The World As It Is and The World As It Should Be

You’ve probably been hearing this language quite often recently. It’s made its way into the political arena of late and was again repeated by Michelle Obama this evening at the Democratic National Convention.

But let me make this clear: this is “lifted” language.

Whether you want to believe it or not, the fact is that this Gospel of the “way it is and the way it should be” is not new language. I heard this language in church long before it came in vogue as a slick, smarmy slogan in the political circle and, frankly, it is much more compelling in the biblical context. So while the Obamas are setting up our American hopes for a coming Savior, the good news is it’s not Barack Obama…but neither is it John McCain.

I believe the world is broken and yes, there is a way that can be or should be, but trusting that to come in in a political figure or system will always leave you wanting.

1,005 Smooth Stones

Kevin Harlan (no…not that Kevin Harlan) is the pastor of congregational life at my church, Christ Community Church in Leawood, Kansas.  This past week, he put together a video for our Sunday worship service dealing with non-essential differences between Christians.   The result is the video posted below.  A couple things you should know as you watch it:

• our pastor, Tom Nelson, wrote a book several years ago titled Five Smooth Stones;
• in the opening, the guy standing at the toolbox is our facilities manager;
• in our spiritual formation classes, we highlight quite a bit the Great Invitation found in Matthew 11:28-30 (”Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” -v.29);
• we have a second campus in Olathe that utilizes video sermon delivery on a one-week delay.

This is a funny piece.  We’re going to miss you while you are on your sabbatical, Kevin.

only the sinner

Reflecting on the song, “Only The Sinners” by Josh Bales today. Here’s a portion of the song that grabbed me:

Never the righteous, never the good,
Never the man who does all the things he should;
Never the rich, no, never the strong,
Never the woman who never breaks the law,
Never the healthy, never the wise,
Never the man who claims to have some alibi.

Only the dirty,
Never the clean,
Only the beggar men,
Never the king;
Only the messed up,
Never the made;
Only the sinner,
Jesus saves.

Download this song here. Check out Josh Bales at www.joshbales.com

Some thoughts on Ash Wednesday…

I did not grow up in a tradition that celebrated Ash Wednesday.  I’m still considering whether I was somehow deprived or not, but here are two very compelling posts about Ash Wednesday that I invite you to read, consider, and enter into the conversation:

“Why I Love Ash Wednesday” by Brett McCracken

and…

“Why I Hate Ash Wednesday” by jt, my buddy and fellow e-winger

Baptism and Legacy

Today, along with about 50+ others, my daughter was baptized at Heritage Park in Olathe, Kansas as part of a baptism service of Christ Community Church. It was a very cool moment in the life of an awesome young lady who made a decision to follow Christ at a young age and continues to absorb God’s truth and character in her life. Although she may be young and there will certainly be trials ahead, she humbly models the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.

One of the things that grabbed me today, however, was the role that legacy has played in her life. I was reminded that as a teenager, her grandfather (my Dad), chose to accept Christ into his life, stop the cycle of alcoholism in his family, and raise his family with Christ as the center. And how her great grandfather, (Wendy’s grandfather), similarly stopped a cycle in his family to give new life and hope to his three kids (and now their kids). My grandmother, Agnes Wonders, was a little women (all of 4′9″), but was a giant in faith and love. Her funeral last year was one of the most joyous, beautiful times I can remember. Likewise, Wendy’s grandparents have raised eight wonderful kids who continue to strive to pass their love and faith on to their kids. My parents and Wendy’s gave a life of service as officers in The Salvation Army and were our role models in life, love and faith…

You probably get where I am going, but simply put, it is clear to me that there is a legacy of faith that is being passed on here. A legacy of blessing, of hope, of the transcending power of God in the life of an individual. Erin’s choice to follow after God comes as part of a legacy of decisions that have gone before her. And quite possibly sets up the groundwork for the choice that the next generation will make as well. How might she have affected her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren? Only time will tell, but her legacy is only just beginning. How beautiful…

Remind me of this with every decision
Generations will reap what I sow
I can pass on a curse or a blessing
To those I will never know
- Sara Groves, “Generations”