More paradigm shift!

Too often, in "the church" we segragate people and not just based on race and ethnicity. We do it by what we "believe". Last night we had a great meeting that really challenged us/me to re-think how we share with people. In the past, it has been Christians that put up the walls between "saved" and "unsaved", "Christian" and "Non-Christian". So much so that now, when we try to break down the walls, the "world" puts them back up( I've used a lot of Christianese jargon here and I hope it is blaring you in the face because it is for me).

"Let me explain, no, it's too much, let me sum up..." We've got to stop looking at faith as "us vs. them" and realize it's all of us together, we're just on different journeys. We're either moving towards God or away from him. In the context of historical "Christianity" there is no such thing as a "christian". That word never shows up in the Bible. Jews at that time in the New Testament, if they believed Jesus were called "believers in Jesus" or "followers of Jesus or of the Way." When we realize that the only thing separating "us from "them" is belief, it simplifies things. We stop focusing on behaviors or "sins" and just focus on building relationships with people. From there, we "earn" the right or the privilege to speak truth into people's lives and create the opportunity for God to change lives.

"...and the people did what was right in their own eyes."

That, my friends, is the crux of moral relativism. While we may think this is a relatively new concept in our "post-modern" era, let me assure you, it is age old. In fact, this particular phrase comes from the book of Judges. The book of Judges outlines a lawless time when Israel, God's chosen people, had settled into the Promised Land. After the death of Joshua, Israel plunged into a period of "doing what was right in their own eyes" which resulted in disobedience to God.

We see that same spirit, and it is a spirit, today. It is nothing new. In the 60's, people cast aside all authority and rules and today, we see the fruit of it. It's amazing to talk to people; smart, intelligent college graduates that have no clue who Jesus is other than the first part of a curse phrase! They live life in their own way and, as long they are not hurting anyone else, they're doing OK.

Moral relativism is not "OK". There ARE absolutes in life. Our decisions do affect other people. Too many people have believed the lie that tells us otherwise and the affects are painful. Just look around at our world today. It's not hard to see that "doing what is right in our own eyes" may not be right after all.

Forgiveness is What?

I ran across a really good definition of forgiveness yesterday. allow me to share...

"Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of someone else's sins".

Think on that... We agree to live with the pain and inconvenience of someone else's wrong doing. Now, I know, it's not fair but that's what true forgiveness is. It's the story of the cross lived out in our own lives; Jesus died on a cross enduring all that pain both physically and spiritually for our wrong doing and He did it freely and willingly.

Forgiveness is not cheap...

I'm Not A Christian...

I'm in a paradigm shift of sorts. Kind of sounds like a Star Wars or Star Trek thing doesn't it?
Well, I'm redefining for myself what it means to be a Christian because I came to the conclusion that we're not talking about the same thing any more. Take for instance the word "gay". Fifty years ago, it meant something quite different than what it means today. I believe the word Christian is undergoing the same metamorphosis. Today, "Christian" can mean any number of things but for some, maybe even many, it means something very negative. So, over the weekend, I came up with a few conclusions. Allow me to share...

I am NOT a Christian if....
You think I think I've got it all figured out.
You think I think I'm better than you.
You think I think I have all the answers.
You think I think I never screw up.

I am a Christian simply because I believe Jesus is who He said He is and did what He said He would do... Nothing more, nothing less.

Please hear me out, I know that there are Christians that would want you to believe the list I shared but I don't believe that those things are what make a person a Christian. The real definition of a Christian has nothing to do with any of those things.

So, how does my new definition play out in my life? It's a whole lot easier than trying to convince people of something that's not true, that's for sure. It means that I can be honest and authentic with people and yes, even a bit vulnerable because I have nothing to hide; I'm just like them with the same struggles and issues of life.

Honestly, I like my definition a whole lot more.

When the "Should" Hit's the Fan

Where have I been? I admit; I can't keep up with my life right now. Do you ever have one of those seasons in life? Yes, I know you do. I'm in one of them now and it's fast paced and I feel like if I stop for a moment the back of the bus is going to slam me in the back of the head.

An old Catholic Priest named Brennan Manning used to say something very profound, "Never should on yourself". What does that mean? It means to often in life we look at the things we "should" be doing and are not. That creates guilt which drives us to "try harder" causing us to fail all the more and perpetuating the vicious cycle. I should be reading my Bible more, I should be spending quality time with family and friends, I should be exercising, I should be blogging blah, blah, blah! The voice in our head drives us crazy and we feel worthless and guilty for not being good enough. In the words of the great Bob Newhart, "Stop it!".

Stop should-ing on yourself and accept where you are. Once the guilt cycle stops it's easier to handle. Life comes at us in seasons and some are absolutely insane and others are calm; it truly is the proverbial roller coaster ride. Have fun and enjoy the ride!

Sheep and Body Parts

Recently, we took part at a local Farmer's Market. We took care of sheep. Yep, you heard (or read) right; we took care of sheep. No, I'm not talking about the fluffy white animals that go
b-a-a-a-a-a. No, the sheep we took care of are infinitely more precious to God. Peter, the foot-in-mouth disciple was instructed by Jesus as a gesture of love to "feed his sheep", 3 times actually. That is what we did. We took care of sheep.

One of the lessons I've been learning as of late is that the church has nothing to do with the walls we meet within. Rather, it is the people inside. we don't "go to church", we ARE the church. I've said it before, you arm doesn't attend your body, it is an instrumental and necessary part of it. In the same way, if you call yourself a Christian and are not a part of a church body, you are simply an appendage lying lifeless on the ground. You have no life and no function. However, when you are attached to the body, the church, you and the church can accomplish that which God has purposed you for. In other words, outside of the church, you cannot fulfill your God given role; your destiny. "That's closed minded of you Joey", well, I didn't make that up; take it up with the Author. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

So, what do sheep and body parts have in common? Hmmmm. Nothing. Oh, wait, there is something actually. As a "church" body, we can't wait for people to come to us; we need to go out. Jesus' last command was to wait and everyone will come to you, right? Um, that's a big, fat negative. Jesus' last words on Earth were to go! Where? Everywhere! In today's vernacular that means to our own towns and cities, states and nation and, if need be to other nations! Jesus said Go! So we are being obedient and we are going and the Farmer's Market is just one example what what we can you.

So, the question is, are you a part of a body or just a limb lying around with no function. It's time to "re-attach yourself". It'll do you, and the body, some good.