:) For you two or three people who read my blog...I'm sorry I've disappeared from the blogosphere lately. I'm in one of those little seasons that comes with a temptation to announce your mile-long list of things to do to everyone who gets within a mile of you. I'm going to resist talking about finals, but I would appreciate your prayers. I want to finish strong this semester for his glory. Now for a story...
Sometimes I think I'm turning in to a hippie. In the past few weeks and months, I've caught myself eating granola and veggie burgers, asking my dad if his company recycles, taking advantage of those reusable bags at Wal-Mart, and getting frustrated about the poor air quality in Bham.
Cool, I think at first. But then my analytical brain kicks in. Maybe it's subconsciously because the hippie movement is the most drug-related movement in American history. Stay with me...
I'm in tons of company with this whole hippie action in 2008. Green is the new black. This is good, although it has its limits. Part of our God-given role as human beings is to responsibly rule over the created world. We need to take care of it for that reason, recognizing it not a matter of obligatory obedience, but as for our good and for the good of generations to come. So, I will continue stepping out with confidence as I rock my reusable tote. Here's what I can't get around though...this place is going to burn one day. While it's completely legit to take care of the earth, are we not guaranteed that conditions on this planet are going to get worse (as in the pains of child birth) and then be destroyed? All that to say, perspective is important.
I'm writing about all this craziness because of another level. To my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ—we must be on guard against a Social Gospel, which is no Gospel at all. Along with the resurgence of extreme eco-friendliness is a deadly lie that "all we need to do is love people to Jesus." Absolutely not true. If that were the case, the Salvation Army would be baptizing people left and right. Scripture absolutely commands us to care for the poor and to seek justice for weak(John 21:15-17, James 1:27). But, people need more than another meal. Scripture also clearly calls us to encourage people to seek right relationships with Christ (Matt.28:18-20, Acts 4:12). The two have to go together. In America's pluralistic, tolerant culture, Jesus isn't even on most people's radar. But that is not an excuse; it's a challenge. We must boldly share the name of Jesus and lift his name high. Christ alone is true justice for the oppressed and for every broken soul in this world.
The true Gospel message is one that is centered on the mercy of Jesus Christ. God help us grasp the truth more and more as we are propelled into the world to share the love of Christ as we serve this world and make your great name known. Your Word tells us that social action is no substitute for truly ministering to lost sheep in your name. Raise up your children and give us strength. You are able, God, for you are strength.
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3 comments:
I read and I'm glad you're back! Been needing my deep thoughts fix and you delivered! Love you!
Julianne
Ah the Social Gospel. It seems when talking about presenting and confronting our culture with the true, Biblical gospel, one of the biggest obstacles is "offending people". Very unfortunately, we live in a society that seems to live and die by political correctness. I mean, if a teacher in the public school system mentions Jesus Christ as Lord, he/she (PC) has a lawsuit on their hands. I think this is a form of persecution. We as Christians need not be afraid of shaking things up a bit, because we have a remedy that the world can't find anywhere else. The gospel is offensive, but is also incredible beautiful. If we aren't living and preaching the Gospel, how can we possibly believe in its power? Great blog, as always!
Great blog, and that's something I've been working through over the past few years...the whole "loving people to Jesus" thing. What seems to happen most of the time is believers use the opportunity to care for someone as their act of service or mission and then consider it a completion of their work without even involving Jesus in the situation. Which then means the act of service is nothing more than social activism. Hmmm...I'm gonna go ahead and say Jesus was much more than a social activist, and that he desires more than that from his followers as well.
Hope everything is going well for you at Southern.
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