Cannon Shot

So, we’ve expanded grace the past few days in order to draw attention to this central teaching of Jesus that concerns itself with love. Now, it doesn’t at all mean that we leave people to wallow in their addictions or stand impassive at the consequences of their bad choices. We are all pressing on to be like Jesus and we need to help one another. That bar is set for all of us.

But what it does mean is that we love in spite of another’s struggles. We must always remain God-centric when we consider love. If he can continue to love us in spite of our many faults, we should aspire to do no less. Moreover, I’m inclined to believe that we all have addictions of one sort or another. Some are just more hidden or socially acceptable. I could well preach a sermon entitled: “Put That Remote Down!”; or, “Drop the Fork!” Neither of these will get you a DUI, but they can nonetheless numb the mind, soul and body.
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And now a cannon shot toward the self-righteous. I’ve encountered a curious phenomena over the course of several years of ministry. It seems that often, often enough to suggest something of a malevolent strategy, there are people drawn into positions of leadership who think themselves quite the paragon of spirituality. If they’re really good at their craft they will stealth themselves into a place where they can rule according to their definition of what is right. On the outside they often seem to have it together. They support the church with their money. They show up every time the church doors open. They associate themselves with worthy causes and the like. They seem to be the perfect ecclesiastic. Yet, once you get past the patina of their religious bustle, you find a heart that is shriveled like a frozen pea.

I admit with some embarrassment that I’ve not always been great at spotting these misshapen souls. In a desperate attempt to fill a gap with a willing body, I’ve allowed them aboard. But I’ve always lived to regret tossing the leadership keys to those who’ve missed the teaching on love – always. Over time they form secret cabals and sow discord. They think they are doing heaven’s work when in fact they are advancing a kingdom of darkness.

Closely wedded to love is what Jesus actually did back in John 14. He began the whole sermon with an unforgettable word picture – he scrubbed the grimy feet of his disciples. Those who refuse to go low should never go high. Those who are too good for feet are not good enough for hearts. If there is anything that would cause me to find a whip, turn over tables and clear the temple (or in our case, a Theatre), it would be those who have a pretense of spirituality but in the end, actually loathe their fellow brothers and sisters.  And, as is often the case, those who loathe others begin by loathing themselves. Loathing others and loathing ourselves is not how God drew this whole thing up.