what narrative are you living by?

We are in the Memorial Day weekend here in the United States in which we remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by many Americans in service to their country in the military. It is a powerful narrative with a long enough history which has involved a number of great men and women. “War is hell” and many have entered heroically into that scenario, often at great personal cost. America, its founding, and what it stands for is a compelling narrative all by itself, as told and understood by millions here. Though like most everything else in life it is messier than we make it out to be. But such is life. A good case in point is the American Civil War with the greatest American president in most people’s view (including my own) then in office, Abraham Lincoln. That war shows both the greatness of human sacrifice, as well as the devastation war brings. Evidently the narrative of war had a fairly good grip on me as a child, because I remember pretending I was in battles, even though raised in the Mennonite church in which we were taught that it is wrong for a Christian to go to war or to kill another human being.

First I want to say I am thankful to live in a nation in which we are free to worship according to conscience, and live out our faith, even to the extent that those of us who are Christian pacifists can register as “conscientious objectors,” and serve during war time in other ways. Some serve as medics or chaplains.

I have no doubt that some of the best Christians in the world have served and do serve in the military. They are there not only to serve their country, but also to do good in the world. As well as to make a living, which should never be belittled as an important factor, in and of itself.

Back to the question, and main point of this post. What is the narrative we live by? And what is the narrative we are to live by? I don’t intend to give any hard, fast answers to either. Indeed there is always a complexity which can easily be largely missed. In fact I want to be open to such complexity to the extent that I’m willing to seriously consider how the narrative of serving one’s country even in the military might work in the narrative of God’s kingdom come in Jesus. At least I want to listen, and in some ways I’m compelled to, since I live in an area where Christians take for granted that something of the sort indeed does exist.

The narrative, or story we are to be living by is the story of God in Jesus, God’s kingdom come and present in him. It is a narrative which puts all other narratives in their proper place. Another narrative can be taken up into and become part of this narrative only in terms of what the main narrative does, indeed what the gospel or good news of Jesus does. It is a narrative that is larger than life, and yet is meant to impact, and is indeed for life in the here and now.

What narrative are we living by? What story is the one that best explains why we live as we do? I imagine that while we all live under one specific narrative, it is influenced by other narratives, and indeed is perhaps meant to be, understood correctly. Or perhaps it is an amalgamation which is not entirely true to any of the stories in that amalgamation.

At any rate this is an important question to raise and consider. Even as we are thankful for the people of our nation, as well as those around the world, who have sacrificed, fought, and paid the ultimate price out of duty and a sense of doing what is right and good. As we go on according to and in the narrative of God’s kingdom and grace come in Jesus, together for the world.

really knowing someone

First impressions are supposed to be important, and it’s really all about what makes the world tick so to speak at this time, selling one’s self, or one’s personality. It used to be that character was the mover and what was looked for. Not to try to go back to “the good ole days,” since every age has it’s strengths and weaknesses.

But do we really know each other, or is it only a surface impression we have from a limited acquaintance? We need to take time to listen to a person. And that will mean that we’ll have to ask questions to some people, who otherwise may say nothing.

People will have to feel “at home” with us, or completely accepted. Only then will they be able to “let their hair down” and be who they really are. Otherwise we all tend to wear a certain demure, expected of us all. I simply am reserved and to myself around people who I know in some way or another seem to condemn me.

As we accept others, we really get to know them, who they are, and perhaps something that is going on in their life. This is important for all of our relationships in the world, though certainly some of them will be limited. But we need to really listen, as well as observe, and be open ourselves, of course with all proper discernment. Wisdom is needed as well. It was Jesus himself who said that one should not throw their pearls to pigs.

Jesus was also the one who invited all to his table of fellowship, and we see that the disciples, while having the utmost respect for the Lord, at the same time were free to speak their minds, or be themselves. Only in such a place and atmosphere can we grow. And only in community, as well as in our relationship to God can we properly grow up in and through Christ. A witness from that to the world.

In the meantime, we accept others for who they are, and where they’re at. Knowing it is by grace alone that we all stand. Learning to listen well, and observe and share. That others too might know God’s love and good will in and through Jesus.

seeing the good

In the Christian tradition there is a strong element of confession of sins, indeed awareness of sin, might we say sin-consciousness? And in its place it is indeed important. In fact the more light comes in, the more aware we are of darkness as in dark and hidden places. In this metaphor God’s light exposes our darkness so that the sin that is present becomes clear. And of course we’re to confess our sins to God, knowing that in Jesus Christ we are then indeed forgiven. That is good.

Depending on our upbringing and a host of other factors, we may wear the badge of sinfulness all too well. And when we do we tend not only to accentuate what is wrong in us, but what we perceive is wrong with others, as well. There is a kind of projection that often occurs, so that if I’m struggling with such and such a sin, I may wrongly assume others are when they are not, their sin issue being something different.

But what about seeing the good in one’s life, and in the lives of others? We struggle in this life due to a host of factors, not the least being our sin. So that whatever good is present is buried in the rubbish that we’re all too aware of. Now in saying this, I don’t want to lose the importance of being aware of our sin and confessing it. That is essential for our life in Jesus.

We need to see the gift of good through God’s grace in Jesus at work in our lives, and in the lives of others. And we need to express our appreciation to others for the good acts they do, which actually glorify the Father. Just as faithfully in meekness helping someone see their sin so as to restore them is sometimes necessary, so seeing God’s good work in another person and expressing that to them can be a source of encouragement for them, as well as helping them recognize the same.

This certainly does not mean we’re to leave conviction and confession of sin behind. But it certainly does mean that we need to develop an awareness for God’s goodness at work in our lives and the change that is bringing.

Yesterday I was encouraged by a brother who spoke kind words of the goodness he sees in my own life. And although I know I am often tempted or overcome so as to be tainted with sin, his words helped me see the truth of God’s working in my life. In that working is our work as well, but all we accomplish is really the work of God’s hands, as the psalmist says.

We need to develop that awareness when we see ourselves and others. This is a matter of seeing God’s grace at work in people’s lives. Yes, we all will be tempted by pride, and may even be overcome for a time, an ever present danger. But God works to humble us to see that all the good we have and are is a gift from him.

We can see that gift all over the world, both through common grace, as well as through the gift present in and through Jesus. Let’s be aware and express that good, that others may see God’s goodness in their lives, and come to know the ultimate good in Jesus. As together we grow in and live out that goodness in and through Jesus for the world.

 

little things

It’s the little things which can make all the difference. An encouraging word. A smile to let someone know they’re included.

On the other hand little things can be devastating. The cross word. A strong judgment made. Ignoring someone.

I have to wonder what little things Jesus did prior to his call when his disciples followed him. The call alone might be enough through God’s working to compel one to answer in the affirmative. In those days for a rabbi to invite someone to be his follower was indeed an honor. But I wonder if Jesus reached out in small ways to people to show God’s love to them. I think of the story when Jesus stopped at the tree Zacchaeus to tell him that he wanted to visit his house that day. Zacchaeus had made the decision to climb that tree, knowing he was too short to see Jesus over the crowds.

What little thing and things can I do today to make a difference in people’s lives? What may I be refusing to do that I ought to be doing? What about the small things that need to be done, that I’m not diligent to do. I know that at work, I’m nearly always searching for something else to do, and if I have time, I do it. But do I carry that attitude into my relationships with others, particularly family and friends. As well as that neighbor who just may be in need of some “small” thing I could do.

The Lord says in the prophets that he does not despise the day of small things. May we not despise them either, but be open to ways that we can do better and through Jesus together help someone toward “the way” and perhaps through God and with others make all the difference in the world.

 

loving our enemies

It is especially hard when one or more of our enemies used to be friends and even names the name of Jesus. But in following Jesus we’re called to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to do good to them.

I find that I have to forgive over and over again people for the wrongs done to me. When I do there comes a kind of release to live well in God’s will. But before that there is struggle and bondage, and surely sin. I am lashing out, or perhaps just deeply hurt.

But there is no escape. And this is the way of following Jesus. Of being “perfect” as our heavenly Father is perfect, merciful in the same way he is. It must become a way of life for us.

Sometimes you simply have to do something for the heart to follow. We rightly say with Jesus that it is out of our hearts that evil thoughts come, as well as the words we speak. But when I’m repenting of a wrong attitude, I find that as I begin to pray for someone, I experience a kind of release. I pray for their well being. Seeking to love them, while under no illusions that I am in any way their friend. Yet I’m to love them as if they were a friend. I’m not to hold anything against them.

Yes, it is written his commands are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. And yet it is the way of the cross. Jesus didn’t find the will of the Father easy for him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Of course what he was facing as well as doing was unique. But we’re to share in his sufferings. I think the point of the word in 1 John 5 is that by faith we can obey God’s commands, that they don’t weigh us down in the sense of us not being able to do them. Even when they go against the grain and cut right across the heart.

Loving one’s enemies means being willing to befriend them. And wanting reconciliation through God’s reconciliation in Jesus. It is a part of our following Jesus.

And so we take the way of the cross in following Jesus. We are weak in him, so that his strength might be at work in and through us. Together in Jesus for the world.

 

 

left behind

I’m not sure what the phenomena is, though I have an idea or two for writing on it, but I have always felt like sooner or later I am left behind. I don’t say that’s true across the board. But it seems like at a certain point one’s welcome is worn out. Or that I simply don’t measure up, or that I’m doing something wrong, or whatever. I think more than this being actually true, the perception of it has held me back over the years.

Paul certainly has few peers, and I’m most certainly not one of them, though I do aspire to follow his example as he followed Christ- from what we read in scripture. But I recall how he felt forsaken, but how the Lord stood with him. Paul also remarked that few, if indeed any were like his “son” Timothy, because most were attentive to their own interests, and not to the interests of Jesus. And I think of the body of Christ, how we’re there to support each other. We’re to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. We’re to exult when one of our own members is exalted for the sake of Christ.

While I’m a believer in solitude and silence, I’m not a fan of the spirituality which is not committed to each other, come what may. The spirituality of the New Testament is communal and messy. And above all, or perhaps I should say first of all, committed to the Lord and to each other in accordance with the will of God.

Of course there are so many things we don’t get right. We’re working on it. We need to be thankful for what is good in God’s grace and work in our midst, instead of dwelling on what we think is lacking. But just the same, we need to be committed to everyone with the goal of seeing each person fit in well, and flourish according both to the general calling to all in Jesus, and the specific calling each and every individual will have.

I write from experience. I have to say that as I’m weakened, of course I become weak. And yet I find the Lord’s strength in my weakness. We in Jesus are in this call together. We are broken not only individually, but so often communally. It’s a treasure when some unity is held on to, by the Spirit. It may be for a season, or for a specific work. But it should be part and parcel of us in Jesus. And actually is present in any church, including the church Deb and I are part of. We do well to enter more deeply into that. Because this is a mainstay of our life in God through Jesus by the Spirit for the world.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the ministry* of listening

On the ministry of listening: The first service that one owes to others in community consists in listening to them. Just as love for God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives His Word but also lends us His ear. …Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians because these Christians are talking where they should be listening. But he who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and, in the end, there is nothing left but spiritual chatter and clerical condescension arrayed in pious words.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, quoted from the transcript of a radio program, “Ethics and the Will of God: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” (I lost my copy of the book.)

*Ministry as understood in terms of the priesthood of all believers, not just of the clergy in contrast to the laity. All in Jesus are to so serve with ears open to each other and to others.

prayer for the seventh Sunday of Easter, the Sunday after Ascension Day

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

prayer for Ascension Day (this past Thursday)

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

not despising the struggle

There are parts of life which we love, and other parts which we loathe. That’s understandable. When I used to follow football, and particularly the Ohio State Buckeyes, I had a setup then, when I could tape a game and watch it later. Instead of watching games live, particularly when they played “the team up north,” Michigan, I would avoid it with all the inevitable ups and downs, and possible bitter defeat. Of course I did save time, not watching the game, hopefully doing something better. Though I have to admit more often than not that my heart and therefore mind were largely there, so that I might as well have watched those games live. When I would finally get over a loss, I could watch just a bit if I chose, to see what happened. Or if they won, I could thoroughly enjoy the entire game, and cut out the commercials. So I saw myself as a winner of sorts, either way.

But that practice showed a weakness in me which was never helped by the practice. First of all, in my opinion I entered too much into that tradition of hating Michigan (specifically the Wolverines football team). Ha! Not having a son who wanted to watch with me, I was not forced to grow in going through again, the inevitable ups and downs any football game brings, and developing a better attitude, not to say the Lord wasn’t working, in spite of that.

Yesterday in thinking more on God’s sovereignty in life, I was meditating a bit on Psalm 23. Psalm 23 takes us through life as sheep led by the Lord as our Shepherd. But there are parts of it which are dangerous. And yet the sheep can take comfort in the guiding, protecting hand of the shepherd. The psalmist says that even though they walk through deepest darkness they will fear no evil, for the Lord is with them. That psalm in a way is like seeing the life of the sheep unfolded. There are parts in which real danger is present, but the outcome is assured.

Of course we are told in Romans 8 that indeed we may experience any of the common ills of humankind, including starvation and martyrdom. We’re not exempt from any of that. But even so, the words of Psalm 23 still hold true for us, the Lord’s sheep. We need to be consoled in that.

In the meantime I need to not despise the struggles I go through. I want to get rid of them pronto, because I think I shouldn’t be having them in the first place. Or just because I hate it, and want to get rid of the problem altogether, which oftentimes is impossible.

But as James reminds us, we’re to count it all joy, or consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds, because we know that the Lord is working in us to mature us, so that we might be complete, an idea that seems more like a dream to me, than a possibility.

And so I want to learn to embrace the struggles. Learning along with others to fix my eyes on Jesus, to trust in him as our good shepherd, and so be witnesses of him before and for the world.