Comments by friends of mine and a particular video clip which led to the firing of a government appointee, prompted a thought for a follow-up on last week's blog about discipleship. Being a student, or disciple, is not a passive pursuit. In spiritual matters, and other important issues, what we hear, see or read should be questioned, investigated and put in context. Any preacher (or pundit) worth his or her salt will welcome questions and be willing to consider other opinions and thoughts, and all of us should be willing to have thoughts of our own, never blindly believing or mindlessly following anyone.
Yesterday, I overheard someone say, jokingly, "You mean people actually doctor up things on the Internet? Not everything you see on there is real?" We've all been around long enough to know not everything we read is factual, but our human nature is to believe it anyway, especially if what we read is in agreement with what we already tend to think. Even if what we read is "true," there is often at least one more fact that's missing which would change what we think if we only knew it.
It is often difficult to know who to trust and believe, but it is usually easy enough to find out if what someone is saying is trustworthy by doing a little research of our own. What is this person/organization's track record? Could they have an agenda and therefore, find it advantageous to offer partial information? In cases relating to spiritual matters, is what they're saying in line with what we know of the character and nature of Jesus?
Jesus commanded us to love others, and he demonstrated love through compassion, respect, humility, friendship and placing the needs of others ahead of his own. If what is being proclaimed does not line up with at least these basic concepts, there is a distinct possibility that it's not what Jesus had in mind. Jesus did become angry and was, occasionally, confrontational, but upon investigation, we discover his anger was directed at those who were using religion to advance their own agenda...the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the money changers in the temple.
It is important to be mindful of what we say, and it is equally important that we pay close attention to what is being said to us. Whatever we allow to enter our thoughts can easily become part of our beliefs; it is our responsibility to process carefully what we hear.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Discipleship
In what is commonly called the "Great Commission" given by Jesus to his followers, he says to go "make disciples of all the nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I commanded you." (Mark 28:19-20) This wisdom and tradition was to be passed on from generation to generation, so that throughout the ages more would become followers of Christ and would know him through this method.
As straightforward as it seems, unfortunately, when put into practice, the concept has often been misconstrued and misused. We are never told to make converts to our own way of thinking, an outcome which is always a potential hazard when teaching others anything, but in spiritual matters, it is a pitfall which must be avoided at all costs.
From the dangerous extreme of deadly cults built around disturbed personalities to the more subtle thought that creeps in when parishioners mention going to a particular pastor's church (rather than thinking in terms of the Body of Christ), so often the focus can be taken off of the teachings of Jesus and placed on the teachings of another individual.
I like the "The Message" translation of this scripture, "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life . . .instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you." It places even more emphasis on Jesus and gives a better idea of the concept of discipleship, which doesn't just mean "follower," but also, especially, "student." In a good teacher/student relationship, the teacher shares what he or she knows, but the bulk of the learning is when the student becomes immersed in the topic at hand, outside of the classroom -- reading, researching and studying all that can be discovered about a particular subject.
As disciples of Jesus, we should never cease to learn more about him, more about his character and nature and more about "the Way" of living he taught. Listening to what others have to say about Jesus is only part of our education as believers. Our duty is to delve into his teachings and study scripture, so that we know about him, but also truly know him and maintain our own relationship with him. Then, we are in a position to repeat the cycle and make more disciples, which is the calling for each of us.
As straightforward as it seems, unfortunately, when put into practice, the concept has often been misconstrued and misused. We are never told to make converts to our own way of thinking, an outcome which is always a potential hazard when teaching others anything, but in spiritual matters, it is a pitfall which must be avoided at all costs.
From the dangerous extreme of deadly cults built around disturbed personalities to the more subtle thought that creeps in when parishioners mention going to a particular pastor's church (rather than thinking in terms of the Body of Christ), so often the focus can be taken off of the teachings of Jesus and placed on the teachings of another individual.
I like the "The Message" translation of this scripture, "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life . . .instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you." It places even more emphasis on Jesus and gives a better idea of the concept of discipleship, which doesn't just mean "follower," but also, especially, "student." In a good teacher/student relationship, the teacher shares what he or she knows, but the bulk of the learning is when the student becomes immersed in the topic at hand, outside of the classroom -- reading, researching and studying all that can be discovered about a particular subject.
As disciples of Jesus, we should never cease to learn more about him, more about his character and nature and more about "the Way" of living he taught. Listening to what others have to say about Jesus is only part of our education as believers. Our duty is to delve into his teachings and study scripture, so that we know about him, but also truly know him and maintain our own relationship with him. Then, we are in a position to repeat the cycle and make more disciples, which is the calling for each of us.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
What Can We Do?
My blog is usually a re-post of my weekly column in the West Plains Daily Quill, so sometimes it is "local" in nature. This week, I want to share some information about a local project, but I hope it will be a challenge for all of us to think of what has happened in our own lives which has lead us to where we are -- the struggles, the difficulties -- and then think of how we can help those in similar situations. A heartfelt, empathetic desire to demonstrate love and assist others in overcoming their circumstances, is the perfect way to change someone's life forever.
I'm always interested in and inspired by the creative ways people are helping others, and here is something my friend Lisa Meade is doing. After hearing about outreach programs in other parts of the country which provide formal dresses and all the accessories needed for girls who couldn't otherwise afford to attend prom to do so, Lisa decided to do something similar in our area. The result of her desire to help is a wonderful project called "Cinderella's Closet."
They are looking for donations of new and/or gently used prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, evening bags, disposable cameras, hair and nail gift certificates, gift cards for an evening meal, anything a girl can use to have a memorable prom night. (They also need gift certificates for dry cleaning the used dresses.) Items can be dropped off at Bradford Pharmacy in West Plains (ask for Leslie King or Bob Manion) or Air Evac Patient Accounts (ask for Lisa). Lisa's email address is daughter-oftheking@hotmail.com, if wanting more information.
Cinderella's Closet will be open for a couple of days early next year for girls to come and "shop." Everything will be free, and the girls will leave all outfitted for prom.
Lisa shared with me the importance of this project. She says, "I understand first hand how it feels not to be able to 'fit in,' and I know there are girls in our area who feel the same way simply because their families are under financial stress and cannot afford to send them to prom. I wasn't able to attend either of my proms due to financial restrictions in our family, and that is why this means so much to me, personally."
I have friends and family members who have travelled around the world to do mission work, and I admire them for that. But we should not feel as though we fall short if we don't do similar work...there are plenty of opportunities to minister right where we are. What have we learned from what we have experienced -- our trials, our mistakes -- that we can turn into a way to help others?
I'm always interested in and inspired by the creative ways people are helping others, and here is something my friend Lisa Meade is doing. After hearing about outreach programs in other parts of the country which provide formal dresses and all the accessories needed for girls who couldn't otherwise afford to attend prom to do so, Lisa decided to do something similar in our area. The result of her desire to help is a wonderful project called "Cinderella's Closet."
They are looking for donations of new and/or gently used prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, evening bags, disposable cameras, hair and nail gift certificates, gift cards for an evening meal, anything a girl can use to have a memorable prom night. (They also need gift certificates for dry cleaning the used dresses.) Items can be dropped off at Bradford Pharmacy in West Plains (ask for Leslie King or Bob Manion) or Air Evac Patient Accounts (ask for Lisa). Lisa's email address is daughter-oftheking@hotmail.com, if wanting more information.
Cinderella's Closet will be open for a couple of days early next year for girls to come and "shop." Everything will be free, and the girls will leave all outfitted for prom.
Lisa shared with me the importance of this project. She says, "I understand first hand how it feels not to be able to 'fit in,' and I know there are girls in our area who feel the same way simply because their families are under financial stress and cannot afford to send them to prom. I wasn't able to attend either of my proms due to financial restrictions in our family, and that is why this means so much to me, personally."
I have friends and family members who have travelled around the world to do mission work, and I admire them for that. But we should not feel as though we fall short if we don't do similar work...there are plenty of opportunities to minister right where we are. What have we learned from what we have experienced -- our trials, our mistakes -- that we can turn into a way to help others?
Sunday, July 4, 2010
What is Strength?
Believers are called to display such qualities as meekness, lowliness, humility and kindness. Forcing ideas and beliefs on other people is not how to win them over to any way of thinking, and Jesus understood this. He never tried to bully anyone or pressure people into following him, and yet thousands at a time were drawn to him and his message. He simply stated truth and loved others with an open heart and open arms. Those who heard him wanted to know more, wanted to understand how he could remain calm in the middle of turmoil. That is what people are still wanting today and will always want, to find peace and steadfastness in the midst of a storm.
Our duty, as Christians, is not to add to the confusion and heartache that so many people are feeling, but rather, we should be able to offer them an alternative approach to the pain of the world. Anyone can turn on the television and within moments, find someone shouting loudly (many of them claiming God as a supporter of their rants), trying to convince viewers that a certain way of thinking is the right path, while insulting those who disagree with their opinions. That may be entertaining, at some level, for some people, but it merely adds to the commotion and offers no solutions.
For peace and contentment to prevail, the message which Jesus brought must still be proclaimed today. Condemnation is to be replaced with compassion, and hardened hearts must learn about forgiveness. In light of scripture, we should ask ourselves about our own thinking and attitudes. Colossians 3:12-13 says, "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." Other scripture is equally plain in expressing how we are to behave.
While a gentle, forgiving spirit can be perceived as weakness from a worldly point of view, it is, most assuredly, a strength, a powerful force for change. Here's hoping for gentle days ahead; we need all the strength we can get.
Our duty, as Christians, is not to add to the confusion and heartache that so many people are feeling, but rather, we should be able to offer them an alternative approach to the pain of the world. Anyone can turn on the television and within moments, find someone shouting loudly (many of them claiming God as a supporter of their rants), trying to convince viewers that a certain way of thinking is the right path, while insulting those who disagree with their opinions. That may be entertaining, at some level, for some people, but it merely adds to the commotion and offers no solutions.
For peace and contentment to prevail, the message which Jesus brought must still be proclaimed today. Condemnation is to be replaced with compassion, and hardened hearts must learn about forgiveness. In light of scripture, we should ask ourselves about our own thinking and attitudes. Colossians 3:12-13 says, "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." Other scripture is equally plain in expressing how we are to behave.
While a gentle, forgiving spirit can be perceived as weakness from a worldly point of view, it is, most assuredly, a strength, a powerful force for change. Here's hoping for gentle days ahead; we need all the strength we can get.
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