website-they're the ones who gave me an advanced copy of his book to read.
And I think I have found something that may interest you-a word from the writer himself...Francis Chan. Please check out THE FORGOTTEN GOD by simply clicking on it and order your copy today!
Below is a portion straight from their website:
POWERFUL
When is the last time someone used that word to describe you?
It doesn't make sense that Almighty God would have children characterized by fear and insecurity. He put His Spirit in us so we could be known for our power (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7). Sadly, most believers and churches are known for talent or intellect rather than supernatural power. What's worse is that we're okay with it.
Could it be that we've forgotten the One who distinguishes us from every religion and cult in the world?
Through scriptural support and compelling narrative, breakthrough author Francis Chan reminds us of the Holy Spirit as the Bible describes Him. He reminds us that we were not created and saved merely to survive our time on earth. Chan contends that we've ignored the Spirit and are reaping the disastrous results.
It's time for the beloved church of Jesus Christ to reverse the trend of neglect. Let's pursue the Spirit-filled life of effectiveness God desires and we desire.
And I think I have found something that may interest you-a word from the writer himself...Francis Chan. Please check out THE FORGOTTEN GOD by simply clicking on it and order your copy today!
Below is a portion straight from their website:
POWERFUL
When is the last time someone used that word to describe you?
It doesn't make sense that Almighty God would have children characterized by fear and insecurity. He put His Spirit in us so we could be known for our power (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7). Sadly, most believers and churches are known for talent or intellect rather than supernatural power. What's worse is that we're okay with it.
Could it be that we've forgotten the One who distinguishes us from every religion and cult in the world?
Through scriptural support and compelling narrative, breakthrough author Francis Chan reminds us of the Holy Spirit as the Bible describes Him. He reminds us that we were not created and saved merely to survive our time on earth. Chan contends that we've ignored the Spirit and are reaping the disastrous results.
It's time for the beloved church of Jesus Christ to reverse the trend of neglect. Let's pursue the Spirit-filled life of effectiveness God desires and we desire.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
FORGOTTEN GOD BY FRANCIS CHAN
He has done it again! Not since Rob Bell's 'Velvet Elvis' or David Kinnaman's 'unChrstian' have I read a book that 'hits the nail on the head' for me. It's true that in today's church there's something wrong, but it isn't easy to identify because of our unwillingness to listen or even have the conversation.
I had the privilege of listening to Francis Chan at the National Youth Worker's Convention last year and I had a feeling he would be coming out with another book-he was so conflicted and convicted it was empowering. While I don't want to ruin the book-which is due to be released sometime next month, I do want to share some of the things he said at the Convention which should give you a pretty good idea as to what you can look forward to concerning the book.
Francis brought up a good point when he spoke to us youth leaders...he basically called out everyone in attendance really. It was when he said 'we spend too much time watering rocks' (this was after he got done reading about the parable of the sower and the seed: Matthew 13:3-23) that it hit me-he's right. It's one of the many things that frustrates those in ministry-the 'rocks' that are in our lives-friends, family members, and even those in leadership in the church who don't seem to listen....or those in a situation of power or influence who only indulge in what's beneficial for them in the here and now, rather than God's Kingdom.
Francis followed it up with something along the lines of: If Jesus was the pastor of a church...mine would be bigger, if Jesus was a youth pastor, my youth group would be bigger. Why? Because Jesus' words were too harsh.
If you read carefully in the parable it was the disciples who came to Him and sought out the meaning of the parable...everyone else left confused. I think that sometimes we get confused and choose to stay that way instead of asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We sometimes forget that God hears our grumblings and concerns for the things that only He can provide (patience in times of uncertainty and loss and guidance and strength in our times of great need).
READ: Romans 8:26-28
I don't want to ramble on too long, but when his book come out...get yourself a copy! See if you don't agree that the Holy Spirit has been neglected in today's church and in God's people. We have the power within us...it's just a matter of tapping into that never-ending flow of power and energy which enables us to do great things in His name.
My closing...a challenge: Go read the whole book of ACTS. Let me know what you think about the unstoppable church back then and the very stoppable church today (which argues over the color of paint or carpet, and even manages to keep talking about the way things were-basically talking about what God and the Holy Spirit were doing in the life of their church years ago while forgetting about what the Holy Spirit is trying to do in their midst). I'll get off my soap box, but be sure to check out Francis Chan's new book...
I had the privilege of listening to Francis Chan at the National Youth Worker's Convention last year and I had a feeling he would be coming out with another book-he was so conflicted and convicted it was empowering. While I don't want to ruin the book-which is due to be released sometime next month, I do want to share some of the things he said at the Convention which should give you a pretty good idea as to what you can look forward to concerning the book.
Francis brought up a good point when he spoke to us youth leaders...he basically called out everyone in attendance really. It was when he said 'we spend too much time watering rocks' (this was after he got done reading about the parable of the sower and the seed: Matthew 13:3-23) that it hit me-he's right. It's one of the many things that frustrates those in ministry-the 'rocks' that are in our lives-friends, family members, and even those in leadership in the church who don't seem to listen....or those in a situation of power or influence who only indulge in what's beneficial for them in the here and now, rather than God's Kingdom.
Francis followed it up with something along the lines of: If Jesus was the pastor of a church...mine would be bigger, if Jesus was a youth pastor, my youth group would be bigger. Why? Because Jesus' words were too harsh.
If you read carefully in the parable it was the disciples who came to Him and sought out the meaning of the parable...everyone else left confused. I think that sometimes we get confused and choose to stay that way instead of asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We sometimes forget that God hears our grumblings and concerns for the things that only He can provide (patience in times of uncertainty and loss and guidance and strength in our times of great need).
READ: Romans 8:26-28
I don't want to ramble on too long, but when his book come out...get yourself a copy! See if you don't agree that the Holy Spirit has been neglected in today's church and in God's people. We have the power within us...it's just a matter of tapping into that never-ending flow of power and energy which enables us to do great things in His name.
My closing...a challenge: Go read the whole book of ACTS. Let me know what you think about the unstoppable church back then and the very stoppable church today (which argues over the color of paint or carpet, and even manages to keep talking about the way things were-basically talking about what God and the Holy Spirit were doing in the life of their church years ago while forgetting about what the Holy Spirit is trying to do in their midst). I'll get off my soap box, but be sure to check out Francis Chan's new book...
Sunday, August 9, 2009
NO YOUTH GROUP
Due to the nasty weather there is no youth group today. Please pass this on to others.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
HYPOCRITICAL Part I
I have again picked up another book that I haven't read in a while. It's called UnChristian by David Kinnaman-if you haven't read it, I suggest you get yourself a copy. This isn't just for Youth Pastors or anyone else in a leadership position in the church...it's for everyone who calls themselves a Christian!
I can't seem to get over the fact that nearly 79% of our graduating high school seniors will walk away from the church during their college years. On the same token, I totally understand it...I mean look around. The culture around us has changed and our youth have begun to see through our facade.
It's not just because of our lifestyles as Christians but the way we convey the priorities of being a Christian. The common message they hear/get is that Christianity is a religion of rules and regulations. They think of us as hypocritical because they are measuring us by our own standards. Ironic huh?
Here's another nugget the book unveiled:
Christians are not defined by transparency but by adherence to rigid rules and strict standards.
So the question becomes: as a follower does your response to moral issues reflect complexcity? Are you honest with yourself about your own struggles? Do they motivate you to turn your heart-and that of others-towards God, seeking His ways to handle issues? Or are you too focused on maintaining the rules and regulations?
Now, there are those who would rather ignore the negative perception others have of us Christians-strugging it off saying 'it doesn't matter because outsiders just dont get it'. But what if God is revealing something to us in shift? I mean we can either get defensive about our image problem (that we are hypocritical), ignore it, or we could take culture's accusations of hypocrisy as God's wake up call to the overwhelming needs of others. What if He is using our culture to make us aware of our own hollow attempts and answers? Should we really ignore God's warning to us?
For example: Victoria left the church because of encounters with it's hypocritical churchgoers-they frustrated her and left her outside of the church.
Spirituality isn't measured by the number of sermons you hear, the piety of our lives, or the goodness of our actions. It's in the simple interactions and conversations we have with others in the hallways of our church, in the invitations we give (or don't give), the genuineness of concern, and how people respond to you and your child.
Victoria gave Christians a chance and found us hypocritical and judgmental. The way we react to people and to their life circumstances is also the measure of our spiritual maturity. Victoria didn't say we as Christians are hypocritical because she chose to reject kindhearted help that Christians offered her. Did she misunderstand the dozens of well-intentioned people? Was she oblivious to the men in the church who were trying to help, perhaps by taking her son fishing or to a basketball game? Nope! Instead she watched, waited, and listened for people like you and me to embrace her needs, to restore her life-and that of her son-to God's purposes. Did she make a mistake? Sure, but so did the Christians around her.
You see, the 'UnChristian' faith says it is important to remind Victoria that a single parent family is not as good as a married family. It tells us to keep giving her advice, without love or genuine interest, about how to raise her son. It leads us to believe we should know because we have it all together.
Chew on this for a challenge: Read Matthew 23:4 and think about the overwhelming perception young people have of us as Christians-as hypocrites. Does your life point people to a life in Christ that bursts with freedom to love, restoraiton, purity, and transparency? Or are you burying people-insiders and outsiders-under the weight of a self-righteous life?
I can't seem to get over the fact that nearly 79% of our graduating high school seniors will walk away from the church during their college years. On the same token, I totally understand it...I mean look around. The culture around us has changed and our youth have begun to see through our facade.
It's not just because of our lifestyles as Christians but the way we convey the priorities of being a Christian. The common message they hear/get is that Christianity is a religion of rules and regulations. They think of us as hypocritical because they are measuring us by our own standards. Ironic huh?
Here's another nugget the book unveiled:
Christians are not defined by transparency but by adherence to rigid rules and strict standards.
So the question becomes: as a follower does your response to moral issues reflect complexcity? Are you honest with yourself about your own struggles? Do they motivate you to turn your heart-and that of others-towards God, seeking His ways to handle issues? Or are you too focused on maintaining the rules and regulations?
Now, there are those who would rather ignore the negative perception others have of us Christians-strugging it off saying 'it doesn't matter because outsiders just dont get it'. But what if God is revealing something to us in shift? I mean we can either get defensive about our image problem (that we are hypocritical), ignore it, or we could take culture's accusations of hypocrisy as God's wake up call to the overwhelming needs of others. What if He is using our culture to make us aware of our own hollow attempts and answers? Should we really ignore God's warning to us?
For example: Victoria left the church because of encounters with it's hypocritical churchgoers-they frustrated her and left her outside of the church.
Spirituality isn't measured by the number of sermons you hear, the piety of our lives, or the goodness of our actions. It's in the simple interactions and conversations we have with others in the hallways of our church, in the invitations we give (or don't give), the genuineness of concern, and how people respond to you and your child.
Victoria gave Christians a chance and found us hypocritical and judgmental. The way we react to people and to their life circumstances is also the measure of our spiritual maturity. Victoria didn't say we as Christians are hypocritical because she chose to reject kindhearted help that Christians offered her. Did she misunderstand the dozens of well-intentioned people? Was she oblivious to the men in the church who were trying to help, perhaps by taking her son fishing or to a basketball game? Nope! Instead she watched, waited, and listened for people like you and me to embrace her needs, to restore her life-and that of her son-to God's purposes. Did she make a mistake? Sure, but so did the Christians around her.
You see, the 'UnChristian' faith says it is important to remind Victoria that a single parent family is not as good as a married family. It tells us to keep giving her advice, without love or genuine interest, about how to raise her son. It leads us to believe we should know because we have it all together.
Chew on this for a challenge: Read Matthew 23:4 and think about the overwhelming perception young people have of us as Christians-as hypocrites. Does your life point people to a life in Christ that bursts with freedom to love, restoraiton, purity, and transparency? Or are you burying people-insiders and outsiders-under the weight of a self-righteous life?
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