Conflict

Straight AheadTo read much of the mainline religious press or attend meetings of mainline governing bodies and worship events, you would come away with the impression that all conflict is, in and of itself, bad--and all unity, no matter upon what basis, is good. Too often when I leave meetings of my own presbytery, I am convinced that the whole idea is to avoid conflict at all cost and promote unity of the body regardless of the issues which may be put profitably on the table for honest debate. Of course, Peter had his conflict with Paul, Luther had his conflict with the whole of Christendom, Wesley had his conflict with Whitefield; but never mind all that. Today, we must avoid conflict altogether. Certainly, I do not advocate conflict simply for the sake of a good show. It would be far better to unite around the basic teachings of Scripture and, where Presbyterians are concerned, the main doctrines of the reformed faith. The fact of the matter however, is that such unity is very difficult because of the great diversity of conviction and interpretation of essential theological points. Without essential agreement on key points of theology and biblical interpretation, conflict is inevitable--and resolution of that conflict is absolutely necessary. I even read of churches who revel in their theological diversity. I must confess that I wonder how such a church can say anything meanigful to a lost and dying world. The issues that have been brought to the fore lately by actions of mainline denominations cannot simply be allowed to sit there, festering, begging for resolution. Decisions must be made which will disappoint many people--whichever side on these various discussions prevails when the final votes are taken. For too long, both sides have talked of compromise, couching their timidity in phrases which sound very spiritual and conciliatory. Eventually, however, issues have to be faced squarely in matters of faith and practice. Out of conflict will come stronger churches, a more robust faith, a more purposeful ministry, and a clarity of belief currently impossible. Yes, it may also be that out of conflict, greater divisions within Protestantism will arise. Is that necessarily bad? May it not be that the eventual unity which can come out of genuine conflict will be a more meaningful unity? How can people be drawn to a church that doesn't really know what it believes? Whatever position we take on the theological and social issues facing our church, let us as individuals serve our risen Lord with integrity, that we may hold fast our clarity of conscience. And may Christ's church resolve that as it seeks to glorify Almighty God and witness to His grace through Jesus Christ, we will, as His body, reclaim a clarity of confession.

Words

I deal in words--every day.  I love words; but sometimes, words overshadow everything else--to the point that I'm overwhelmed with words.

 

Information comes to us in words.  Of course, a sighted person can also receive information visually, through pictures or through actually seeing something occur.  Even for the sighted person, however, words become more and more important in this age of information.  Even graphic displays are full of words.

 

Words and verbiage play such an important role in my life that I sometimes lose touch with other aspects of life which can also be rewarding.  I play the piano; but lately, I find that I'm not playing the piano very much.  In fact, I don't spend nearly as much time as I used to  enjoying music in any form.  

 

We can't open the windows in this house.  I enjoy hearing the sounds that come from outside; but I'm not able to do that either.  You might say that I've exchanged the sounds of the birds for the sounds of more words.  The TV and radio, my computer, telephone services, all of it is driven by words.

 

I was thinking of all of this several days ago and wondering if perhaps things were a little bit out of balance.  I'm not sure that it's really a bad thing.  Certainly, as a blind man, I rejoice in the ability to read by means of a voice synthesizer.  I'm thankful that I can dial a telephone number and hear hundreds of newspapers read to me from anywhere in the country.  I've always enjoyed the radio.  I know that sighted people have much the same problem as I do.  The information we absorb, particularly if we're "professionals," comes to us increasingly through words.  But I wonder about the impact of this "Age of Information" on others, especially the younger generation.  I know that they see hundreds of thousands of images.  Some people worry that because of all the visual images, the process of linear and logical thinking may be adversely affected in young people.  On the other hand, when we are given so much information--whether through words or images or a combination of both--we reach a point of saturation.  Marva Dawn comments that one of the problems in our day is that we are given so much information over which we have no control that we become desensitized, even to some of those things over which we could have some influence.  I suspect that culture suffers through this glut of information and the surplus of words.

 

Are there people who are taking time to enjoy or create great art today?  What is the status of the classics?  Are people taking time to cultivate culture and the appreciation for it? Where are the great symphonic composers of our day?  Can one even find great musical recordings any more--whether classical or religious?    How often do any of us take time to sit and enjoy the quietness of the words, the sounds of birds and crickets, the wind in the trees, the murmur of a brook, or even the sounds of the neighborhood, the small town, the city?

 

Today, I have a meeting.  It will be virtually an all-day affair.  I've read the agenda.  There will be recommendations, discussion, more words--most of them rather insignificant.  I find myself at odds with much of what will be proposed.  More words, more talk, but no real decisions will be made, no real principles enunciated.  It's all just words.  Maybe that's one of the things that bothers me.  Most of the words we hear today do not challenge us to take great stands or great risks for things in which we believe.

 

I think I need to hear more music, to be moved by great thoughts, to open the windows or sit out on my porch and hear life teeming all around me--without this never-ending cacophony of words! Do you feel the same way?

 

       

A Special Reward of Preaching

I recently mentioned the need for preachers to be candid with their congregations.  Someone posted a comment about times when we seem to be doing what we do in worship mainly for the purpose of making a good impression, and what a sham that makes of the whole procedure--whether it's the choir, the preacher, or even the congregants.  I couldn't agree more.  Reading that comment on this blog, however, reminded me of something I think I should relate--not only for the readers of this blog, but for my own encouragement as well.

 

When I reached my senior year in seminary, I was asked to lead some chapel services.  Most of the seniors got this opportunity during their final year.  The first time I led chapel was in November, 1974.  I led a chapel service on a Friday morning and gave a concert that night in the Campus Center with a friend of mine who was a drummer.  (I played the piano.)  There was a girl in the seminary I was trying to impress.  I just knew that between the chapel service and the concert, I couldn't miss.  But alas, she barely noticed.  I'm not even sure she attended the concert.

 

Move forward to February 7, 1975.  I had been asked to lead chapel again.  I wasn't thinking about girls or concerts.  I was preaching on Philippians 4:8-9:  "If there be any excellence, ..... think on these things."  That text had come to mean a lot to me.  I preached with sincerity and conviction.  In the congregation that day was Lydia.  She and I already knew each other; but we were just friends.  That sermon helped change our relationship forever.  She still says that when she heard me preach, she knew that I really believed what I was preaching!  God used that message truly  to bring me a special reward of preaching--and I wasn't trying to impress anybody!

 

I have always believed that there was a special significance in the fact that the relationship between Lydia and me was never based primarily on a physical attraction, but on a spiritual foundation and a genuine friendship, both of which preceded any physical attraction or romantic interest.  I like to remember this event in my life, for many and obvious reasons.  I also think, however, that it tells us something about being who God made us to be, about integrity in our worship, and about candor and conviction in preaching.  

 

God has given me many wonderful gifts; but He gave me one of the best as I was seeking to honor His call and His claim on my life.  I must never forget that!

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Pain

Straight AheadMy left shoulder hurts this morning. I think I must have done something to it in the past couple of days. I certainly don't expect the pain to be permanent or debilitating. I'll probably take a couple of Tylenol, and in the next few days, the problem will probably straighten out, and I'll be fine. For some reason, however, this made me think of people who are always in some kind of pain--perhaps because I am getting older, and there is always the possibility that any pain is the beginning of arthritis or some condition that requires more than passing consideration. Of course, I already have a permanent condition that is more than an inconvenience in that I am totally blind. My blindness, however, doesn't hurt. What about people who suffer chronic pain? They are actually restricted in what they can do; and this restriction is something with which they have not had to cope all their lives, unlike me with my blindness. Pain forces us to adjust the way we do things. I have always marveled at the attitude of some people I've known who suffered chronic arthritis or other debilitating conditions. Lydia has arthritis, and her knee bothers her quite a bit sometimes. She is usually able to reduce or eliminate the pain with Tylenol. She has a prescription pain medication available to her, but she rarely has to take it. Some people are unable to reduce or manage their pain very much at all. How do they cope? It just reminds me that our attitude plays such an important part in how we cope with life--whether we're talking about physical pain or emotional pain, disappointment and loss, or any aspect of the human condition. And to the person who is a convinced and serious Christian, the challenges of dealing with any kind of adversity can be met with so much more confidence than for the person whose spiritual commitments are vague or nonexistent. That does not mean that Christians always deal with pain or any other adversity in a gracious, cheerful spirit; but at least, the possibility for the Christian to meet adversity in a positive spirit is always there. The Christian understanding of life gives us a hope and confidence that is simply not possible for the non-believer. From the human standpoint, I cannot imagine having to deal with intense physical pain on a daily basis; and I hope I never have to do it. I don't know how some people with whom I come into contact live with their physical ailments, pains, and afflictions with such determination and good cheer. I do know, however, that having a grasp on your Christian faith surely does improve the opportunity to overcome the pain and live life from a different perspective. Now, maybe it's time for me to go get that Tylenol for my shoulder.

I Corinthians 15:12-20, February 11-17, Year C:

Several groups of people in Paul's day did not believe in the resurrection of Christ.  There were, of course, the Sadducees among the Jews, who did not believe in any form of resurrection from the dead.  Even among many who considered themselves Christian, however, there were those who did not believe that Christ had been raised from the dead.  These were various groups of Gnostics within the church who could not accept that God came to earth in bodily form or who had some other misgivings about the message Paul was preaching concerning the resurrection of Christ or the general resurrection of believers at the last day.  Paul was endeavoring to show the logical implausibility of their positions.

 

Paul says that if there is no resurrection of the dead at all, then Christ is not risen; but if Christ is not risen, then his preaching and the faith of the believers is in vain.  If their faith is in vain, then all the believers are still in their sins.  If that is true, then all who have already died who were part of the church are lost.  In short, if we only have hope in this life, then we of all men are most to be pitied, because we have staked everything on Christ.  Paul assures his readers, and us as well, that such is not the case.  Christ is in fact risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits "of them that sleep."

 

It is not a matter of whether the resurrection of Christ is "true for you."  In fact, from one standpoint, it really doesn't matter whether you believe in the resurrection of Christ or not;  your belief in His resurrection has absolutely nothing to do with whether it actually occurred.  If it did occur, then Christ has won the victory for all believers over sin and death.  If it did not occur, then we are all terribly deluded; and I, as a preacher of the Gospel, would be far better off to brush up on my jazz piano skills!

 

Paul does not believe himself to be speaking in metaphors here.  He means exactly what he says.  Too often these days, I have the feeling that preachers are somewhat less candid with their congregations than was the apostle Paul as he spoke to the church in Corinth.  Does anyone else share my suspicions?

  

Learning Experiences, turning 57 Today:

Straight AheadToday I turn 57. How neat that the Super Bowl will be played later today. I'll definitely enjoy that as a birthday treat. I'm hoping that the Indianapolis Colts, with Peyton Manning, will beat the Chicago Bears. As I reflect on my birthday, there are many things to think about. I enjoy reflecting and looking back on special days like New Year's, birthdays, and occasionally on other memorable dates. Of course, in many ways, this has been a difficult year. Mother's death was very hard--so sudden, so unexpected. There have been other disappointments and situations that didn't turn out as expected. Of course, there was also the wonderful experience of preaching special services at the First ARP in Gastonia, North Carolina--probably the highlight of the year in many ways. As hard as this year has been, I know that the experiences, sorrows, rejections, and disappointments will make me a better pastor in the next area of ministry to which God calls me. My father used to say, regarding disappointments and setbacks, that we just need to look at such things as learning experiences. Once when I was about 40, I told him that I was tired of having to look at so many things as "learning experiences." I thought I ought to start getting some pay-off for all these learning experiences. I still feel that way sometimes; but now I realize that learning experiences never really end. So although I'm praying and believing that this year will show me more clearly the path God has laid for me in my final years of ministry, I also know that the learning experiences will continue; and that because of them, I'll be a better pastor, a better Christian, a better man. Cultivating a quality of life does not come without a cost.