Scripture: 1st Peter 1:22-25
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” That word is the good news that was announced to you.
Thought for the Day: Over the last few weeks, I have been seriously challenged by two stories, one a fictional book and the other a documentary. A few weeks ago, Donna and I watched Going Clear, a fascinating look at Scientology. Now understand, I’m a champion of religious freedom, which includes religious organizations that are only slightly different than my own as well as others that I find absolutely bizarre. In the Protestant Reformation, the emerging Protestant churches were considered a frightening heresy. When the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was first starting its restoration movement, it was considered by many to be a blasphemous cult. So with that in mind, I am always very cautious about judging other people’s religions. At the same time, I walked away from the documentary troubled by a line that appeared to be crossed – the line at which the institution is protected at the expense of the core values. The line was not just crossed, but lost.
A similar question was asked by a book entitled: Jesus Cow. This somewhat humorous tale of a new born calf with a birthmark of Jesus on its hide asked some very unsettling questions about authentic faith. Though the premise was funny, I was a bit caught off guard by its description of religion that is money-driven. Many people might be drawn to the flashy experience, but at what point does the pursuit of more cash through the use of more disco balls (or whatever other flashy thing) become the Gospel.
There is a less than clear line that I hope never to approach, but these two very different sources really made me uncomfortable in regard to my own ministry. It has forced me to ask some difficult questions, and as we approach our fall stewardship campaign, I am going to be even more mindful of my language and approach. But even more so, in my approach to preaching and teaching the Gospel.
Religion is constantly challenged by its own high standards, yet it is surprising how easy it is to justify the crossing of the line. It happens too often, and I pray with great humility that I am able to stay away from the line.
Prayer: Forgive me, Gracious and Good God, for those moments when I have sacrificed the Gospel for the sake protecting or growing the institution. As you are pure in your ways, let me strive toward genuineness of heart. Amen.
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