I heard today about how hard it is for cops to share the news of someone's death with their loved ones... and that it happens thousands of times a day, through murder or suicide or a myriad of other avenues.
I read about how one man, one church, trying to hide the whole truth from the world, ended up further casting doubt upon the entire church when the truth came to light. There was already one truth that came out, why not let them all out? Why do we hide? Why do we act as if we could hide forever? There are so many why's in this...
I heard from a friend that a songwriter and worship leader lied for over a year about having Cancer, just to cover up the fact that the song he wrote about God being his healer was really about his addiction to pornography. Should we be more concerned that this worship leader was addicted to pornography and lied about it to millions of people, or that the church has allowed a culture in which lying and appearances are more important than truth and true compassionate healing?
I see how a band is releasing their music to Christian markets as well as secular, even though their hit single is based on doubt and being okay with doubt. They didn't release the first one to Christian markets because they "didn't have time". But what is the point of a Christian market? Should I be concerned that this band has conclusion that catering to Christians would be a good business move, or should I be concerned that they are right, but unaware of the forthcoming judgment and debating of their merits by a cannibalistic Christian sub-culture?
This world is broken. The church is broken. And what do I do to fix it? I can't help but wonder, as I play my guitar and sing and practice and organize and learn, if there is something more I could do.
Could it be that God has given me, given us, the tools to change the world?
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Tim 3:16-17
For those reading this who are not Christians, let me assure you that the Christianity that "should be" is the one that changes this world with Love and action rather than united dissent and judgment. I ask this question knowing full well the answer, and asking this one as well...
Why am I not doing more?
The paradox of insular language
1 year ago
3 comments:
I was there at the time that the worship leader confessed his sin. It was intense. It came as a shock to EVERYONE at the church... the pastors, the other worship leaders, even his parents and his wife. Nobody had any idea. I heard him speak before it was let out... and I shed tears during his sermon... wasted tears now.
All of that to say, the church handled it well. The pastor told us to pray for him.. that he needed prayer. We all sin... this was his sin. And the pastor encouraged us to put our trust in Jesus Christ not people... b/c people will let us down, but Jesus NEVER will. Thought that was encouraging....
It's a crazy world, and even in the church, we're going to get our hands dirty. I'm glad your church could handle it so well.
I'm also looking forward to your 'literary PDA' next month!
Great post and challenging questions, Richard!
"Should we be more concerned that this worship leader was addicted to pornography and lied about it to millions of people, or that the church has allowed a culture in which lying and appearances are more important than truth and true compassionate healing?" BINGO!
And your points about even having a Christian music market is dead on!
You're right, "This world is broken. The church is broken. And what do I do to fix it?" And I believe it starts by genuinely loving on and caring on one person at a time. We as individuals cannot possibly "fix" the world, but collectively as the body and utilizing the gifts God has given each and every one of us, we can change the world by doing our part! I think the problem lies in that not everyone is willing to do their part which then puts it on the shoulders of a few. In turn this makes the task at hand seem GiNORMOUS and impossible.
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