This Close, Yet Miles Away

Today is the day before the Lenten season begins for Christians. Last year at this time, I also blogged about Lent and called those who wanted to build Christian discipline in their life to engage in a study of 1 Peter and following a corresponding Disciplines Guide that I created. Those who truly wanted to grow in their faith took advantage of the opportunity and participated in that exercise or in one of their own choosing. And they experienced various degrees of success, as would be expected. That’s because Disciplines do not create holiness in our lives, but rather give us opportunities to reprioritize in order to allow the Lord to transform our heart and mind. Or else, they just make us miserable.

And that’s the problem with religion. The Lenten season has been viewed by pre- and post-Christians alike as the climax of the religious life, denial and misery. Rather than concentrating on what the season offers us, we focus on the process and what it prohibits. You can’t blame pre-Christians for this; we have created this perception ourselves. They are simply observing us. And to make matters worse, we created a celebration before the season, the party before the world ends, Mardi Gras.

Today is Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”). It is a day to party like it’s the end of the world, since the next day, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, surely is the end of living life according to our selfishness. And the world loves a party, especially one where all social conventions are overturned and flesh is king. Secret: The church loves it too.

Fat Tuesday was our creation, not theirs. But we sit back on our “blessed assurance” and direct chubby fingers pronouncing judgment toward them. The truth is: Fat Tuesday is a better reflection of the condition of Christ’s Church than of the lost world. We have gotten fat. Our faith is about us. The gospel is about us. Our Sunday morning religious expressions are about us. It’s all about us. God should bless us because we are so wonderful, and He should torture everyone else so that we can really appreciate how much better we are than they. Lost is our mission. Lost is following after our Suffering Servant. Lost is offering yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.

The church has become fat on its reliance upon doctrinal knowledge to be its salvation. Jesus didn’t come to give us Bible studies. We have become fat on our traditions that create divisions in the church that Christ gave His blood to create. Jesus didn’t come to give us denominations. We have become fat and lazy, like Eli (1 Samuel 1-4), trusting that we are the chosen people of God while we mock Him with our religious activities. Jesus didn’t come to enslave us to rules and to make us miserable.

So, how do we recover from Fat Christianity? Well, it starts with right theology. It starts with taking another look at the God who became man in order to show us both Who He is and how we must become. Our faith has a focus, Christ, and an expression, the world. You see, Jesus didn’t come to give us a comfortable, prosperous life, but that doesn’t make us miserable because He is our treasure. But He did come to give us joy abundant. After all, it was He Who said, “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).

So, shape up, Church. Fatties have no place in the Kingdom of God.

Back to the Basics to Figure Out What's Wrong

Have you ever had the pleasure (or pain) that accompanies setting Mission, Vision, and Values for an organization? I have done this many times, both for churches and for businesses. For those of you who don’t know anything about these terms, let me briefly explain:

Mission: Mission answers the big “Why?” question. “Why do we exist?” It’s sometimes called “purpose,” especially outside the church. If you’re a business, it might state something about your product or service. While your mission will never change, you might express it in different ways during different seasons thru clever, catchy slogans. But slogans should never be confused with your mission. Mission is your reason for existing; slogans are to help people remember your mission so they will stay on track. For the church, our mission comes from the Great Commission.

Vision: Vision is often confused with mission, but it is very different. While your mission answers the “Why?” question, vision answers the “What if?” question. “If we successfully accomplish our mission, what will be different?” Vision is the level where you motivate people toward partnering with you in your mission. And casting vision is not the same as setting goals. Vision should be qualitative, not quantitative. And vision should be recast periodically. Vision changes to reflect the times.

Values: Core values answer the “How?” question. “How will we function (what will the characteristics of our organization be) as we accomplish our mission?” While churches do a fairly consistent job of identifying values, their values are not culture-creating. “The Bible” should not be a core value. I know, that sounds heretical because we do value the Bible. But a better core value, one which reflects our value of the Bible, might be “Obedience.” See what I mean? If not, read on and then let’s talk….

Let’s take a look at our mission. The Great Commission is found in several places in the Scriptures (Mark 16:16-18; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:8) but most widely recognized in Matthew 28:18-20:

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Some drop v.18, but that may be part of the problem we are having being faithful. Right before commissioning His church, Jesus establishes His absolute authority in this act. This is not a proclamation to be ignored. The word we translate “go” sounds like an imperative command, but is actually an attendant circumstance participle, better translated “while you are going…” to indicate that this has very little to do with mission trips and everything to do with living a missional life. I won’t go into “all nations” with all its implications except to say that it means “everyone.” And we are told that we are to make disciples. There is our imperative command: “Make disciples!” Notice, it doesn’t say to sponsor events or attract a crowd or preach. But it does tell us what discipleship is about.

We are to immerse them (baptizing) into the Name. This speaks of something other than getting someone wet. We baptize as a symbol of our commitment to the discipleship journey. Sadly, most of our churches have retained the symbol, but lost the substance. The Name is the very identity of our God. It’s not a word, like your name or mine. It is who He is. And we are to help people to become fully immersed in God. The word we transliterate “baptize” was used of ships that were sunk at sea, consumed by the waters. It was also used of cloth that was being immersed into a dye only to emerge changed to take on its appearance. This is why we exist, to immerse one another in our Lord. But don’t miss the next part. As they say, “Proof is in the pudding” and our pudding has the flavor of obedience. Disciples of the Lord obey. Isn’t that obvious, since He has already established His absolute authority?

Is that what the church looks like? Or have we exchanged symbol for substance? Have we redefined the mission of the church and in the process lost our way? Perhaps we have ignored the goal, obedience. And in doing all of that, haven’t we in essence told Jesus that He is not Lord of the church, but we are.

Ask yourself which is more important, orthodoxy (right doctrine) or orthopraxy (right actions). Don’t hear me wrongly. I believe that our doctrinal beliefs have to be as accurate as our Fall-corrupted minds can handle. And actions that do not flow from faith in God are useless. But the Sovereign Lord says “Obey” not systematize and divide over secondary or even tertiary concepts. It’s a relationship. It’s relational. It’s obedience.

Spectators

So, last night was the Super Bowl and we had a pretty full house for the event. Honestly, most of us weren't really that into the game. It was more about wanting to cheer AGAINST the Patriots. But it was a great time of food with friends, mostly old and some new.

But how many of our churches look like our Game Day Party? They consist of an event on Sunday where we get together with a bunch of likeminded people we have known for years. We watch the game being played by other people (missionaries, clergy, staff) and occasionally loudly complain about poor officiating. Commercial breaks are welcome and are sometimes the parts that are more interesting than the actual show. And we get to cheer for the good guys and boo the bad guys, trusting in the end that we are aligned with the winning team. And of course, there’s going to be a big celebration party when we win, one where we’ll act as though we were actually participating in the battle that waged on the field.

But there’s something funny about football that is unlike church. Afterward, you generally see more guys (and gals) go out, inspired by the show, and pick up a football and play. Maybe it’s just a dad playing catch with his kid. Maybe it’s a 4v4 game in the street. Maybe a bunch of folks form a league. And in that, maybe the NFL is doing a better job of making disciples than the Church of Jesus Christ. After the game, there are countless youngsters who dream of being the game’s MVP and leading their team to victory. And many if not most will try. And, truth be told, most will really enjoy just getting out there and being part of something thrilling and competitive where their unique talents make them contributors to something bigger than themselves. At the end of the “day” they will generally look back on the experience and be glad that they were part of the game.

But the church, not so much.

Corrupted and Clueless

So, what’s the biggest problem in Christ’s church today? Well, let’s talk specifically about the church in America (frankly, because the Chinese church is a beautiful example of faithfulness right now). We, on the other hand, suffer from heart disease.

Our problem is that we have fallen into a trap that is as old as the story. The problem with the people of God has always been our desire to follow after the gods of the world (read: “culture”). Let’s take a look at what Christ would probably say to the church in America:

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:14-22

Let’s take a little time/space to break this down. Laodicea was a jewel in the Roman Empire. It was a wealthy hub of commerce in Asia Minor, known for banking and wealth, medicine (especially an eye salve), and clothing (particularly a glossy black wool that was valued by the very rich). But this jewel had a flaw, namely that it had no water and had to import this crucial commodity. Its neighbors, Colossae and Hierapolis were regionally renowned for their cool and hot waters, respectively. The cool pure waters of Colossae were a refreshing and life-giving substance, while the hot springs of Hierapolis were used medicinally to cure almost any ailment. But then there was Laodicea which used a Roman aqueduct to bring mineral-laden hot spring water to a thirsty city. By the time it arrived, it still had its sulfury stench and had only cooled enough to be tepid. There was nothing pleasant about the water of Laodicea which generally made you want to wretch.

This was their cultural setting, and unfortunately the church was being corrupted by its context. Jesus’ words are not for the godless, but for the ones who claim to be His children. And He introduces Himself as “the Amen” (a reference to absolute truth), “the faithful and true witness” (the very thing that His children are called to be in the culture), and “the ruler of God’s creation” (just in case they thought obedience was optional). According to Him, they have no refreshing, life-giving value, not for Christ, but for the community. Neither do they offer restorative, healing benefits. They are foul and repugnant, like the water. Furthermore, they have clothed themselves in the ways of wealth and opulence rather than in the white garments of righteousness. And while they claim to “see” by the help of cultural innovation, they are really blind. To what are they blind? To the fact that Jesus is not in their midst! He says, “You are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” and “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

Now, take a look at the church in America; take a look at your own church. Does it reflect the culture of America more than it does the Kingdom of God? Maybe you don’t even know the difference, you’re that blind. Laodicea means “people’s rights”; it was their culture and it’s the American way. Ask yourself if you are serving the Lord and His Kingdom or if you (individually and collectively) are serving yourselves.

First and foremost, is your congregation a faithful and true witness in the community? Are you known for your cool refreshing waters or your medicinal springs? Or, has the god of this age set up his throne in your hearts? Has Christ left and you don’t even realize it?

Let’s make it very simple. What is your church like thru the week? If you’re thinking about a building, Jesus is knocking. If all of your activities are on Sunday (and Wednesday), Jesus is knocking. If you’re more concerned with the Sunday schedule or type of music than if lives are being transformed, Jesus is knocking. If your small group or Sunday school class never gets shoulder-to-shoulder with non-Christians, Jesus is knocking.

And maybe you’ll think this is good news, but He won’t knock forever. Repent!

Terror or Thrill?

So, for nearly a year now, my family has been living out our faith under circumstances that were never part of our plans. Truth be told, I don’t think that I would ever have even considered this experience as something to strive for. Yet, like countless others, we find ourselves in a season that God has provided that is far from pleasant. OK, it’s been downright painful and difficult.

But isn’t that the story that we see over and over again in the Scriptures? There’s a different story that we sometimes inadvertently tell (some intentionally) that says that giving yourself to the Lord will result in health, wealth, and prosperity. But that’s not the story of the Scriptures. Rather, we see people going thru all sorts of hardships. Some because they have created the circumstances, some because of the actions of others, and some unclear. But the story of the Bible is that God knows, cares, and is near. That’s the promise. He is also able to change it, but that’s not promised. Only that He knows, cares, and is near. And that is sufficient.

The key in the midst of this is to maintain the perspective of faith. Faith is trusting in the Lord. So, we have a choice. We can either be filled with anxiety, fear, even absolute terror, or we can choose to be prepared to see God’s presence in the midst of danger. Whichever we choose is an indicator of our faith. Now, please don’t hear me wrongly. I’m not saying that people with strong faith don’t feel fear or pain. Those are natural, understandable first responses. It’s following that response from the flesh that the inner person is made known. Because the Lord’s people rejoice in all circumstances, not because of the situation but because of who He is.

There’s a video clip that I saw in church on Sunday that captures this idea. It’s a commercial that has very little to do with the product being promoted. But it’s great to see these two responses to the same threatening circumstances. Enjoy the video, but notice the condition of the man. Maybe watch it a couple times so you really get it. Then ask yourself which you are.


Don’t you love the comment from the pig? “Pure adrenaline!”

We have a choice. It’s a choice of faith. In what or whom are we placing our hope? Are we just clutching the harness in terror, trying desperately just to survive? Or, are we enjoying the thrill of the ride, knowing that ultimately it is the Lord who holds us up if we have truly put our trust in Him… WHEEEEEE