:: heard it on the radio

On the way into work, and on the way home, I’ll sometimes listen to “Christian Radio” to hear what it is that people are being taught by preachers or talk show hosts. Yesterday morning I listened to a talk show where a lady called in to express her concern with our nation’s political problems and how they are impacting her religious rights. She had recently watched the Rick Perry ad about the “war on religion,” which led her to make the following comment (I paraphrase):

“I’m worried about the way our rights in America are being eroded and taken away. With our rights being taken away it’s like we Christians are being persecuted, and that means we won’t be able to share the good news. I’m afraid we will become a secular nation and we won’t be able to witness to the lost because our religious rights are being taken away.”

As expected, the radio host vehemently agreed, and asked that we “pray for our nation to return to its roots of being a Christian nation.”

I’ll admit, it still perplexes me that the notion of the U.S. being or becoming a “Christian nation” is still part of the evangelical discussion. Yet, it was the lady’s statement that really got my attention. Since when is it a requirement to only share the good news when there is no persecution, or struggle? It’s like a slap in the face to the early Church, as well as the current underground disciples in oppressed countries. I’m not wishing persecution on those of us in the Western world, but we need to keep it in perspective of what it means to follow Jesus and make disciples. Struggle is part of the process of following Jesus. My friend, Chris Chappotin, says it seems that today’s Christians would rather have a comfortable and fluffy church life. I agree with that thought, yet to our failure scripture doesn’t promise a comfortable and fluffy life in Christ, or a cheap gospel to share. Nor are we promised religious rights, but we are called to righteousness. We are called to identify with the Christ crucified. The Apostle Paul says it best in Galatians 2:20 (ESV), “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

After reading the verse in Galatians and considering the lady’s comment, I wonder if sometimes we would rather rewrite scripture for our own benefit. For instance, we could change Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 to say we should “go and make disciples of all cultures where you have religious freedom and aren’t persecuted. Teaching them a gospel that is safe, comfortable and fluffy.” The sad reality here is that she is only regurgitating something learned elsewhere and knows no different from what scripture teaches.

If we put this all in relation to the time of Jesus it was those marginalized by the religious who were persecuted. The early Church faced persecution because of their obedience to be in movement with the Spirit of the resurrected Christ as they penetrated their culture through an incarnational life, which challenged the religious status quo. Like the first disciples, we should take to heart the words of Jesus where he says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

While our “religious rights” may be eroded and even taken away, we who follow Christ still belong to the King and his kingdom. The Truth of the gospel still transcends all philosophies and cultures. God still reveals Himself in all of Creation and in the world’s cultures. Therefore, we must seek Him out and join him on mission…with or without religious rights.

What say you?

my spiritual birthday

Thirty years ago today (October 16, 1981) God found me in the midst of the muck and mire of life. I was hopeless, helpless and lost in the sea of a broken humanity. My emotions were beat down and the pain in my soul was deep. It was as though life was just not worth living, and I figured no one would care if my wretched self was not around. To my surprise fate would have it that I would run into a little Jesus and he would squelch any possibility for considering suicide. This little Jesus had the reputation of being the coolest dude in town and then he suddenly disappeared for a couple years. On this day he reappeared dressed in all black like Johnny Cash. Who is this dude? He’s Danny Saldaña. A long-time friend.

I remember seeing him walking down the street pondering whether I should offer him a ride. Needless to say, I pulled over and gave him a ride to his parent’s house. He had no idea where I was headed or the pain stirring in my heart. We stopped at the front of his parent’s house about 6pm where I asked the fatal question, “So, what’s been going on with you since you left this small town?” Why was it fatal? Well, what came next ruined my life and my plans for a quick departure of this earth. Danny told me his story. It was a story of how God had found him in his darkest time and redeemed him. He shared how his life was turned upside down and that he hadn’t been the same since discovering the love of who he called a “radical Jesus.” It was a love greater than anything he had ever imagined. He shared how he’d never felt so high in his life…even higher than his drug filled days.

Next thing I knew it was 6am and we parted ways. My heart was stirring with tons of questions that made their way through the pain. I drove home and sat on my bed asking God if he would do to me what he had done to Danny. I wasn’t sure what it meant to follow Jesus, but it had to be better than the pain I was enduring. Since then it’s been a transforming journey that many times has been painful. I’ve lost friends on the way because of death or just because of philosophical differences. Still, the Lord continues to change my heart and thinking.

At times I wonder what life would have been like for my family if I’d ended my life. It always breaks my heart to think of not being here because I’ve enjoyed the beauty of God’s grace with some amazing people throughout the years. My heart has been challenged and encouraged by many of you who are reading this confession. I’m beyond grateful that God found me when he did. Otherwise I wouldn’t have met the friends I have in real life and in the virtual world. Most importantly I would not have met the most beautiful and amazing woman in the world in my wife, Paige. God would not have blessed me with three very cool sons who continue to make me proud to be their papi. I guess it is a wonderful life.

As I celebrate 30 years of trying to follow Jesus, my hope is to keep going on for 30 more. There is more of life to experience, history to be made, and plenty of stories to be told. I must let go of my selfishness and pettiness. I must get back to loving and caring for the least of these because when God found me I was one of the least of these.

grace and peace…gibby

:: drinking the kool-aid

From The Monkey and the Fish by Dave Gibbons:

When I first went to Bankok, I was told by Jim Gustafson to be sure to adapt to the local cultures and customs. So, immersed in the new culture, I tried to be sensitive about my Western ways. I really wanted to make sure I respected the Thai culture. Moreover, on one of my visits prior to my move to Bangkok, I noticed the international churches there seemed to have few Thais among their community. I didn’t want to make the same mistake. And then it struck me–the connection between the surreal scene of the British country Club and the church. We in the church seem to do the same thing the country club did. We replicate places where we all drink the same Kool-aid and hang out with people who are attracted to the same things we are. These communities tend to be exclusive and insular, but God has called us to become like water, to adapt to the currents where he is flowing. (pg. 196)

peace…

:: another simple moment

This morning I had to make my way to Irving to help my son start the car he was driving. No big deal. Life is full of adventures and this was just another moment to be a loving dad to my oldest son. Before heading to Irving (TX) I stopped at the Firestone in Crowley (TX) to get a slow leaking tire fixed. I was the only customer there at 9am so I took advantage of the time and entered into a simple conversation. We went through all the pleasantries of checking the car in and stuff. Here’s what I remember:

Me: So, Ben, you were on vacation. How was your time away?
Ben: Man, it was soooo goooood, but I worked the whole time.
Me: Ben, it was a vacation. Why were you working?
Ben: Well, I went to visit my sister in Louisiana up close to Minden. You know where that’s at?
Me: You bet I do. My wife is from Minden.
Ben: I was just north of there spending time with my sister and working in the oil fields.
Me: Was it a good visit?
Ben (choked up): I didn’t want to come back. You know? Everyday I was there she made me some good country cookin’ and there was always biscuits. She makes the best biscuits.
Me: So you miss home?
Ben: Not really.
Me: You miss family, don’t you?
Ben (choked up): I do. My sister and I are close, but not like they are in Arkansas, if you know what I mean. (grins big and laughs)
Me (chuckling): So, Ben, where do you see your life going? What do you think is your purpose.
Ben: You know, I need to think about that question. Maybe when you come back for new tires we can talk about it then.
Me: You’re a good salesman, but most importantly you’re on. I’d be more than honored to talk about life with you.
Ben: Same here. Nobody’s ever asked me what my purpose is in life. I really need to think about that real hard.

Then customers started coming in and our conversation ended. My heart is joyous today, as it was yesterday. As simple conversation that led to future conversations. Even if they don’t the seed is planted and he’s thinking about his life.

What did I learn? Ben had a story to tell. In the midst of his story I could sense he wanted to ask me something, or say something at a deeper level. He was also listening, as was I for that moment. This was a simple moment, or as my friend Pam Toole says, “Simple moment in man’s eye.” The Spirit sees deeper and loves better than I can. Pray I have the next conversation with Ben. It could be the life changer.

:: simple moment

Saturday was a wonderful day. My youngest son and I had a great 20 mile ride down the back roads into town with and against gusting winds. That in itself was a great and simple moment because he pushed me to keep pedaling.

Here is a some simple moment that I encountered on our ride:

We stopped at a gas station to get some Powerade. We were pouring the Powerade into our water bottles and as I threw the empty bottles in the garbage can a guy in a pickup truck says to me, “I got a lot of respect for you guys. It takes heart and commitment to stay healthy and do what you’re doing.” This dude was probably in his late 50s and weighed 300lbs+. I said, “Dude, you can do this. Anyone can do this if they put their heart into it.” He said, “Really? How could I? Look at me.” My reply was, “Start on a stationary bike and get used to being on a bike. Learn to use the bike and all its features. Next thing you know you’ll be healthier. You may be out here with us someday.” He smiled and thanked me.

Simple conversation? Sure. The thing is the dude had teary eyes throughout the conversation. I don’t know what was going on with him. It’s possible it was that someone believed he could get healthy, or that someone spoke to him with true care and concern. I tried to discern the situation and all I know is that it spoke to my heart. I sensed the Spirit doing a simple work in that conversation. I failed to get the dude’s name, but I prayed for him as we rode away. My prayer was that he would encounter the Lord in his new confidence to get healthy. Also, that whatever was wearing heavy on his heart would be lifted by the Spirit.

We can speculate and imagine what caused him to get teary eyed. My heart tells me he was struggling with something concerning himself and maybe family. See, there are people around us who are living in defeat. Sometimes a word of encouragement can give them the confidence and hope they need for the next challenge. Our words might talk people out of something dreadful and into something hopeful. Life’s challenges are always before us and how we respond to them says a lot about us, our relationship with Christ and our relationship with humanity.

What did I learn? To see people through the eyes of Jesus and to love always.