(Taking a line from U2, as the title of this posting).
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) We have heard this phrase a number times associated with global leaders, wars, and other worldly events. I think I have heard my mother utter a form of the first part of this phrase to me at times (or probably more so to my father). I think I have said a number of times in counseling sessions that pride will be the reason for the failing in your relationship.
We have a negative view of pride. Wikipedia defines it as: "Pride is a lofty view of one's self or one's own. Pride often manifests itself as a high opinion of one's nation (national pride), ethnicity (ethnic pride), or appearance and abilities (vanity). Pride is considered a negative attribute by most major world religions ..."
It is true we will also hear a lot about national pride this week with it being independence day. As I hear scripture, my mother, my own voice and Wikipedia lecturing this morning, I asked my congregation yesterday what makes them proud of their church. I wasn't asking them to take a lofty stance of themselves or offer high opinion, nor was I attempting to contradict scripture. I was attempting to identify the things that offered them dignity.
If you have never heard the aforementioned song by U2, I would recommend you take the opportunity to listen and read the words. The song makes reference to people (including Jesus) who lived with pride. The way pride is defined in the song is not in any way of loftiness or boasting, but that pride was a motivating factor for living in a way that brought dignity to human life.
Pride can lead us down the pathway of selfishness and stubbornness and defeat OR pride can be used to build upon the kingdom of God and that kind of love when we are proud of something that is bigger than us. That motivates us. That drives us.
So, what are you proud of?
Jun 30, 2008
Jun 18, 2008
Facing Our Giants, Dodging Obstacles
In fusion, we spent the first three week of June re-living the story of David and Goliath and discerning from David’s life as we go through life, Facing Our Giants. There were some key behaviors from David that helped him overcome Israel’s giant that kept them from the life God promised. Encouragement from his community and God, a focus on his personal relationship to God, and a passion for that promise were the three behaviors we focused on.
Interesting enough, I though I thought I was facing giants this spring standing in the way of my participation in ASP (our youth mission trip). This is our church's 23rd year of being involved with ASP, and except for the summer I moved here I have attended every year. But this year was in jeopardy as arm issues, financial issues, dad issues, baseball issues, vacation issues, can-I-get-a-tissue-for-my-issue issues stood in the way of being able to participate. Giants? No. Obstacles? Yes.
Obstacles are the things we have to remind ourselves over and over, that these are easily overcome through communication and by not sweating the small stuff. A true giant though stands in the way of the life, community, the world that God intends for us ... that place in life that has been promised to us. As we have said before there are many giants and we have become pretty good with just living with them in our landscape, they are both internal struggles and external struggles. We tolerate them, we avoid them, we ignore them. These things disrupt the freedom of others, stand in the way of God’s intent for us. We don't experience the kind of life or peace or relationships that God intends for us because there's a giant that either we've ignored or been unwilling to address. Those true giants are that of poverty, hatred, hunger, depression, deep brokenness in the losses we suffer, abuse, and addiction. They make us battle with passion to find what God has in store for us in the end.
Interesting enough, I though I thought I was facing giants this spring standing in the way of my participation in ASP (our youth mission trip). This is our church's 23rd year of being involved with ASP, and except for the summer I moved here I have attended every year. But this year was in jeopardy as arm issues, financial issues, dad issues, baseball issues, vacation issues, can-I-get-a-tissue-for-my-issue issues stood in the way of being able to participate. Giants? No. Obstacles? Yes.
Obstacles are the things we have to remind ourselves over and over, that these are easily overcome through communication and by not sweating the small stuff. A true giant though stands in the way of the life, community, the world that God intends for us ... that place in life that has been promised to us. As we have said before there are many giants and we have become pretty good with just living with them in our landscape, they are both internal struggles and external struggles. We tolerate them, we avoid them, we ignore them. These things disrupt the freedom of others, stand in the way of God’s intent for us. We don't experience the kind of life or peace or relationships that God intends for us because there's a giant that either we've ignored or been unwilling to address. Those true giants are that of poverty, hatred, hunger, depression, deep brokenness in the losses we suffer, abuse, and addiction. They make us battle with passion to find what God has in store for us in the end.
Jun 15, 2008
Lessons From My Father
As I struggled this morning with whether I wanted the give the sermon I had already prepared, I found this article on www.msn.com in commemoration of Father's Day. I share this with you as you reflect on the role your own father played in your life. Take note that these fathers were not perfect, but each of these writers found a way to celebrate what their father taught them. I have deliberately avoided preaching about Father's Day given the mixed emotions people have in regards to their parental relationships. Read and reflect and perhaps discern a title for your father.
http://men.msn.com/articlebl.aspx?cp-documentid=7880172>1=32001
http://men.msn.com/articlebl.aspx?cp-documentid=7880172>1=32001
Jun 12, 2008
The Door
After my father's funeral this spring at the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg, I wanted some friends to see the First United Methodist Church (my "home" church) which was just across the parking lot. After they could not get in the door, they came back looking for me saying that the door was locked. It turned out it was just the wrong door, to which my friend responded, "That's the way with most churches, you never know which door to go in." Interesting observation. Now that he says that, I can think of many churches I have been to and the entrance is not clear. In fact, many older churches have a rather pronounced entrance with steps and beautiful doors. My guess is the members do not use them and maybe they are open on Sundays. Church doors, I find, are locked, sealed, or unusable or inaccessable. Sometimes there will be a sign that reads: "Use Main Entrance". Yeah, if I knew where that was.
I have been fixated on this idea of church doors and how closed they have been to people through the years. I wrote last night in one of the blog responses:
When I started preaching in the contemporary setting, I can remember someone telling me that my target audience should be those disgruntled with the church. As I think about the last 8 years (scandals, transforming churches, etc) I think that is a huge target audience. As we move from a "Christian society" to a Secular society", we see tons of people who were raised in the church and have since left. And not just wandering away, but intentionally leaving with a negative perspective of (un)organized religion.
Perhaps that "target audience" sees a church that has been closed to them. You can't help that they have closed the door themselves, but too many times we find the church at fault of closing the door. It would be nice to see a church with doors open ... the back doors, the front doors, the garage doors where people can come in through the portal that is most comfortable.
But don't forget about leaving the Fridge door open ... people are hungry for something!
I have been fixated on this idea of church doors and how closed they have been to people through the years. I wrote last night in one of the blog responses:
When I started preaching in the contemporary setting, I can remember someone telling me that my target audience should be those disgruntled with the church. As I think about the last 8 years (scandals, transforming churches, etc) I think that is a huge target audience. As we move from a "Christian society" to a Secular society", we see tons of people who were raised in the church and have since left. And not just wandering away, but intentionally leaving with a negative perspective of (un)organized religion.
Perhaps that "target audience" sees a church that has been closed to them. You can't help that they have closed the door themselves, but too many times we find the church at fault of closing the door. It would be nice to see a church with doors open ... the back doors, the front doors, the garage doors where people can come in through the portal that is most comfortable.
But don't forget about leaving the Fridge door open ... people are hungry for something!
Jun 10, 2008
Preachers and Politicians
After being elected president of the fifth grade class, I was convinced that one day I would be President of the United States of America. By the end of the year, my convincing essay to Mrs. Hinkson led her to tell me, "yes, Brad, I believe one day you will be President." After serving as class president in high school, my life in politics drew to a close and religion came to the forefront.
The irony is that during this election year, I am in the profession that is giving presidential candidates great difficulty for both political parties. Controversial statements by preachers are being pulled out of the archives, hitting Youtube, portrayed to America's voters on CNN, and being used by rivals to draw associations between candidates and their preachers. Interestingly enough, I did not realize we preachers were that popular and influential!
What has been even more interesting for me is the reaction by candidates to drop their association with their churches. My initial response is that if you were offended by your preacher's comments, why does it take a political campaign to get you to listen to what your preacher really said.
As I reflect more, I guess if I said something controversial or contrary to your thoughts in my sermons, then we could dialogue about our faith journeys and come to a peace between us before you choose to jettison the church. But there is a deeper issue here that has to do with association and PERHAPS a feeling of selling out on a faith commitment as if the election takes precedence over the community of faith. Your commitment to your church is a commitment to more than the preacher, but to a faith community where you have experienced God. (Again, this is in regards to both parties ... not showing partiality, nor am I condoning any comments that have been made). This is a blog about being called to dialogue, to agree to disagree, but to dialogue when opinions differ.
That was the beauty of Christ in selecting his disciples. Zealots and Tax collectors drawn to the same table to share in life. Jesus knew the tension between such group, but he brought them together and sent them forth in the same mission of faith ... with a faith commitment. Are you proud of your association with the saints and sinners of your faith community? Does your faith community represent what you stand for? If someone questioned your church, would you stand by it?
The irony is that during this election year, I am in the profession that is giving presidential candidates great difficulty for both political parties. Controversial statements by preachers are being pulled out of the archives, hitting Youtube, portrayed to America's voters on CNN, and being used by rivals to draw associations between candidates and their preachers. Interestingly enough, I did not realize we preachers were that popular and influential!
What has been even more interesting for me is the reaction by candidates to drop their association with their churches. My initial response is that if you were offended by your preacher's comments, why does it take a political campaign to get you to listen to what your preacher really said.
As I reflect more, I guess if I said something controversial or contrary to your thoughts in my sermons, then we could dialogue about our faith journeys and come to a peace between us before you choose to jettison the church. But there is a deeper issue here that has to do with association and PERHAPS a feeling of selling out on a faith commitment as if the election takes precedence over the community of faith. Your commitment to your church is a commitment to more than the preacher, but to a faith community where you have experienced God. (Again, this is in regards to both parties ... not showing partiality, nor am I condoning any comments that have been made). This is a blog about being called to dialogue, to agree to disagree, but to dialogue when opinions differ.
That was the beauty of Christ in selecting his disciples. Zealots and Tax collectors drawn to the same table to share in life. Jesus knew the tension between such group, but he brought them together and sent them forth in the same mission of faith ... with a faith commitment. Are you proud of your association with the saints and sinners of your faith community? Does your faith community represent what you stand for? If someone questioned your church, would you stand by it?
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