Does this Theology Make My Butt Look Fat?

Every move we make screams of the God/god we worship. And like a pair of jeans, each move can either flatter or not. Theology is what we have to say about God. We need not use words. Faith involves where we put our trust. What do we trust in? This means actions speak way louder than words and even louder that thoughts. Actions betray the God/god we really believe in.

Here are some possible candidates for the unflattering theology. Pardon me while I head back to the dressing room.

I hold grudges. God forgives.

I cling to bad experiences of my past and let them continually hurt my present relationships. Jesus wants to bear our burdens.

I shirk responsibility. Jesus took full responsibility, even if it cost his life.

I am afraid. God's perfect love casts out fear

I hoard money or things and give away little. God gave us everything we have and encourages sharing

I take the best for me and for granted. God has a special place for the poor, sick, imprisoned, and down-on-their-luck. Jesus came as a servant Savior.

I am frazzled. God made a right time for the right things but not enough time for everything. The 24 hour day was his idea.

I am uninvolved. God enters right into the limits of human life and form (Incarnation)

I am a perfectionist. God wants us to be perfectly ourselves, the self that God made. Anything else is a poor substitute.

I am right. God can do that and love as well.

I don't keep my word. Jesus is the creative and life-giving Word.

I complain a lot, especially about others. God loves and that bears all things.

I gossip, meaning that I love to speak of the misfortune of others, especially second-hand. God is compassionate (suffers with) and a companion (breaks bread with.)

Today, we can find one habit that does not speak well of God (or ourselves) and change it. Don't worry about the bad theology that is left. There's tomorrow. Focus on the good and let it crowd out the bad. We can tackle another then. God does not want to crush us either. Jesus says to follow the Way (him.) I figure that there is a fair amount of latitude in that.

Advertising

I love a good ad. I like ones that make me smile the most. Dogs get to me. Children being too cute turn me off. If advertisers really speak of why they have a superior product or service rather than selling me an image using sex or a fabricated need, I am apt to buy.  Mostly, I hate jingles. Don't give me helpless women or buffoon husbands.

You and I are the only advertisement Christ has. We are walking, talking Gospels. It is not "if" we are a great ad, more "how good of an ad are we?" People want to know if our product, Christ, is really life-changing. That requires a changed life. Mine.

On my bad days, I see Christians as the WORST POSSIBLE ADVERTISEMENT for Christ. Self-righteousness, greed, pompous, abusive, holier-than-thou, hate-monging, finger-pointing. These images populate television almost as much advertisements do.

Most of the people I know, even I, are not like that. But what are we like as advertisers for Christ? Do we really know our product and its benefits (limits?) Do we have extensive, first-hand experience with it? Do we speak of it at all and how it has changed our lives? Is it the very centerpiece of our day? Does it remain unused like the juicer we bought in order to get healthy?

Strive to be one great advertisement for the God of Life today. Embrace your identity. Know your product. Love the Lord. If possible, seek counsel with a child. They get it.

A Job or Worship?

A Sunday job (ministry) at church is vital to our community's viability. We could not be the great church without people who freely give of themselves.

It might be tempting to substitute work for worship. Don't give in to the urge. What makes us different and more alive is that we are connected to a great God whom we love. Without worship, we cut ourselves off from our life force.

Almighty

Almighty

The Almighty expects our full attention. The Almighty has a grip on our finances, even if we suffer. The Almighty expects us to drop everything and rearrange our life and prioritize our calendars. The Almighty expects child sacrifice. The Almighty does not worry about burnout because there are more of us. The Almighty expects slavish worship.

No, not THAT Almighty, the God of Jesus. I speak as an observer of the lives of employees in the oil business and as priest to wonderful people. The Almighty I speak of is a bigger home, the career track, the coach, a demanding spouse, the pursuit of more money, alcohol, Facebook, reputation, looks, school, the boss, keeping the peace, downsizing, "more with less," stinginess, feeling good, procrastination, bailing out of commitments, ________________ (you fill in your favorite.)

These almighty's promise the goods but, mostly, fail to deliver the life promised. They, in fact, turn on us and devour us. They may be good in context but they are terrible as the gods of our life. Yet, we too often choose them first.

The Almighty of Jesus does take commitment but also does deliver as promise when we follow in trust. We lose our life to the Almighty and (I do not understand the mechanics,) get it back…and more. We will never be consumed by this Almighty.

The God of Holy Week says, "You can consume me but I will never turn and consume you."

What god will you follow this week? Choose life.

3866

My home phone number growing up was 652.3866. No area codes then. Look at your phone. The letter "O" is assigned to the number 6. Many people in distress (before 911 was in place) dialed our phone rather than the local police whose number was 652.3800. While my family was very caring, we weren't much use in an emergency.

Just about everyone wants God's fullest attention when they get in a jamb. But we are often dissatisfied with the results when we cry, "Help!" Now, I am the first to admit that there are times God is silent. I don't know why but, I presume, because God is love, that the silence is meant for our own good.

But, in those times when we aren't sure God is listening or helping, I wonder how much of it is due to a wrong number on our part more than a silence on God's part. Being unfamiliar with God and the ways of God, we dial up something else. God sits yearning to connect and help but we are hitting "redial" based  on an unfamiliarity with God and the workings of God. We don't know how to get in touch. God is broadcasting help but we are tuned into another station. Static.

How can we avoid this? Practice. Practice priority time set aside for getting in touch with God. God, like any parent, loves it when the kids check in. Loves it when the kids soak in his wisdom. The best time to learn about changing a flat tire is not in the rain with a flat tire (some cars no longer have a spare!) The time to learn about changing a spare is to practice when the sun shines.

Are you practicing when the sun shines with God?

Blue

When I was in the mining business in western Colorado, one of my employees was named Blue. He was a pipefitter/welder. A good one. He wore a blue Civil War cap whenever he did not have his welder's mask on. He had a long peppered beard that he had to rubber-band up when he welded (watch those sparks!) He did not live in town but lived in a large tent by the mine in the mountains. His family was with him. Blue had a great sense of humor. He was comfortable in his world. I knew nothing of his faith but he was at peace.

The secret to peace in our life is not to work hard to get our surroundings to cooperate. This is usually how we go about it. "When I…" "When you…" If only…" "Until I…" "Once I…" No, the secret is to let go and let God guide us. To float and not to thrash around. It is not mysterious to those who keep in touch with God though prayer and immersing in scripture. God gives plenty of insight as where to let go and let God's way work. I am hard-headed and often think (wrongly) that I have a better way. I know I am wrong because I am not at peace.

Are you at peace today? Is it because you have let go or because you just happen to be lucky today (but maybe not tomorrow?)

The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19:23

…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11b-12