Finding the Perfect Church

John 14:26 -- Be the Change

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.

I used to think the perfect church was out there. All I needed to do was study the differences in doctrines, the declarations of faith, the history, and the organizing body. Once I did this enough, I would find the “perfect fit” in Christianity. And although basic doctrines do matter -- for instance I believe in the Nicene Creed -- the finite, specifics of a church’s beliefs, I am convinced, matter less. All Christians are an important part of the Body of Christ, no matter our denominational differences.

A friend of mine approached me this week disgruntled with his current church. As I listened, I heard the same arguments with which I wrangled for so many years. But as he talked, I heard a very important message: We are never alone in our struggles. Even though my friend is a Presbyterian and I am a Roman Catholic, we struggle with similar misgivings in our churches and pine for a more improved version. The more I think about this, the more I am led to believe that I (we) make the difference, even in the most disorganized, sin-ridden church. Our contribution as part of the body, connected with one another, makes all of the difference in the world.

I am in no way perfect, but I can attest to the Holy Spirit’s presence in all of us. And since the Spirit is present, our willing cooperation allows God’s grace to flow. Sometimes God’s grace flows in ways that are hard for us to see, but we need to have faith, hope, and trust in God’s grace, too.

As we approach this week, let us all remember Jesus’ words of assurance to a flawed, divided, fledgling early church: “The Holy Spirit . . . will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” And let us pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all things so that we can be the serving vessels of God’s grace. Amen.

Have a blessed week!

Stan

Can I get a Witness?

John 13:34-35: Being a Witness of Faith

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

There was a time when I equated witnessing my faith in Jesus Christ to various flamboyant displays of belief. But my perspective has changed.

Witnessing our love for God is always beneficial, but our evangelistic bark often results in less of a bite: Bumper stickers, t-shirts, and tracts call attention to ourselves; instead, we should be pointing to God.

Jesus, moreover, reminds his disciples about how to truly witness: We are known by our love. According to Scripture, the true testament of being Christ’s followers is in our love for God and neighbor, and in this passage, Jesus emphasizes our love for neighbor. The phrase “love one another,” for instance, is repeated three times in these verses.

As I reflect on the shortcomings of the charity I express toward others, I ask God to grant me the grace to love the person in front of me more authentically, even when it is a challenge. For as Christians we are known by our love, not the empty narcissism of personal faith branding.

May you all be blessed and encouraged in the love and peace of Christ.  

Stan

When Fear Gets in the Way

Acts of the Apostles 5:28-32 -- Do Not Be Afraid

"We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name? Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men. . . .  We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."

My students are always teaching me important lessons. The other day, for instance, while we were discussing a current event in relation to our unit of study, a student asked the following question: “What do you believe regarding China’s detention of Muslims?” I thought my answer was implied in the presentation of the topic, but this student -- a very intelligent, conservative-minded fifteen-year-old -- wanted to hear my direct answer. And my answer was anything but direct. I danced around what I really wanted to say and offered a universal answer: The detention of anyone because of their religious beliefs is a violation of human rights. But I wanted to say something about the evils of Islamophobia so prevalent in the world. I wanted to offer the many examples of love, kindness, respect, and dignity that exist in the many Muslim students I serve (and have served in the past) and their families.  

Another student, one equally as intelligent but more liberal-minded, asked if I thought Islam was a violent faith. Again, after reflection, I posed a vanilla answer. At first I said, “I don’t know. I am not a Muslim. But based on what I have read, it is a religion of peace.” Then, I added that all five major religions -- Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism -- embrace the idea of peace among humanity. I quickly steered our topic back to the text at hand, fearing any more depth on such a sensitive issue. I left class feeling that my answers were intellectually governed by my reticence to speak up and make a few students uncomfortable. I was afraid of what some students might say to their parents regarding my liberal-progressive views. I was afraid . . .

My experience speaks to Acts chapter 5. The Apostles, led by Peter, were honest about their convictions, even in the face of the Sanhedrin’s threats. Although I realize that serving students in a public school is no place to take a political or religious stand, it is a place to take a human stand and be transparent about my convictions and beliefs in the love and kindness of all humanity, regardless of their background.

Heavenly Father, kindly grant us the grace to witness the truth about your love and hope in this world, your love and hope in and for every individual. In Jesus Christ I pray, amen.

Have a blessed week!

Stan