How do I respond to sin?

     What am I supposed to think of this he Supreme Court ruling enabling gay couples to solemnize their unions? How should I react to this as a Christian? And why is this issue different from other institutionally sponsored activities that I find contrary to my faith? Judging from the responses and discussions that filled up my Facebook page many people feel very strongly, one way or the other, about this issue. My status as a believer informs and shapes all my societal transactions. So how do I assimilate this new facet of my life?

     Despite my embrace, perhaps acceptance would be a better word, of God’s great gift of salvation, I remain a sinner. Oh I clean up fairly well. Ask anyone who knew me in the dark years of ’79 - ’81 and they probably will remember a very different young man. Over the passing years God scuffed off a lot of rough edges, making me more presentable. Now, most people would say I’m a decent citizen. But they do not see inside me, the dark corners where the battle for my heart and soul still rages. On the rare occasion that I get to sing, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” the following stanza brings tears to my eyes every time.

“O to grace how great a debtor

daily I'm constrained to be!

Let thy goodness, like a fetter,

bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

prone to leave the God I love;

here's my heart, O take and seal it,

seal it for thy courts above.”

     I know, theologically speaking, God does not see me this way. I know that His grip on me is relentless and His hand is not slack. I know that many think of the final sentence as a “bad confession.” But, as someone who’s failed miserably, I know the terrible weakness of my flesh. I must totally lean upon and depend on His strong right arm and gracious outpouring of love to see me through. So when I start thinking about those who participate in the GLBT lifestyle, I always remember that we are fellow sinners in need of God’s tender mercy.

     My sins, current failings, pass the societal litmus test for “good guy.” For the most part, the battles they generate remain on the inside. Of course, my waistline is on the outside; but thanks to advice from my doctor and support from my lovely wife, there is less of the waste-line (you figure out the pun) on the outside for others to see. I remember growing up when divorce was the big bugga-boo. In the name of doctrinal and spiritual purity we ostracized anyone who endured that particular trial, disregarding the pain and suffering we generated. So many men, women, and children endured needless hurt at the hands of believers. Finally a few brave souls reached out, bringing God’s love to the wounded and hurting. Today, we exhibit a bit more graciousness to those whose lives have been touched by that exacting human failing. You see, sin is sneaky and pernicious. Satan likes nothing so much as to get me comfortable in my pew. From the comfort of my well-padded seat in the air-conditioned auditorium it is easy to throw stones. It is much hard to heave a rock while on my knees in abject brokenness. Physical and spiritual physics make it much harder. Yes, the GLBT lifestyle is a sin that displeases God. But so is my support of governmental policies that put the poor at risk. Or my continued support of businesses that make extraordinary profits through abusive work-place practices. Or perhaps, my second or third lingering glance at the shapely young woman in summer shorts. Or even closer to my heart and soul, my inability to forgive someone who recently defamed me through gossip; we make nice noises at each other on those rare moments when we meet. But deep in my heart, I’m hurt and angry, stoking the fires of resentment. As a sinner I stand next to the flamer, the murderer, the drug or pornography addict. I must remember that the stairway to heaven is not built out of the rotten wood of my good deeds. Any response to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court must include my understanding that I too stand in desperate need of God’s grace.

     When establishing our nation, the founding fathers sought to create a society which provided people the freedom to choose. We departed from the, then common, European societal model which sought to more closely circumscribe personal affairs, such as religious belief. The founding fathers took a great leap forward when they allowed citizens to make their own decisions regarding faith. We enjoy the freedom of practicing and publicly professing our faith. Those who choose otherwise enjoy the freedom to not practice faith. That’s the challenge of freedom of religion, we can practice or not. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua issues the challenge, “…choose this day…” In fact, God originated freedom of choice. He allowed Adam and Eve the option, choose well or choose poorly. We show a steadfast proclivity for choosing poorly. As citizens of a pluralistic nation we must learn to navigate contrary opinions with grace and patience; both traits God employs lavishly when dealing with us. If we intend to maintain an effective witness in our country, we must learn how to disagree without being offensive. Given the history of the religious wars of the Europe, bloody conflicts which swept across the continent for decades, I believe a pluralistic society with all its attendant challenges is much better. Should you desire a more recent example, consider the horrors inflicted upon the Middle East in the name of religion. If God can be comfortable with giving people choice perhaps we need to assume a similar viewpoint. We need to be sure about our role in the larger sweep of the human drama.

     We frequently assume the role of convicter / judge, actively seeking out platforms to tell people that they are sinners. I regularly read postings and blogs in which the author rants to an unseen audience about their depravity. Watch almost any newscast and sooner or later you’ll see someone waving a placard decrying or supporting the issue at hand. I frequently cringe when I see someone spouting hatred toward another group all the while claiming to serve the “Prince of Peace.” We forget the passage in John 16 where Jesus succinctly lays out some of the roles of the Holy Spirit; one of which is to convict the world concerning sin. Evidently one of the key roles of the Holy Spirit is to convict or reveal sin to the world. I do not claim to fully understand this; however, I do notice that Jesus did not lay that particular burden on me. God takes care of that particular bit of business.

     I get to share the good news; God loves us and took care of our sin problem. Perhaps if I spent more time loving my fellow man, meeting their needs, and binding up their wounds they would be more receptive to the gospel. Of course it is easier to work up some self-righteousness and rant about the world going to hell in a handbasket, as if that has changed since the fall. Instead of pointing out the obvious, we struggle with sin; we should spend more time and energy loving those God places in our path. After all, God loved us first and continues to do so, despite our abject failure. Perhaps that’s the real Christian response to this, or any, cultural problem.

     We live in a broken and fallen world. We should never expect our culture, which is made up of many who reject God out of hand and a great many Christians who endeavor to keep God at arm’s length, to live in a fashion which glorifies God. Those of us who live in the U.S. ought to spend more time and energy thanking God that we live in a country which allows and in some ways encourages (can anyone say tax-breaks for charitable contributions) religious activities. Yes, it makes me sad when I see people living in ways that make it harder for them to see God. But, I feel no surprise. Instead I need to look for ways to reach out to the community in which I live and move, showing God’s love to them in the ways I interact with and treat them. Loving the unlovable, that’s truly hard work. But Jesus paved the way, showing me how to love even the unlovable. After all, He loved Judas all the way into the garden, and beyond.

     

Civil Communications Part 3

Civil Communications Part 3

     I love teaching American history. Despite many missteps, misadventures, and mistakes our nation has done a wide variety of good things; things which improve the human race and contemporary culture. Among our gifts to mankind is the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Now, we did not invent either document or the concepts included in them. But both those documents gathered together a variety of ideas into one place, establishing a government that, while imperfect, attempts to ameliorate the negative tendencies of government and individuals, creating a nation in which both individuals and the corporate body find adequate protections. In my class we spend almost a month on the Constitution and Bill of Rights, exploring the ideas which form the basis of our government. I want my students to develop an understanding of how we think government ought to function. I also want them to understand how their government must both respect and protect their rights; which is rather interesting and paradoxical.

     I teach at a Parochial school; one that takes the idea of a “Christian” education very seriously. We seek to create an educational experience that focuses our students on living in a fashion that bears the imprint of Jesus. We actively seek out ways to help our students develop into Godly young men and women. All of these goals, and others I did not list, are good. But I always pause when teaching the Bill of Rights. Invariably, my students take the Bill of Rights very personally. They consider the rights listed as, “their rights;” rights they expect the government, and others, to respect and uphold. In this aspect they conform well to our current cultural norm.

     In our nation we fully expect others to respect our rights. Much of what consumes the time of the Supreme Court centers on discerning if some law abrogates an individual or groups’ rights. And this is part of what makes our nation good. We want to defend the weak and powerless. The Bill of Rights springs from our desire to protect against the pernicious tendency of the powerful to resort to tyranny, exploiting the weak. In any social media you find an unending discussion concerning how our rights have been trampled in one way or another. Sometimes we find other’s expression of what they consider their freedoms or rights offensive. Other times we claim the heavy hand of oppression falls directly on us. Even Christians engage in vigorous defense of our rights. But should we?

     As a Christian, I believe that my ultimate citizenship lies in a non-temporal, currently unseen, realm. In very fundamental ways, I share more with a fellow believer in Bangladesh than I do with the Atheist who resides just down the block, no matter the current cultural bonds. Despite my love and desire for a bright, everlasting future for my nation, I know that at some point in the future God’s return and reordering of reality will overwhelm the United States. The Constitution and Bill of Rights will disappear, replaced by the new heaven and new earth with only one citizenship. So as a Christian, one who, at least attempts, to see and understand no matter how dimly true reality, how do I define my rights according to what I see in God’s revealed word?

     I find these thoughts and concepts problematic at best. Jesus never gets around to defining, or even defending, my rights. Reading through His recorded utterances does not help me much regarding my civil rights. In Matthew 10 and Luke 9 Jesus reminds us of the folly of seeking our own life. Evidently, in God’s economy, we should not spend time seeking to “find” ourselves. Jesus, the King of Kings, came to serve, not be served, Matthew 20:28. Jesus calls us to accept insult and injury; “…turn to him the other also,” Matthew 5: 39. And in an astonishing bit of fiscal craziness, Jesus calls us to, “And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” Matthew 5:40. In these, and many other passages, Jesus tells us that to follow Him we must give up our rights. As a teacher and an active participant in our culture, I find this challenging.

     How do I teach my students about one of the greatest documents produced by humanity while inculcating an opposing lifestyle? Our founding documents enable a culture of unparalleled freedom and civic advancement. We enjoy great freedom and protection based on our Civil Rights. Yet, when Christ speaks, He calls us to abandonment of our rights. Those who follow Christ follow Him into self-denial. We must drink His cup. Jesus does not stand alone in this issue. Paul issues similar challenges in His writing, which makes up a very large portion of Holy Writ.

     Almost exclusively Paul refers to himself as a “slave.” Sometimes translators soften the blow by using the term, “bond-servant,” which may be very accurate. No matter how we parse the Greek, Paul identifies himself with those in the lowest rungs of society. Throughout the letters attributed to his pen, he almost always subdues himself, lifting up Christ and others. And this is no mere stylistic appellation. Paul consistently counsels giving up your rights. In Romans 14 and I Corinthians 8 show that Paul clearly subjugated his rights in order to support others, especially weaker brothers. He limited himself rather than inhibiting the gospel. For us as Americans in the twenty-first century, this lifestyle seems abhorrent. In the words of an old cigarette commercial, “We’d rather fight than switch.” Unlike Paul, we’ve taken up the cause of personal rights in the extreme. We elevate our personal rights and freedoms at the expense of civility…and the gospel.

     Much of the discussion taking place on Facebook and other social media, focuses on someone’s behavior somehow trampling on my rights; my right to define myself how I wish, my right to wave the flag of my choice, my right to bear arms, my right to protect certain species of the animal kingdom. When someone holds a view opposing ours we view that as infringing upon our rights. We act as if that enables us to say mean, hurtful things. As Christians we ought to take a different approach.

     After all we’re the people who’ve given up our rights. When we put on Christ we become slaves to righteousness. We gave up all our “rights” to be counted as His. Paul puts it well when he reminds us that we are either slaves to righteousness or slaves to sin. Spiritually speaking, none of us enjoy rights. We’re all slaves; to one thing or another. So when I speak in a public forum why does my speech reveal such deep felt personal affront? Slaves have no right to feel or express displeasure. This does not mean that I do not feel or cannot express opinion. It just changes or colors how and what I express, removing or moderating rancor, ill-will, and accusatory speech. When I enter the public domain, I do so belonging to someone else and speak desirous of reflecting well on my owner. I no longer seek to defend my rights; instead I seek to point others toward my master.

    

Civil Communication Part 2

Civil Communication Part 2

     We do not put much stock in kindness. Ask people to list what they consider core values, American or otherwise, and kindness rarely makes the list. In speech and writing we embrace a take-no-prisoners style, employing words like swords. Yet when queried by Micah for a short list, God included kindness. In Ephesians 4:32 Paul reminds us to, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” While this passage does not focus on speech, it does remind me to be kind. Later in the New Testament Paul addresses speech directly. In Colossians 4:6 he pens these words, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Graciousness and kindness are two characteristics that ought to mark our speech.

     When we jump into the social media arena, do we take the time to consider whether or not our words are kind and display graciousness? Or, do we plunge ahead with whatever comes to mind, no matter how snarky, coarse, or crass. Words may be quite true, but still wound and separate. In the Army we regularly employ sarcasm when dealing with recalcitrant troops. We do so, in part, to end discussion and move forward into execution. As a career officer, I developed a complete repertoire of appropriately sarcastic comments, employing them with some skill. While extremely helpful in the Army setting, withering sarcasm does not play so well in the classroom. I still remember one particular incident in which I crushed a student who was giving me a hard time. As the words left my mouth, hanging in the air, I watched as his countenance fell under the hammer blows of my ill-considered speech. Even though I immediately apologized, our relationship withered, never fully recovering. Reacting instinctively, I chose very poorly. While my words had the immediate effect I sought, the student ceased their behavior. They also had a long-term effect I did not plan for, alienation.

     I failed to give serious consideration to the effect and weight of my words. The writer in Proverbs uses a phrase, peculiarly appropriate to this discussion, in Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken…” The passage continues with a rich word picture, “…is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” How often do we use words fitly spoken, especially in a public forum? Graciousness and kindness ought to mark our speech and public postings. Our words ought to bind up wounds, heal broken relationships, and point others toward the most winsome of all people, Jesus Christ. Since I publicly claim to be a Christian, my words ought to show similarity to Christ’s. When I post do I take a moment to consider whether or not my words reflect well on the Lord?

     When someone posts something that I disagree with or I engage in a discussion thread concerning a current event how do I employ words? Do I seek to bridge gaps or do I use my words in such a way as to divide and perhaps conquer? I can use my words to buttress my chosen positions, stoking the fires of anger and distrust. I can look at every issue as a chance to either strike a blow for my ideas or a possible avenue for someone to advance beliefs I find troublesome. There are other ways I may employ my words.

     I might use my words to encourage the downhearted and hurting. Kind words heal, providing succor to the lonely and hurting. I might choose to ignore a perceived threat and instead, extend a hand of welcome or sympathy. Often in our public conversations we forget that behind issues lie individuals whose lives are in turmoil often through no fault of their own. We blunder on, defending what we perceive as right not thinking that in the process we may trample on innocent victims, further wounding. A kind word fitly spoken may serve as a salve, soothing a troubled soul. Instead of seeking out ways to stroke our own pride, let us search out ways to be kind to those who think differently. Jesus said it well, “Blessed are the peacemakers…” Matthew 5:9. I must find ways to act in this great age of instant communications in a fashion that encourages, is kind, and lifts up.

Civil Communication Part I

     “Hey, John, please read this and tell me what you think,” I asked as I handed my good friend and fellow soldier the still warm sheet of paper?

     “Sure, be glad to,” he replied, accepting the short missive. He leaned back in his chair, stretching out his long lanky frame and settled back to peruse my draft email. Since it was short, I took a seat on the window ledge, gazed out across a dusty, hazy Baghdad and waited. After a few moments he handed me the paper, grinned and said, “I wouldn’t send it if I were you. Your anger shows very clearly and they will not hear what you’re trying to say.”

     “Thanks,” I sighed, “I appreciate it.” I returned to my desk and savagely punched the DEL key, consigning the draft to a digital oblivion and started over. LTC John Grimes, now a full colonel, often helped me past my own anger in a variety of ways. I frequently asked him to preview emails prior to hitting send. Though I think of myself as calm and easy-going; the truth is that I am possessed of an imposing anger physically and in the written word.

     Once after an altercation between myself and another officer from a subordinate unit, John dryly noted, “I’m glad you weren’t angry with me. You can be quite frightening and imposing when you’re really worked up.” As an officer in a combat zone I found a wide variety of issues that provoked an angry, visceral response and, perhaps too loosely, gave free reign to wrath. Now, I see a similar tendency, especially in Facebook, twitter, and other social media.

     Modern tele-communications enables near instant response to stimuli. Any time I open up my computer and log onto FB I release a deluge of content into my mind, much of it an angry response to something someone did or said that someone else finds offensive. Strong, hateful, words spill across my screen, inviting response. Should I desire, I can peruse entire arguments between total strangers, letting their distemper morph into my distemper. Small, insignificant events that take place on the other side of the continent, sometimes the world, consume time better allotted to local cares and concerns. Without my good friend to stay my hand my umbrage rises for all to see.

     Proverbs 19: 11 says, “11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” In this day of full throated public venting about any issue we need to let this scripture guide our hands and thoughts as we consider which posts need our response. Many things offend, but not all require my input. After all, my angry voice will do nothing to either forward or retard the flow of events. While we must work for a just society, there is a fundamental difference between the cry for justice and an angry offended rant.

     My voice should cry out for compassion, kindness, gentleness, justice, and self-control. When I choose to enter a public debate does my voice bring the good news or the good nag? The writer in Proverbs 18:21 reminds me that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” I should pen words that bring healing, bind up wounds, ease pain, and foster unity. We live in an age with unprecedented abilities. With a few keystrokes I reach audiences across the face of this tired old globe! When I face the Lord and account for my use of His blessing, what will I say about this incredible ability to communicate? Does God’s love shine through my words or am I merely angry and offended?

     Ranting drowns out the good news. God desperately wants to reach the lost and broken, even when they would rather be left alone in their desperation. Letting go of my offense opens the door for God’s graciousness. When, like Jesus, I relinquish my rights I enable His love to work in my life. When I no longer see events as offensive to my personal liberty, they transform into opportunities to reach out and bridge chasms of pain, misunderstanding, and frustration.