C. S. Lewis said, "The good news of the gospel is at first bad news." He meant that at the heart of Christianity lies the belief that the human heart is in need of repentance. Repentance involves making a sea change, a reversal, a turning from one direction to another. The turning involves the creation of a new worldview centered on God as revealed in the person of Jesus. This in turn changes one's perspective and attitude and behavior toward one's neighbor.
No one easily makes a change of direction. Such changes are often in response to a frustration, or dissatisfaction, a breakdown in life, or some external message that "something is missing" or "something is amiss." The good news of Jesus is presented as an alternative, a better way that carries both a cost and a reward. The cost is the laying aside of one's Ego and the reward is a much richer and more meaningful relationship with self and neighbor.
The pastor of a congregation whose members are largely consumers more committed to the meeting of their needs than to God, accountability in community, or new life, is in a conflicted situation should the Pastor wish to speak anything but the affirming word. The reason? In a volunteer association marked by easy entrance and easy exit the consumer always carries the "Opt-Out" card. Disciples of Jesus, in contrast to the consumer, are known for commitment. Commitment allows us a measure of space in which to be held accountable, acknowledge our faults, repent, and receive forgiveness and restored relationship. Consumerism destroys such a process.
I respect people who are committed to God and to a people. I respect that such persons can give and receive honest feedback. I respect that such persons are almost always the ones who will be present to catch you should you fall and who put you back on the road to life.
Shalom, Greg
This reminds me of something I read about the difference between encounters and relationships. An encounter is a one-time, not likely to return, low-commitment interchange. But a relationship is built on trust, is ongoing in nature, and has a high level of commitment. I think of church in terms of relationships rather than encounters. Relationships are what bring meaning to our lives and give us purpose.
ReplyDeleteI have just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird. In the story, Atticus Finch attended church, but there is no indication it was a big part of his life. But he was surely committed, to justice and to compassion. Greg mentions, C. S. Lewis. I am just starting to read his Mere Christianity. Don’t know how I avoided reading either book until now. I commend both books to anybody who hasn’t read them.
ReplyDeleteLaura, thank you reference to encounters and relationships. I think there are far more encounters at Church than meaningful relationships.
ReplyDeletePaul, I have not read To Kill a Mockingbird but have read Mere Christianity. I sense some of Lewis' material is a bit dated but other parts seem made of the kind of wisdom that endures.