Moving Toward Life

A Better Question...

The other day I was driving in traffic and was waiting at a stoplight behind a car with an interesting bumper sticker.  The bumper sticker asked a simple question: "Got Jesus?"  I realized that this was a clever adaptation from the "Got Milk?" advertising campaign of the Dairy Association.   The bumper sticker is an attempt to get people to think about their spiritual journey and consider if Jesus is an important part of that journey.  I think it is good to try and get people to think about Jesus, especially while driving in busy traffic.

But, I would like to suggest a better question for a bumper sticker and for our lives in general.  It's not, "Got Jesus?" but rather, "Has Jesus got you?"   It is sometimes tempting for Christians to adopt an "I've got Jesus" mentality, as if Jesus becomes a commodity we possess (I've got milk in my refrigerator and Jesus in my heart).  When "I've got Jesus," there is a danger that I will expect Jesus to give me what I want and bless my life with comfort, ease and material prosperity.  When "I've got Jesus," I've got my ticket to heaven and I'm good to go, preferably after my 95th birthday.  When "I've got Jesus," it is tempting to think like a consumer where Jesus becomes a means to get what I want.

But when "Jesus has me," I have a different perspective on life. I see my life as an opportunity to do His will rather than to get Him to do my will.  I experience contentment with what I have and joy in serving others.  Yes, I have the confidence of knowing I am going to heaven when I die, but I also remember I have a life to live here and now, and this life is supposed to be characterized by gratitude, generosity and love.  When "Jesus has me," I think like a servant rather than a consumer and I focus on what I can give rather than what I can get.  The Apostle Paul puts it this way, "You no longer belong to yourself, you belong to Christ.  For you were bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:19-20).

It reminds me of another bumper sticker I used to see all the time.  It read, "Jesus is my co-pilot."  I never cared much for that one. It just didn't sound right to me.   One day, I finally figured out why when I came across another bumper sticker that read, "If Jesus is your co-pilot, switch seats."   The most basic question we have to answer in our lives is this: "Am I going to live life on my own terms and ask Jesus to help me if I ever need Him, or am I going to surrender my life to Jesus and live the way He asks me to live?"  The first approach declares, "Jesus is my co-pilot."  The second approach requires that we switch seats. The first approach asks, "Got Jesus?"  The second approach says, "Jesus has me."   

GK Chesterton once quipped that most of us want Jesus to be our Savior, but not our Lord. We are attracted to the Savior who died on the cross for our sins and offers us eternal life.  We aren't necessarily attracted to the Lord who calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. And yet, authentic Christianity requires that we seek to allow Jesus to be both our Savior and Lord.  Every Sunday we gather for worship at Ebenezer Church.  We try our best to give thanks to the Savior Jesus, while seeking to more deeply commit our lives to the Lord Jesus. It's not easy, but it is so worth it. Worship says more than just "I've got Jesus in my heart."  Worship says, "Jesus has my heart."

When we give our heart to Jesus, we realize that we don't have Him; He has us.  He's not the co-pilot who helps us out when we need Him, He is the pilot who sets the course and calls the shots. That probably won't make its way onto a bumper sticker, but it will make our lives an amazing adventure.  I hope to see you this weekend in worship, as we continue the adventure together.   

 

Would Jesus Burn the Koran?

Many people in America and around the world have been following the story about the Christian Pentecostal Pastor, Rev. Terry Jones, who is planning to burn hundreds of copies of the Koran (or Quran) on September 11 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the church's 20-acre campus in Florida.

Condemnation of this "Burn the Koran Day" has come from many religious leaders as well as government officials. It would not surprise the members of Ebenezer Church (where I serve as Pastor) to know I would join the chorus of voices that urge this misguided Pastor to reconsider his plans.

I don't know of any Christian who is a fan of radical Islam, but how is burning the book that all Muslims consider holy going to accomplish anything worthwhile or constructive? In fact, this act of disrespectful confrontation seems to simply illustrate the unfortunate reality that radicals exist on the "lunatic fringe" of every major religion. 

It would seem that one of the fundamental teachings of Jesus would apply here. The teaching that we are to "do unto others as we would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12, also known as "The Golden Rule") should cause all Christians to ponder how we might feel if someone was planning a "Burn the Bible Day."

In some ways I understand this Florida Pastor's frustration. America is no longer the "Godly Christian Nation" that she used to be just a couple of generations ago. People don't flock to church every Sunday, attitudes about morality have changed dramatically, and the Bible is mocked by some and ignored by others. There is a prevailing philosophy today that seems to say, "All religions are basically the same, and most of them are full of superstitions, myths, and ancient traditions that are no longer relevant for modern life." Those of us who consider ourselves to be committed Christians are bound to be frustrated by all of this. But proclaiming, "Islam is of the Devil" and burning books is not going to make anything better, and will undoubtedly make matters worse.

I had a conversation the other day with a young lady in her early 20's who has visited our Church a couple of times. She is not a Christian, but considers herself to be a "spiritual seeker." She referred to Pastor Jones and his plan to burn copies of the Koran, and she exclaimed, "This is why I tend to stay away from organized religion. It seems to attract ignorant and hateful people who have closed minds and self-righteous attitudes." I tried to explain to her that it would be a mistake to condemn all religious groups based on the actions of a small few, but I don't think I made much of an impact. 

As I get older, I realize there is much I don't know. But there are some things I do know. I know that in spite of our faults and flaws, God still loves us and wants us to love others. I know America is not the Christian nation she once was, but when the Church chooses love over hate, we can have a positive impact on our skeptical culture. I know we can find a way to stand up against radical Islam without insulting and offending moderate Muslims. And I know this Sunday, there will be good people coming to worship God at Ebenezer Church, and I look forward to worshiping God with them. I hope to see you there.

What I would say to Anne Rice

   Anne Rice is the best-selling vampire novelist whose Vampire Chronicles series of books have netted her a great deal of fame and fortune.  Anne made quite a splash a few years ago when she left her "dark world" behind and claimed her newfound faith in Christianity.  Anne became a devout Roman Catholic.  She even started writing a new series of novels; her Christ the Lord series has received many positive reviews.
   But last week Anne Rice declared that she was renouncing Christianity.  She says that she still loves Jesus, but she doesn't love the Christian religion, which is, in her description, " anti-gay" and "anti-feminist"  (Anne's son, Christopher, is an openly gay activist).  Anne declares that she has had it with Christianity because Christians are "quarrelsome, hostile and disputatious."
   Many are applauding Anne's decision.  Many people today like to boldly proclaim how much they love Jesus but hate Christianity.  It is in vogue to characterize all Christians and all Churches as narrow-minded, hateful, and "disputatious."  But here is what I would say to Anne:
    In painting all of Christianity with such a broad brush of hateful adjectives, aren't you being as judgmental as the Christians you complain about?  How are you any different from someone who says, "all gay people are....."  or   "all Muslims are...."  or   "all women are..."?   Is it really fair or wise to take your narrow, limited experience of Christianity and the Christian Church and use it to publicly condemn all of Christianity?
     I would also invite Anne to consider that people of faith, primarily Christians, and mostly Christian Churches, started nearly every compassionate institution ever created in society.  The first hospitals, schools, orphanages, AIDS clinics, nursing homes, substance abuse treatment centers, homeless shelters, etc. were started by people of faith. Anyone who takes a little time to study the history of the Church will certainly note some unattractive and unfortunate episodes (The Crusades, Witch Trials).  These are regrettable, but the positive influence of the Christian Church in the world has been far more consistent.
   I would also invite Anne to describe for me any organization of more than two people where there are not disagreements, misunderstandings, and even sometimes poor behavior. Christians do not become perfect overnight.  And Churches, like families, are made up of flawed people who sometimes don't get along. Heck, just read the New Testament. About half of Paul's letters were written to Churches that were arguing over theological and social issues.
   I do not condemn Anne Rice. She is entitled to her religious beliefs or non-beliefs.  But I grow weary of modern, so called "free thinkers" and "intellectuals" who feel like it is sophisticated logic to declare that they love Jesus but hate His Church.   Jesus loves His Church, warts and all. He died for His Church.  He refers to His Church as "His Bride."  And if we truly love Jesus, we will learn to love those who are trying to join hearts and hands together to impact the world for good (even if we have a few disagreements along the way).   But spare me the sanctimonious declarations about loving Jesus without loving His Church, or declaring, "I am a Christian, but I hate the Church." Jesus did not give us that option, and he did not intend to. 
   I hope I will see you at Ebenezer Church this weekend.  Let's worship, grow and serve together, even if we aren't perfect.

Independence Day

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about the decision made by the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain, thus creating the United States of America. In his letter to Abigail, John wrote the following:

Yesterday, the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man... It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this Continent to the other from this time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Day's Transaction.

As I consider the “Light and Glory” of America, I am troubled at the noticeable decline of moral values, commitment to truth, and fidelity to God that I see all around me. I don’t want to sound like a “Grumpy Gus,” because I love this country and I love the many positive changes that have taken place in our nation over the years. But there is little doubt that our moral and spiritual foundation is crumbling. 

We who call ourselves Christians can make a positive difference. It will require effort, sacrifice and commitment. It will require an investment of time and energy in those institutions and activities that strengthen and support our moral and spiritual foundation. John Adams is correct when he says that “the toil, blood and treasure it will cost” is well worth it.

Consider these wise words from another great American Patriot, Patrick Henry:
The great pillars of all government and of social life are virtue, morality, and religion. 

This July 4, I call on all those who are members of Ebenezer Church to spend some time in public worship and private prayer, remember the words of scripture, “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord,”(Psalm 33:12) and “A Holy Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).

Being an American is not synonymous with being a Christian. But Americans who are Christians, should take heart and take heed that we are living in serious times that demand the very best of our prayers, our worship, and our commitment to the things of God.

I wish you a very happy July 4th weekend, and I hope to see you in worship this weekend. 

Health Care Reform

Many of us are aware of that President Obama signed into a law one of the most significant pieces of legislation in several decades.  The health care reform act will have a huge impact on our nation.  The debate over this particular approach to health care reform was fierce and lengthy. In talking about the health care reform bill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared that most religious organizations, including the United Methodist Church were in favor of its passage. Jim Winkler, the General Secretary of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society praised the action of the House of Representatives, stating that it affirms the United Methodist Social Principles, which declares that health care is a basic human right. It is important that I, as a United Methodist Pastor, clarify these comments so that there is no misunderstanding among those who are members and attenders of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. First, Speaker Pelosi is doing what politicians sometimes do: making assumptions that support her opinion.  In truth, the United Methodist Church has not made an official pronouncement on this particular health care legislation.  It is incorrect and misleading for Speaker Pelosi to state that the United Methodist denomination is in favor of this health care reform act. There may be some United Methodist pastors and leaders who are in favor of the legislation that was signed by the President, but these pastors and leaders can only speak for themselves, not for the entire United Methodist Church Jim Winkler is correct in stating that our United Methodist Social Principles affirm that health care is a basic human right.  However, our Social Principles do not declare that “government mandated health care” is a basic right, or that sweeping health care legislation that passes by a narrow margin along partisan lines is good for our nation. A person can be in favor of affordable and accessible health care for all, and still not be in favor of the health care reform act. I do not know all of the details of this huge new healthcare reform act (I am afraid that most of our national leaders don’t know all the details either).  What I do know is that the United Methodist Church did not and does not specifically endorse this legislation.  Some United Methodists celebrate what has happened; other United Methodists shake their heads in disappointment and frustration.  Whichever camp you might find yourself in, you should know that there are good United Methodist Christians who agree with you and other good United Methodists who disagree with you. The issues we face as individuals, families and as a nation are complex and challenging. I pray regularly for the leaders of our nation and our United Methodist denomination.  I will continue to pray.  But when leaders misrepresent the truth or make assumptions that are not accurate, I feel the need to speak out and let you know.   So the next time some politician or some United Methodist leader steps up to a microphone and makes a declaration about what the United Methodist Church supports or endorses, take it with a grain of salt.  And in the case of this health care reform act, take it with a whole salt shaker (but be careful, too much salt isn’t good for your health).

Is Pat Robertson Trying to Answer the Wrong Question?

Once again, Christian evangelist and former presidential candidate, Pat Robertson, finds himself in a firestorm after his comments on the earthquake in Haiti.  On his “700 Club” television show,  the Rev. Robertson connected the devastating earthquake with a “curse” that has been placed upon the island nation of Haiti going back to the time of Napoleon, when apparently some of the Hatian leaders made a “pact with the Devil” and embraced “voodoo” as the primary religion.

The responses to Pat Robertson’s comments have been swift and loud.  He has been condemned as a “racist,” a “bigot,” and a “religious nut” among other more colorful comments.  We are also reminded of similar comments Pat Robertson has made in the past, such as when Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke in 2006, and Robertson claimed it was God’s judgment on the Prime Minister for compromising with the Palestinians.  When Hurricane Katrina struck, Pat Robertson declared it was God’s judgment on America for a variety of sins.  In the wake of the terrorist attack on September 11, again the Rev. Robertson claimed that it was God’s judgment on America for the “liberal political agenda” being pushed primarily by the ACLU.

As a United Methodist Pastor, I cringe when I hear Christian leaders like Pat Robertson make such statements.  As I study the Bible, there are some areas of agreement that I have with the Rev. Robertson.  I agree that God does judge sin at some point, both in our individual lives and in our collective lives as a society.  Practicing “Voodoo” is clearly a sin.  But I find it difficult to believe that the natural disasters or cataclysmic events we experience are a part of God’s wrath or punishment.  My advice to Pat Robertson and to every Christian on the planet is to be humble enough to acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers when bad stuff happens.  Perhaps we can learn from tragedy, perhaps we can find ways to prevent some future tragedies, but let’s not assume that every earthquake, volcano, terrorist attack or cancer diagnosis is some kind of “message from God” that we are being punished for a particular sin.  In offering his opinion about the ultimate cause of the earthquake in Haiti, Pat Robertson is trying to answer the wrong question.  The important question is not “why does suffering and tragedy happen?”  but rather, “how should I respond to suffering and tragedy?”

When people ask me, “why do bad things happen?”  My simple answer is this:  “because this is earth, not heaven.” Tragedy and suffering are a part of life on earth.  If you want a pain-free, problem-free, tragedy-free existence, you’re gonna have to wait for heaven.  Until then, we’ve got life here on earth, which is not perfect and will not be perfect. When bad things happen, we tend to want to focus on the question, “why did God allow this to happen?”  But the more important question is, “how does God want me to respond to this situation?”    The real issue is not God’s motive (which is a mystery beyond our comprehension) the real issue is our response to suffering, tragedy and injustice.  We can sit around and play guessing games that condemn other people (or even sometimes blame God), or we can roll up our sleeves and be part of a compassionate and helpful response.

The Church I serve is not asking, “why did God send an earthquake to Haiti?”  We are not asking, “why does God allow this kind of suffering and tragedy?”  Those are questions without clear answers, and when we try to answer them, we usually end up looking like fools.  The question we are asking is this: “how does God want us to respond to the earthquake in Haiti?”  And our congregation is praying, gathering financial resources, and collecting supplies to help alleviate the suffering.

I have no big issues with Pat Robertson most of the time.  In many ways I respect the good work he has done in many parts of the world.  And I am sure that his relief organization “Operation Blessing” will provide lots of supplies and support to the suffering people in Haiti.

But I do think that Pat Robertson, and all of us who love God, need to be careful in trying to assume we know the answer to the “why” question in situations like this.  To try and answer the “why” question makes us look like judgmental idiots.  Let us instead focus on a more important and more practical question:  “how does God want us to respond?”  Then we will be on the right track.  After all the old hymn we like to sing is not, “They’ll know we are Christians by our answers.”  It is,  “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”