August 10

I think we all have certain words or phrases that, when heard, bring a smile to our face. Maybe it's an old saying our grandpa used to repeat... maybe it's our the address of our childhood home... maybe it's the make and model of our first car. For me, it's August 10, 1977... the birthday of my wife Corey. Every time I see that date on a calendar, or hear it uttered, it makes my heart happy solely because it's her birthday.

You see, I have an amazing wife. I have rarely, if ever, thought myself to be worthy of her, because she really is the ideal woman, and as near to flawless as you can get. An amazing blend of beauty, brains, love and creativity, she brightens every room she enters and cheers every person she meets.

Everyone who knows Corey knows how good she is with people, and how genuinely loving and wise she is. So often I come into a conversation with her convinced that I know what's right, and leave seeing a better way. I've seen older women come to her for advice. I see other people's kids light up when they see her. I've heard people say "We need Corey here... then this would be fun."

She's amazing, and I'm so glad she was born.

I know it will please her more if I don't tear myself down during this post, but I'll just end by saying that I definitely "married up". Thank God for marrying up...

Happy Birthday beautiful...

The Danger in Taking Stands

In recent blog posts I've talked about a couple of different stories. One was a guy who, some news outlets reported, was arrested for "having a bible study" at his house. It turns out that, in reality, he built a 4000+ sq. ft. building in his yard, put a sign and a cross in his yard, and,  basically had a church meet in his home. After skirting the law, and failing to install proper bathrooms, handicap accessibility, etc., he was arrested, not for having a bible study but for breaking the law.

Elsewhere, Chick-Fil-A has been in the headlines when their COO Dan Cathy said the following on a radio show:

"we’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say we know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage. And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude that thinks we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about."

These comments, and opinions regarding them, went viral. It seemed everyone was talking about Chick-Fil-A and, depending who you listened to, the opinions ranged from "That's his opinion, big deal.." to "Christians need to stick up for Chick-Fil-A and their family values!" to "Chick-Fil-A is run by hate-mongers!" to "Chick-Fil-A gives money to hateful organizations, and that is a big deal". (I made those up, but I think they largely convey the gamut of opinions out there.)

But here's the deal, even as I write about those two examples, I have no way of knowing if I have all the facts. And having all the facts is vitally important. One thing I've learned about communicating is that it's very easy to assume. When we don't have all the facts it's very easy to paint a very one-sided, and yet seemingly believable, picture. Whether it's in individual relationships, or corporate decisions, we really do need to know the full story. We need the context, but the problem is that context is frequently withheld.

News organizations, political parties, and social media sites (which are largely fueled by commentary from those not in the know) are fully capable of twisting and manipulating stories into unrecognizable, but very sexy, dramas. And all this leaves the reader/listener/viewer completely ignorant of the truth, and yet completely sold on what they've just ingested. And so it goes on and on, propagating, morphing, and fueling people's sense of justice, rage, bitterness, sadness, or whatever.

I guess this, among many other reasons, is why I'd suggest focusing our efforts on the problems and issues right around us. If each of us did that, then the world could be dramatically more like God intended it to be. Imagine if we all poured their lives into those around us... into our neighborhood, our downtown, our local government. I imagine this would be a very effective bottom-up approach.

So... let's stop accepting the hype, stop assuming that what we hear online must be true (or false), and pour ourselves into helping and loving those right around us.

Ouch.

Just as a follow-on to my last post, I wanted to share this picture I saw on Facebook. It pains me greatly to share it, and it pains me more to agree with it. Here goes:

This image was, presumably, taken when Christians recently showed up in droves to support Chick-Fil-A after all the recent hubbub. I had heard there were multi-hour lines as a sort of show of 'solidarity'. The problem I have with this isn't so much that people want to support Chick-Fil-A, after all people do have a right to their opinion, but it's rather that Christians spend so much of their time doing stuff like this. It seems that the genuine efforts, support, and outspokenness of most who proclaim Christianity are poured into keeping their local "Christian coffeeshop" afloat, donating to Christian radio, changing legislation to stomp out homosexuality, or helping other Christians prosper financially.

How about we be outspoken and passionate about things Jesus actually cared about?

Anyway, I could go on, but the picture (and my previous blog post) make my opinion clear.

Persecuted? Probably not.

I've encountered a number of stories lately that have gotten some of the Christians (or maybe just the right wing folks) all in a tizzy. These stories lead to the inevitable "They're gradually taking away our rights" or "They wouldn't do this to other religions" or "Watch out for this ruling, things are going to get very bad" or "They're persecuting us". 

I'm going to say this as nicely as I can: No, they're not persecuting Christians...at least not for the reasons you seem to think they are. I rarely meet a Christian who is worthy of being persecuted for the things that Jesus said would get us persecuted. While Jesus said we'd be persecuted for being his disciples (i.e. being like Him), most of us are persecuted for being annoying, judgmental, snobby, harsh, self-centered, illogical, hypocrites. I know that may be hard to swallow, but it's true. Most of "Christianity" that the world around us sees right now is a bunch of whiny, judgmental, prudes who directly equate Christianity with being a Republican. It makes me sick.

Christian's are suffering from a sort of tin-foil hat paranoia. Someone is out to get us, all because we're being like Jesus. We're sure of it.

Nowhere is this paranoia clearer than in the news. For example, some dude was recently arrested in the southwest for, depending on which news network or blogger you tuned in to, either "having a bible study" or for "breaking the law". Christians got all upset about this guy getting arrested for "having a bible study" at his house when, in reality, he built a gigantic building in his yard, put a sign and a cross in his yard, and, well, basically had a church meet in his home. And no, this was not a "house church". It was a 4000+ sq. ft. building (in which he refused to install proper bathrooms, handicap accessibility, etc.). This guy was arrested, not for having a bible study but for breaking the law.

When Christians raise a ruckus about stuff like the above, they look stupid and petty.I've said it before, but Christianity IS NOT ABOUT BEING RIGHT! When we sit around waiting for non-Christians (such as Obama) to make a mistake, rather than loving them unconditionally, EVERYONE LOSES. When you are looking for mistakes, you'll find them... even if they aren't really even there. But, again, is this what Jesus did? No. 

When you admit that someone you disagree with has made a good point, you don't invalidate your belief system, emasculate yourself, or deny Christ. As Chevy Chase said "It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong... I am not a big man." In fact, admitting someone else has a good point makes you look GOOD, and SECURE in your identity... (oh, and it makes Jesus look good too). How often have you watched someone argue vehemently, even when they're clearly wrong, and thought "Man, they look smart, secure, and comfortable with their identity."? Me either. On the flip side, I can't imagine how cool a politician would look if he said "You know, my opponent makes a great point here and I really like what he has to say on this topic."

Oh, and just to be clear here, when I say "even when they're clearly wrong" because Christians are OFTEN wrong. Why? Because, again, we choose to view other people as our enemies and to wait for them to make a mistake so that we can cram it back down their throat. Obama said "You didn't build that" in regards to small businesses, and what was the response? I saw many Christians jump him. A) Try to understand his point, not his exact words. B) Give some grace. C) Even if you DO disagree, SO WHAT! You look petty and scared when you point it out.

I think this all comes down to the fact that most Christians are insecure in their identity, and thus believe that they need to prove themselves valid, right, and worthy. BUT OUR WORTH DOESN'T COME FROM PROVING OTHERS WRONG... IT COMES FROM JESUS! Jesus was patient and gracious, He hung out with sinners, He focused on people rather than government laws, He denounced religious leaders, He focused on the hurting and helpless, He spoke about the GOOD NEWS rather than the sins of those around Him. I can't help but think that this sounds NOTHING like most people in the church today. 

Or, maybe some deluded Christians genuinely believe that denouncing anything "sinful" is the best way to win people to their view. (I say "sinful" in quotes because people have baggage associated with that term, AND because some of the things that get denounced aren't even really sinful!) This is some sort of purist view that seems to imply that people will be attracted to us because of our purity. But they won't. The bible doesn't say they'll know we are Christians by our purity. It says they'll know us by our love.

It seems like some of us think that we need to be a "jerk for Jesus"... like the more outspoken, and rude, we are with our beliefs, the better. As if drawing persecution to ourselves then makes that persecution/suffering 'holy' and 'righteous'. This isn't what Jesus had in mind when he promised that we would suffer for Him (John 15:20). It's also not likely to lead to people asking about the hope within you (I Peter 3:15).

Old Testament figures, such as Daniel and Joseph, were put in positions of authority and power not by mocking authority figures and telling them how wrong their religious views were. Instead, through humble submission and servitude, Daniel and Joseph both endeared themselves to those in power, and gained a strong position for their God. Also, the early church, which spread like wildfire, and was unstoppable in its growth, was effective not because they denounced the culture and sins around them, but because they admitted their OWN sins and loved those around them (servitude) DESPITE their sins. True Christianity is completely dependent on Christ alone, not on self. 


We've clearly forgotten the gospel.

I long for the day when the church wakes up, remembers who it is, puts down its signs, pens, and keyboards, and picks up a towel to wash some feet. Regardless of where you are now, you were once an enemy of Christ...How can you stop arguing with those around you, and start loving them?

The Importance of Gospel Fluency

I've said it before, but I think most Christians still see the gospel as a portal which they are to pass through into the Christian life. When we think of it this way, we're saying that the good news (which is what 'gospel' means) is the beginning, but we move on without it after that. There are some big problems with this way of thinking. As I've said before, the gospel is the good news that God has made a way. The good news that Jesus, God's perfect son, died to make right what we had made wrong and, if you want to end your rebellion, surrender to the One who loves you (the maker of you and of the universe) and turn to follow Him, that He is now, and forever will be for you....your advocate. This advocacy is good news.

The good news that, in Him, we have complete freedom.
The good news that we get to be adopted into His family.
The good news that our joy in Him begins now and is a foretaste of the world to come.
The good news that when He returns there will be a world without pain, death, or suffering, and that we get to enjoy it with Him.
The good news that He is our reward, and is the only thing that ever fulfills its promise to satisfy.
The good news that we have permanent acceptance based on nothing but Jesus.
The good news that we have nothing to prove and nobody to impress.
The good news is that He has done it all.

So, I hope it's clear that these are not things you should want to 'move past.' God did not forgive our rebellion, and then expect us to do it on our own after that. We've clearly proven incapable of doing it on our own, so that would be ridiculous. No, God makes it clear that the good news is all Him. He has done it all, and we need only to rely on Jesus' finished work. We can do nothing to make Him love us more, and nothing to make Him love us less. Perfect freedom. Complete Joy. No stress... GOOD NEWS!

So, on a practical level, how does it look? Well, simple examples:

• When you encounter rejection from others, you can know that the God of the universe accepts you and loves you unconditionally.
• When you face potential workforce reduction, you can rest assured that God is in control and works all things for your good.
• When you treat your spouse like garbage, you can know that God loves you no less than He did before, and that you are free love your spouse like He loves you because your burdens and needs are taken care of by One who is able to truly bear your burdens and perfectly meet your needs.
• When you're tempted to hoard your belongings, you can remember that God owns it all, and that your joy and security are found in Him, not in things.
• When you are hurt by others, you can forgive because you've experienced the ultimate forgiveness, and you will never be hurt or failed by God.
• When you look foolish, you can remember how foolish Jesus looked dying for you, and you can rest assured that you have the permanent acceptance and perfect love of the one who made the world and everything in it.
• When you fail, you can remember that your failures won't make God love you less, and your success doesn't make Him love you more. He loves you completely and unconditionally.

We encounter our need to be reminded of the good news dozens of times every day.

Gospel Fluency

I first heard the idea of Gospel Fluency during a training session by Jeff Vanderstelt in Boise. Fluency, as Jeff explained it, is when you no longer have to translate in your mind in order to speak the language. This means that you dream in the language, and are completely comfortable in that language. So, based on that definition, Gospel Fluency is when you are so comfortable applying the Gospel to your life, that you don't have to stop and figure out how it applies...it just comes naturally.

It may sound easy to be Gospel Fluent... but it's not. It's simple, but not easy. The above examples I gave are not only simple ones, but I'm removed from experiencing them. When we're in those situations, it often becomes even more difficult for us to "gospel" ourselves (quickly remind ourselves of the truth).

Although it's not easy, it's important. If we're not constantly 'gospeling' ourselves, then we're likely replacing the gospel with lies. We're likely living as though we are God and can handle things ourselves. We're likely to condemn ourselves and others, or deify ourselves and others. This is a dangerous path, and I believe it's the path the bulk of the modern evangelical church is on. (This is the basis of my previous post "From Good News to False Religion").

So maybe you are wondering how to become Gospel Fluent. I can't tell you that. I'm in process myself, and it's different for each person... but I can tell you what others have told me:

1) Read the Bible, in chronological order (like a story) a lot.
2) Seek the help of others who want to walk the same path (i.e. gospel each other!)
3) Pray a prayer, such as the following "Gospel Prayer" (written by JD Grear), as both a reminder to yourself AND as a request for God's help:

“Father, There is nothing I can do today that would make you love me more; nothing I failed to do yesterday made you love me less.”

“Your presence and approval are all I need today for everlasting joy.”


“As you have been to me, so I will be to others.”


“I’ll measure your compassion by the cross and your power by the resurrection and pray accordingly.”

The Role of Christians

Despite our best efforts to make the Bible and God's will confusing, they're usually not. For example, the answer to one of the most important "what is God's will" questions, namely the purpose of mankind, is crystal clear. Does that surprise you? If this was ever unclear, or up for debate, Jesus put it to rest when He answered a question posed by religious leaders of the time. These leaders, who had (like most of us) missed the forest for the trees, asked Jesus this: "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Good question eh?

Well, Jesus answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself."

You see, the Bible is full of admonishments and commands, but they aren't all weighted equally. Jesus put the emphasis right where it belongs. Love God and love people.

This is, I believe, the purpose of the Christian life, and the purpose of the church. That's right. You and me, we exist to love God and people.

But what does that mean?

Loving God means enjoying Him and the gifts He gives (which serve to point us to Him as the giver of good things), and by making much of Him. Most people are very good at enjoying God's gifts, they're just not so hot at recognizing them as gifts from God. We also tend to not be so great at enjoying God. This is wrapped up in the gospel, and could use a big explanation (which I won't do here), but, simply put, it's recognizing that His very person and characteristics are the only place that joy can fully be found.

Additionally, we make much of Him by telling others about Him. C.S. Lewis does a great job of describing this, and I think I've even quoted it in this blog before, when he says "The world rings with praise — lovers praising their mistresses, readers praising their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game — praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, historical personages, children, flowers, mountains, rare stamps, rare beetles, even sometimes politicians or scholars." We praise everything around us naturally. God is the ultimate good and is ultimately deserving of our praise. If you don't talk well about your spouse (i.e. praise) then your love for them is called into question. If we don't praise God (both when alone and when speaking with others), then our love for Him is questionable.

The other primary purpose of mankind is to love people. There are lots of great ways to love people, such as feeding the poor, helping the helpless, and finding ways to make the world more like God intended it to be. That said, I don't believe those alone to be the best means of loving others. If I truly believe that God is the ultimate source of joy, and the only one who can break the cruel taskmasters to which people are enslaved, then pointing people to God is the most loving thing I can do.

So, if we assume these purposes to be true, and truly primary, then what are all the commands throughout the Bible there for? Well, they're there to promote and further the cause of God (Love). Oh, and just to be clear, love is not always what people think of as love. Love does not always let people go down a self-destructive path. Loving a buddy of mine does not mean I let him abuse his spouse. In short, love does not always mean letting the other person get their way. Love is doing what is best for that person. Oh, and to be clear here, that does not mean that they should be berated with the gospel either. Love is patient and kind. Love waits for the recipient (of the gospel) to be ready to act on it, and does not force the issue.

I alluded to it before (when talking about other means of loving people), but all means of loving people can, and should, point people to God. I can feed the poor and help the helpless because I believe they're made in the image of God, and are valuable to Him. I love the fact that many of the seemingly bizarre commands in the old testament are much less bizarre when we look at them from the perspective of love. For example, if you read the Bible as a book of rules, then when you read that you should put a parapet on your roof, you'll think "gosh, that's bizarre." But, when you read the Bible as God's story, which is all about loving Him and loving people, then you see a parapet as a good and loving thing, which keeps people from falling off your roof and dying.

Love is the consistent, overarching theme of the Bible. Whole books could be, and have been, written on this subject...so I'm going to stop before this becomes a book. That said, I hope this gives you pause, as it has me, to consider what you are doing to pursue the purpose of your life.

P.S. - If you want to know if you are using your day-to-day life to its fullest for this purpose, see my prior post (which is just a link to a short Jeff Vanderstelt video).

P.P.S. - I don't think I'm supposed to use P.S. in a blog. Oh well.

How To Know You're On Mission

I saw this video today and loved it. It's Jeff Vanderstelt, who we've modeled much of our recent lifestyle after, talking about how to know if you're on mission. It's a short clip, and well worth it. If you're a Christian, and wondering how to tell if you are "on mission", then this video may be helpful.