i watched the presidential debate last night. i am impressed by how much knowledge the two men have. it is particularly impressive how they know so much about so many topics. i guess when you are passionate about something, learning is not an obstacle.
one of them made a statement that i think applies to where our generation finds themselves.
the two candidates were debating the war in iraq and one of the men said that the next president of the united states would not have to decide whether or not to go into iraq, but decide how to remedy the situation.
it seems like a simple idea and one that really would not require much thought.
it is true.
our troops are already in iraq. we have already gone in.
i think many times, we can find ourselves in a similar place in regards to the church.
our generation, and others, are quick to judge what has happened. they are quick to judge and criticize where we find ourselves today.
but the question is not whether we should go in. the question is how are we going to remedy the situation.
essentially, it is what it is.
we are in a place where many have turned away God because of the behavior of His church.
we are in a place where being a Christian is determined by how you vote on abortion and gay rights rather than how you live your life.
we are in a place where being the church has tragically been replaced with going to church.
we are in a place where churches are growing because Christians are unhappy at one church and move to another one.
we are in a place where a critique of Sunday morning becomes the centerpiece of Sunday lunch rather than the lessons learned.
i am tired of my cynical perspective.
i am tired of saying i would have done it differently.
those things do not help the current situation.
i fear that we have spent to much time discussing and debating how we got in, rather than how we will fix it.
it is in our debating and discussing and arguing that we have gone from being in captivity to now holding others captive.
yes, we are far from where we need to be.
good observation.
now, let's do something to get back to where we need to be.
peace.
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7 comments:
a - a - a - a - men (repeat 3x singing like a beautiful, old hymn)
I hear ya on this one. We definitely have enough critics. It's a balance, I think, of looking forward, but still looking back to learn from others mistakes. It seems that a lot of Christians feel they're some sort of moral police, letting everybody aware of their unholiness. It's got to be about what we do, instead what we don't do. Great post.
I agree with Gary about needing balance. Although being the light of the world is going to expose darkness and sin. It's how you turn on that light, either abruptly or slowly dimming. Although I'm a fan of incouraging them to trun the light switch on for themselves.
Man, you are so right! Can you imagine if we lived such humble lives to the point that people felt comfortable following us. Then and only then would we be able to be the elucidation for change, "where we are"! (elucidation - to make lucid or clear; throw light upon)
sorry i know this dosent have to do with this post but i really like your new pick at the head of your page well done good sure
Thanks... I think I will.
um... it's been almost a month jeremy!
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