crisis
All posts tagged crisis
Does your life have a price tag? I have been watching the “Occupy” demonstrations closely and much of what’s being said is quite interesting (to say the least). It matters not whether you or I agree or disagree; it’s simply a message that people are delivering that have some familiar sounds to them. Such as, does your life have a price? The scripture is clear that the price for your life (and mine) has already been paid. Paid in complete and we carry NO debt. Our debt was paid due to His great and awesome love for who we are. How are we paying the debt of others with our love? It’s just a thought (and a question)…perhaps only you can provide the answer?
There’s something happening in our culture that has been so gradual it’s often hard to detect….but clearly evident! We’re loosing our young people in the church! The (college age) 20-30 something’s have watched the church closely (and for most), have decided it’s not for them. Recently I sat down with several students (20, 21, 24, and 28 year old students) and they all independently told me the same thing.
WARNING…you won’t like what you are about to hear.
The common theme (word) that came up in all my discussions was “fraudulent Christianity.” For one reason or another they have watched us closely…and seen us as “fraudulent.” They have heard (over their lives) what we refer to as “biblical principles”….which upon closer examination (by them) has been nothing more than personal preferences. Our young people have examined our position on some issues and have objected….and many want nothing to do with us or the church. They have heard the message of victorious living only to watch defeated Christians move among them at church. They have heard the harsh talk in the hallways of the church and were repulsed. They observed people who came into church looking (or acting) differently than the “norm;” and saw how they were treated. They have seen what they refer to as “country club spirituality.” Here’s what I believe….we must not ignore them, we must “engage them!” We must listen to their questions, their concerns, their complaints. They don’t hate the Lord…they just don’t like the church! I believe if we listened to them (did you catch that? Listen to them…not instruct them), we might actually learn something more about our own journey with the Lord as well as better understand where they are coming from. These are your sons and daughters, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, your neighbors. They are the now and the future! These are some of the brightest people I have been around…in my LIFE! They don’t see through our eyes (nor do they want to). Legalism has killed them and they want to know why the church seems to be so judgmental? They want to know why it was necessary for Jesus to come if (we as Christians) continue to “tip the scales” towards judgement and justice rather than mercy and love? It matters not to them whether someone wears a tie or teaches a Sunday School class…they want to know why there are people around us that go hungry…that feel unloved…that don’t feel accepted? They will ask some tough questions…and every question deserves our attention! Leaving them behind and ignoring their issues/concerns will do one thing…eliminate the church after we’re gone (because they will not carry forward what they don’t believe in)! How exciting it would be to have them return and be a vital part of the Christian community! God loves them just the way they are…shouldn’t we?
While working in the early 80′s (EMS) in Bradenton Florida, I received a call to respond to the Skyway Bridge. This bridge connects Manatee County (where I lived and worked) to Pinellas County (St. Petersburg). It’s one of the tallest and longest suspension bridges in the world and happens to be over one of the most incredibly beautiful bodies of water in the world. The initial report was that a “tanker” had hit the bridge and there were “no survivors.” As the first responding emergency unit I wasn’t worried because we often received these types of calls…and there was never any real damage. This early morning call would be very different than the usual. In fact, the tanker that struck the bridge, brought the main span down along with a transport bus loaded with over 30 people (no survivors from the bus). There were 2 amazing stories that unfolded on this day. First, a pickup truck fell from the main span, landed on top of the bow of the tanker, and the driver walked away and lived to tell the story. Second, the driver of the car (above left) was in shock when he barely escaped driving over the edge of the main span. He and his passengers got out of the car, left the doors opened, and the driver later returned to the car (with high winds and a dangling bridge section) to close the doors. This was a tragic day for many and the entire country was exposed to this through the media. Although I experienced this tragedy first hand, here is what I was (and still am) struck with. How can the scene of such a tragedy become such a beautiful/picturesque place. Over the next few days, bodies would be pulled from the waters beneath. Yet, over time, this new bridge (as you can see) provides such an incredible sight. Isn’t this also how the Lord works in our lives? He’s the only one who can turn tragedy into triumph…ugly into beauty…and pain into peace. The next time you are facing a tragedy, remember that you are eligible for His miracle.
Pray for the leaders, the workers, the community, the world! This impacts everyone!
