Sobering News

Today I received some grave news. A friend of mine quit as pastor of his church due to moral failure. It hurt me deeply because not only was this man my friend but a mentor and leader for a significant time of my life. As a matter of fact, I would consider him one of my spiritual fathers.

With the sobering revelation I'm reminded of two things. First, our heroes all have feet made of clay. No matter how highly we regard them, it doesn't change the fact that they can bomb, implode, lock up, freak out, go off the deep end and ruin their life (and witness). I'm sure you can name some people yourself.

Secondly, it reminds me that I better watch my life, safeguard my heart and take care of my soul. It's funny how when my heart and soul get weak so does my resolve. Actually it's not that funny - it can be the difference between leading a ministry and being a recipient of it. So take care of that which needs taking care of; spend time with others in good fellowship, dig deep into the disciplines so that God may pour out his grace to you and keep watch over what's going on inside of you.

Everybody is playing for keeps.

Confession

Hi. I have a problem. Okay, I know that’s not new. I’m a sinner. Sinners and problems go hand-in-hand like Elvis and a velvet canvas. The difference is that sometimes, when we get slow down, meditate on God’s Word and allow His Spirit to speak to our heart, we can receive enough grace to discover problems we possessed but couldn’t put a finger on. So when I say I have a problem, I mean I’ve seen something in my life that’s I didn’t before.

It’s the sin of self-promotion.

It’s almost funny that I was so oblivious to this in my life, but now as I’ve narrowed down the problem in my heart I see it everywhere!

Over the past few weeks I’ve talked with a friend of mine who said that when he struggled through stuff like that it came down to him trusting (or not) the Gospel to be his validation and security. They were good words. Adding to that line of thought was a message I heard this week by Pastor Tim Keller on preaching the Gospel. One of the key thoughts he addressed was that the sin we exhibit usually has a deeper root sin as its cause whose cure is almost always the Gospel. Again, for what was going on in me, they were especially good words.

I’ve come to realize that when you boil it all down, my sin of self-promotion is due to my inability to trust the Gospel. Wanting others to see me a certain way emanates from my lack of faith that Jesus is my identity and the Cross my confession. As a result, I feel the need to validate myself before others even though that question has already been answered by the Gospel.

So I thank God for the past seven days. I’m grateful he gave me eyes to see that which kept me from living the Gospel out in my life. I know there’s more stuff in me to be dealt with but at least one stone was overturned in me that, up to now, hadn’t been. Now I simply ask that he might give me the grace to mortify that problem, and all others, which keep me from trusting in the Good News.

What are you trusting?

No Spin Zone

There is a well-known political commentator on a cable news network whose promotes his incredibly popular talk show as a “no spin zone”. Whether that is true or not isn’t what I’d like to debate (it’s “not” by the way), this is more about what the phrase touches upon. I believe it strikes a chord with many who feel like they’re always being told what something “is” or “isn’t” by the experts – people with titles, talk shows or a tome. Nothing is beyond being “spun”, not even Jesus. Unfortunately, more times than not the people I see “spinning” Jesus happen to be within the walls of the church. Some times I’m sure it’s been me doing it!

Instead of going deeper on that let me simply stop and offer a suggestion for those of you who feel like Jesus has been spun one too many times before your eyes (even, or especially, if it's of your own doing). Read the Gospels for yourself, again. Just you and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Over the past week I’ve spent about an hour a day reading through the Gospel accounts and the one thing that stood out to me above all else is how my view of Jesus may need to be trimmed of some “spin”. For example, in reading about what Jesus said and did, I’m taken back by how often un-meek and un-mild Jesus acted. He was pretty tough to say the least, yet the popular picture often cast of Jesus is a person almost timid in character. But that's just spin to make Jesus more accessible, distilled and disinfected for public consumption. I thought about sharing some supporting scripture references for you to check out but that would defeat the point of reading it yourself. Do it. Take one week or so and read through the Gospels in big chunks at a time. I don't know if this is fast or not, but I read about fourteen chapters and hour which means I finish Matthew in two sittings, etc. When you read in big sections you get a sense of the emotional flow and timber of Jesus as he heals, preaches and moves toward Jerusalem. Every time I finished an account I had the same feeling: I’ve forgotten more of who Jesus is than I realized.

So, read the Gospels by yourself. It’s good. It's simple. It’s truly a “no spin zone”. Who knows? You might realize the Jesus you've known has more in common with what's being spun today than the real thing?

When it comes to Jesus, get to the Gospels; leave the spin to the politicos and pundits.

(RED)talk

Let’s do some word association. Don’t worry, this will be short. I’ll give you one word. Actually, one name: Bono.

What comes to your mind? Frontman of the world’s greatest rock band? Mega-voice with sunglasses to match? Self-appointed African ambassador? The founder of the One and (RED) campaigns? I’m sure the responses would be many. Today my answer would be: one shrewd dude. I know, it doesn’t have all the sophistication and depth that others might supply but let me explain.

A week or two ago I read an article about the achievement of the (RED) campaign, which was begun by Bono as an attempt to get companies to designate one of their products (colored red of course) of which a portion of its sale would go to help fight AIDS in Africa. It was interesting to say the least, and when I asked others who were more in the know that I am what they thought of it, opinions ran across the board. I don’t really know enough still to comment intelligently about whether (RED) is successful or not. However, in doing a little (emphasis on little) research on the (RED) campaign I discovered how well Bono knows the West and has capitalized on that knowledge for his, and (RED)’s, advantage. On the (RED) webpage, after explaining what (RED) is all about, Bono concludes his pitch:

You, the consumer, can take your purchase to the power of (RED) simply by upgrading your choice. Thus the proposition: (YOU)RED. Be embraced, take your own fine self to the power of (RED). What better way to become a good-looking samaritan?!

As I said, Bono is shrewd. He knows us maybe better than we know ourselves.

• Question: How do you get a bunch of consumers, who live life thinking they are the center of the universe, to give money to your cause?

• Answer: You speak their love language of possessions and narcissism by telling them how great they will appear in the eyes of others when they don their (RED) shirts, IPods, shirts, cell phones, stuff ad infinitum, and be recognized as hip and a do-gooder at the same time!

I read his words and, once again, am amazed how we’re so consumed with ourselves that even our charity must be about us. One thing that (RED) does is tell us how culturally-savvy Bono is (he speaks fluent Western-ese) and how terribly small our national soul has become. I wonder how much we would give if it meant nobody knew anything, if it meant that we don’t get to wear a hip shirt around for others to see? What do you think? I believe you know the answer as well as I do.

Let me be clear. I’m not against (RED). I hope it raises as much money as possible to help real people who are really dying. I’m also sincere in my praise of Bono’s shrewdness. He knows the pulse of the people and is trying to do something good with it. Folks are going to spend money, why not try to take some of that consumer cash and funnel it to something that's truly worthwhile? I can't argue with that at all. More power to him! Bono has done more for those in Africa than I (and most others for that matter) probably ever will. Furthermore, I don’t think everyone who wears something (RED) has done so with self-centered intentions.

It’s just that in all this (RED) stuff I, as a Follower of Jesus, need to pause, take a moment to reflect and check my heart before I tell that salesperson at the mall to grab me a cardinal colored XL t-shirt. Why? Remember Bono’s final plea to join his cause: “What better way to become a good-looking samaritan?!” While that may be a great motive for a consumer to give it isn't for a follower of Jesus. Contrast Bono's words with the words of Jesus: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

As an appeal to consumers, Bono's conclusion is genius, but for those who follow Christ, it's dangerous because it seeks to arouse the stuff in us we're supposed to be trying to die to.

I know this may sound (RED)iculous but if you want to give to help those dying of AIDS in Africa just give directly and 100% of your money will be used to serve others. You may not catch the eyes of others but you will catch the eye of One.

What better way to become a Good Samaritan?

A Tough Day

There’s nothing like having children to remind you that, when it comes to sanctification, you still have a long way to go. Today I was just a flat-out bad parent. Apparently my patience-tank was running on fumes because I lit into my eldest more times than I can remember. In each episode I overreacted. He’d commit a “3” blunder and I’d counter with an “10” response. Frankly, it was utterly embarrassing and pathetic on my part.

If my son knew better he would’ve written me up for being a joke of a parent. Fortunately for me he simply looked past most of my [insert your favorite pejorative adjective] actions and still wanted to hang out, which only heightened my sense of guilt and shame.

As I tucked him into bed tonight I told him how sorry I was, how badly I acted today, how I would like to have his forgiveness, he simply responded, “Daddy, you had a tough day; we all have tough days. I forgive you.” Then he kissed me. I left after praying with him, asking God for the same forgiveness I requested from my child and feeling the same oppressive but deserved embarrassment.

[Sigh]

Today revealed that I can be a pretty sad excuse for a father.
Today reminded me how much responsibility I have as a tool to shape my son’s character.
Today is a day I wish I could do over.
Today my son deserved better.

It was a tough day.