Freedom

Obscuring the Heart's Condition

Obscuring the Heart's Condition

I have come to a disconcerting realization that church people avoid sanctification by adhering to rules rather than allowing God to transform their hearts. Recently, I found myself in a discussion about alcohol in response to an article in Relevant Magazine about Christianity's Most Famous Beer Enthusiasts.   The discussion, while good natured seemed to quickly stray into the bounds of legalism, a religious predisposition that is more dangerous than any other I know.  It reminded me of the dangers thereof as well as the good intentions that often fertilize it's root, inspiring me to address the issue here.  While the example I am sharing relates to the use of alcohol, the issue is much further reaching.  

Avoid Controversy

Avoid Controversy

Transcending Camps of Opinion

There are some issues that I seldom discuss, especially in the context of social media.  I find our current culture at large intolerant of nuanced opinions.  Anything less than unilateral agreement is labeled rather than understood.  Forgive my disgruntled comments.  I've grown weary of watching fruitless battles result in deeper encampments.  

I love truth, and I love people.  Understanding is a bridge between the two, and I can't build that bridge with labels.  Perhaps most disheartening is the knowledge that the greatest offenders in these wars of controversy are the least aware and most prideful.  

It is a frustrating thing to have an opinion that exists neither within nor between prominent camps. This is the lesser of two reasons why I haven't posted anything about recent SCOTUS rulings or battle colors associated with confederate states (save for comedic statements meant to lighten the mood at a very serious time).  I've avoided commenting, because there is no room anyone that doesn't fit in a "camp." And, Jesus doesn't fit into a camp, because He is King.  

Church Multiplication and Giving Up Control

Church Multiplication and Giving Up Control

Dear Pastor, Jesus is King, and you are not.  

The hardest thing for people to admit is that Jesus is King and they are not. We all want to be in control.  We want to be the masters of our own destiny, but fundamental to Trusting Jesus is surrendering to Him.  It's no different for pastors. Pastors, like kings can fall into the self-deception that everyone is better off when they are in charge. "If everyone would just listen to me, everything would be ok." This is one reason why churches don't multiply. 

Multiplication means pastors aren't as important as they might think. It means their vision language will get diluted as the church becomes decentralized.  It means people won't hear their sermons every week.  It means they can't manage leaders within a church structure.  It means they lose control.  

I'm not saying pastors have sinister plans to control people. Their control doesn't usually come out of selfish motives...usually. It comes our of fear. They want the best for people, and they are afraid of what will happen if they aren't in control. They forget that Jesus has been leading the church since before they were born, and He will be leading it after they are gone.   

Ride the Lion

Ride the Lion

Ride the Lion by Daniel Samms

If I were a man of mounted steed
I would not choose a horse to ride
For with a horse I'd choose my way
And safely I would stay

No, if I had a cause to ride
I'd grasp a beast of prey
For though I might not live to tell
Alive would be my day

I'd hold with all the might of men
Who wish for something real
And everything I did that day
Would be alive with zeal

The Lion is a kingly beast
The Sovereign of all things
No bridle built can tame this king
No man can tame His way

And if I grasp His mane today
I'll clench with all my might
We'll ride to places now unseen
We'll climb the highest height

The world will watch with joy and awe
And hope will boil free
We'll live and love and hope again
The Lion King and me