Have you decided what you will give up for Lent? Ash Wednesday is then the decision should be made. My choices are starting to narrow down a bit. Since I am not so sure what to choose, I will give up all of the remaining choices which are sweet potatoes, asparagus, cooked carrots, and cantaloupe. Here is the twist since these choices are given up on a daily basis. I am not really making a sacrifice but I make myself feel good. This is the same as a dyed in the wool Gamecock fan saying they will give up pulling for Clemson except when the two teams play each other. Giving up that which is of no real sacrifice means the act in itself is superficial.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season which is a time of personal reflection and examination. Lent is associated with what we plan to give up as a form of discipline. There is truly nothing wrong with that as it becomes a means of worshiping God. Opening ones self up to God through the denial of self is what we have been called to do as Christians. However, it is what motivates us which is the concern of what is given up for Lent. After all, Lent is about focusing our lives on Christ again through ways such as meditation on God’s word and prayer.
Do you realize approximately 85% of people growing up outside of the church perceive Christians to be hypocritical? We can obviously rationalize this characterization by blaming the actions of only a few people. For example, those saying one thing and doing another. However, I believe it is more subtle than that. Simply we may be trying to publicly portray ourselves in a favorable fashion especially on Ash Wednesday as ashes are spread on our foreheads. Our motivations and desires play an important role in the actions of our faith. When our goal is to portray ourselves in a favorable light through our acts of faith then we compromise our Christian walk. Yes, we do “good” since that is what Methodists do. Do no harm, do all the good that you can, and attend to all the ordinances of God. Yet, it can sometimes be perceived that when we do it may be seen as a form of offering that we may receive some form of social benefit. For example, monetary offerings provide tax breaks or participation in events bring about new contacts in church. Same can be said for our service in the church. Serving on a committee can bring about attention. Why are we on the committee? Are we advancing our own agenda or the message of Christ? Are we serving in a mission field solely for the purpose of earning favor with the Pastor or even God? Jesus warns us about our motives and desires when we engage in public acts of faith. “Do not draw attention tour selves for public acclamation but when you give, do not let others know what you are doing for our reward is in heaven. Not a future reward, but they are the ones we find in the company of God.”
Our faith should be one of authenticity. We should be real about who we really are. We should acknowledge the inconsistencies in our lives by being open and honest about our faults especially to God. Maybe take an honest assessment about our lives thus making ourselves transparent by acknowledging we are fallen people who need God in our lives. During the Season of Lent we should desire to do as Jesus has commanded by developing a balance in our spiritual walk. Let Jesus be a part of our whole being not just part. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor for God’s grace has been revealed in Jesus and through the cross. Let our hearts be transformed by Jesus so that they are pure. To understand that forgiveness is about restoration as children of God. Forgiveness transforms self centered people into God centered people. Our sense of purpose should be derived from acts of love and service. It is not dependent on who gets the credit since such acts are done in the authentic love of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual discipline strengthens the capacity to please God through our acts of faith all year. Do these acts without drawing attention, be public with our forms of worship, use them as a way to be a witness of Jesus. Let people see the smudge on your forehead as Lent begins. And if they ask, tell them about what it means for an imperfect people to live in the freedom Jesus Christ offers. What is the purpose of Lent? It calls us to reflection and repentance, invites us to prepare Good Friday and Easter, and reminds us of our humanity and sinfulness. In the end, it is about a grace filled return to the Lord our God. This year for Lent, I am giving up the notion that the Kingdom of God can't make it without me and I am the perfect Christian.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wet, Wetter, and Wettest+
Over the last several weeks I have enjoyed two baptisms and one remembrance of baptism. The first baptism occurred on my way into church one morning when I knocked over my coffee thus pouring the liquid over the floor board of my new car. Yes, it was Trinitarian in nature. A week later a cup of coffee was placed in a cup holder when the car ran over a bump causing the liquid to splash. All I could say was “Rejoice and remember your baptism”! The second baptism came weeks later when I was washing dishes. My cell phone rang but before I could answer it I needed to dry my hands. Reaching for a dish towel I forgot that ear phones were attached to the phone. My phone was baptized by the time honored tradition of immersion. Again, it was Trinitarian in nature.
Often the means by which a person is baptized becomes the focus of a baptism. How many times have you been asked by what method did your baptism occur? This has become a sticking point between denominations as to which method is right or wrong. The act becomes more important than the reason.
What is baptism? Baptism can be understood as a means by which a person is initiated into the church. It is also one of the ways a person experiences the divine love of God. In the exercising of the “Baptismal Covenant’ in our Book of Worship, people of all ages are recognized as participants in covenant with God. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of God’s inward grace. Since baptism is God’s action it is an unrepeatable event. God never fails to uphold God’s side of the covenant. Therefore, the covenant is never broken. While it is a single non-repeatable act at a particular time, baptism cannot be limited to a moment in time. Baptism is God’s way of promising to fulfill divine salvation. Repentance, justification, new birth, and ultimately sanctification aides my understanding that baptism is also a part of the journey of holiness but not a requirement for justification. Since a person continues to sin throughout their journey, baptism is God’s promise to forgive sins when the believer repents.
Another controversial difference between denominations is who can be baptized? In the United Methodist Church we practice the baptism of children and infants. We affirm our practice through Scripture. Acts 2:38-41 and 16:15, 33 refers to household baptisms which included children. However, the most compelling Scripture reference for me talking about children is located in Matthew 19:13-15. Children were brought to Jesus for him to lay his hands on them, pray for them, and bless them. Baptism marks the beginning of a faith journey. In the baptism of infants and children, the parents of the children, and the faith community, share in the responsibility of nurturing the children’s faith. Children and infants are heirs to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. One of my greatest joys came during an infant baptism service. The joy on the faces of those in attendance as they remembered their baptism, their children’s baptism, and knowing they would also be a part of the life of this young baby for some time to come let us know we are body of Christ nurtured by the Spirit.
Baptism gives us a chance to remember God’s grace through the Holy Spirit and the vows we took when we were received as members into the church. It is a special time of worship.
Often the means by which a person is baptized becomes the focus of a baptism. How many times have you been asked by what method did your baptism occur? This has become a sticking point between denominations as to which method is right or wrong. The act becomes more important than the reason.
What is baptism? Baptism can be understood as a means by which a person is initiated into the church. It is also one of the ways a person experiences the divine love of God. In the exercising of the “Baptismal Covenant’ in our Book of Worship, people of all ages are recognized as participants in covenant with God. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of God’s inward grace. Since baptism is God’s action it is an unrepeatable event. God never fails to uphold God’s side of the covenant. Therefore, the covenant is never broken. While it is a single non-repeatable act at a particular time, baptism cannot be limited to a moment in time. Baptism is God’s way of promising to fulfill divine salvation. Repentance, justification, new birth, and ultimately sanctification aides my understanding that baptism is also a part of the journey of holiness but not a requirement for justification. Since a person continues to sin throughout their journey, baptism is God’s promise to forgive sins when the believer repents.
Another controversial difference between denominations is who can be baptized? In the United Methodist Church we practice the baptism of children and infants. We affirm our practice through Scripture. Acts 2:38-41 and 16:15, 33 refers to household baptisms which included children. However, the most compelling Scripture reference for me talking about children is located in Matthew 19:13-15. Children were brought to Jesus for him to lay his hands on them, pray for them, and bless them. Baptism marks the beginning of a faith journey. In the baptism of infants and children, the parents of the children, and the faith community, share in the responsibility of nurturing the children’s faith. Children and infants are heirs to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. One of my greatest joys came during an infant baptism service. The joy on the faces of those in attendance as they remembered their baptism, their children’s baptism, and knowing they would also be a part of the life of this young baby for some time to come let us know we are body of Christ nurtured by the Spirit.
Baptism gives us a chance to remember God’s grace through the Holy Spirit and the vows we took when we were received as members into the church. It is a special time of worship.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Why?
Can you believe Ash Wednesday is less than a month away? It marks the beginning of Lent which can be thought of as a time a self-examination. Thinking back I recall those who have influenced my life the most. One such person was my high school civics teacher. One day he gave us a pop quiz using one word, “Why?” Pondering the question I thought “Why, Why what?” Part of me wanted to stand up and say “COME ON! REALLY? ARE YOU SERIOUS?” Determined, I put my pen to paper in hopes of giving an answer which would be awe inspiring. Proud of my answer I handed in what should have been considered a literary masterpiece that would influence society. My elation was short lived when I found out the answer was a single word, “Because”. The purpose of this quiz taught the class not to over complicate an answer to a simple question.
Think about this for a moment. Isn’t there a tendency for us to over think our explanations that we fail to provide an answer to the question? If someone approached us today about our beliefs, especially in the church, how would we respond? Often the responses to questions about our faith beliefs confuse others who never fully understand what we are saying. A simple question about “why” we believe what we do is complicated in trying to provide an eloquent theological dissertation describing our faith. During a round of golf a member of the foursome I was in asked me a question in regards to my theological stance on Scripture. He asked that if 100 people on an island had neverheard the good news of Jesus Christ and they died would they enter into the kingdom of heaven? At this moment there is no doubt in my mind that many of you are pondering this question. What is your answer and “Why”?
Before I could ever respond my golf buddy gave me an answer supported through the quoting of scriptural references. Told to me was the 100 folks on the island are denied God’s redemptive grace since they never professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Big theological words were used. Of course my limited cranial capacity proved to hinder my ability to understand his answer. LOL! All I could think about at the moment was Ezekiel 3:18 conveying the idea that if we are not sharing the word of God with those who have no knowledge then we will be held accountable for their death. In other words if we have knowledge of people on an island who have never heard the good news then we will be responsible if they die without knowledge of Jesus.
As for those on the island entering into the kingdom of heaven, well, let’s make sure they hear about God’s redemptive love.
Think about this for a moment. Isn’t there a tendency for us to over think our explanations that we fail to provide an answer to the question? If someone approached us today about our beliefs, especially in the church, how would we respond? Often the responses to questions about our faith beliefs confuse others who never fully understand what we are saying. A simple question about “why” we believe what we do is complicated in trying to provide an eloquent theological dissertation describing our faith. During a round of golf a member of the foursome I was in asked me a question in regards to my theological stance on Scripture. He asked that if 100 people on an island had neverheard the good news of Jesus Christ and they died would they enter into the kingdom of heaven? At this moment there is no doubt in my mind that many of you are pondering this question. What is your answer and “Why”?
Before I could ever respond my golf buddy gave me an answer supported through the quoting of scriptural references. Told to me was the 100 folks on the island are denied God’s redemptive grace since they never professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Big theological words were used. Of course my limited cranial capacity proved to hinder my ability to understand his answer. LOL! All I could think about at the moment was Ezekiel 3:18 conveying the idea that if we are not sharing the word of God with those who have no knowledge then we will be held accountable for their death. In other words if we have knowledge of people on an island who have never heard the good news then we will be responsible if they die without knowledge of Jesus.
As for those on the island entering into the kingdom of heaven, well, let’s make sure they hear about God’s redemptive love.
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