Jesus'-Wife Beaters

I had the opportunity to take in Catalyst West Conference in Irvine, California. So many things to share from there, but something that's been on my mind that Perry Noble brought up: people who say they love Jesus, but hate the church.

I call these people Jesus'-Wife Beaters. Now, stick with me...there are plenty of people that I know who say they love Jesus, but have this deep-seeded angst with the (His) church. They love to sit and critque. They complain. They vent. They disrespect. They dishonor.

I have a beautiful wife, Brett (yes, she's a girl.) There's no way I deserve to be with her, but obviously I have her fooled. Fortunately my son looks more like her than me! I love Brett exponentially more than any other person.

Now, let's say you're hanging out with me, we're drinking some americanos, shooting the breeze and you feel the need to start trashing Brett - what you dislike about her, what bugs you about her, that you think she's ugly...well, I'm not just going to sit there and let you critique, vent about, disrespect, and dishonor my wife. I'M GOING TO PUNCH YOU IN THE THROAT! (at least that's what I'd want to do)

You catching this?

The Church is Jesus' wife, his bride...you dig? So when you sit back all smug, arms-crossed and start trashing Jesus' wife - how do you think he feels about this? Does he think: "boy, I'm so glad you felt the need to share these things with me - but how do you really feel?" hmmmm.

If you say you love Jesus, it follows that you should love the things he loves...one of those being his wife, his Church.

Now, I know there are faults in the Church, things that have gotten skewed. But that does not diminish the fact that I am called to love it - dang, I am it; we are it. It's a heart thing.

I know how easy it is to find these faults, some of them are glaringly apparent. But, what are you doing to improve them? What are you doing to be the Church we are called to be? You think you're so smart because you have pointed out all the major flaws in the church? Wow, congratulations! You deserve a prize, or at least a punch in the throat (figuratively of course.)

I believe there can be constructive criticism - but that has to be done in love. And if you're not willing to own up to your role in these flaws and be willing to have a role in the solution - SHUT UP! If you don't humble yourself in this - that's not love, don't delude yourself. Any moron can complain, that means nothing. But, who's willing to stand up and take ownership?

Does it grieve you how the Church has gone off-course in some areas? I believe it grieves Jesus too. Is this grief because you know how much more we could be? Or is it out of pride?

I'm sick of hearing it if you don't want to have anything to do with fixing it in love. So, let's together take an honest look at the Church and bring it back to Jesus.

...or you can continue to beat Jesus' Wife...

the Blue Parakeet

Just started into this book, the Blue Parakeet, by Scot McKnight. he's asking some great questions...I had the opportunity to hear him speak this past weekend - quite intriguing. I'll report back when I'm through it, but would enjoy the chance to dialogue with someone else about this book, Scot McKnight, or why we pick and choose what we follow in the Bible.

ps - can someone explain to me how I'm supposed to use twitter? I have it, I twitter - but I'm still not entirely sure I know what it's for. Is it just to hear witty tweets from Bono?

attention so-called Christians

so, you call yourself a Christian? why?

because you go to church? congrats!

because you pray before you eat, or before a test, or when you get a flat-tire? wow

because you own a Bible? so does every hotel room

because you have a fish-decal on your car or some 'witty' sticker? you still drive like a moron

because you don't swear? just under your breath or with words like frick or crap

because you don't have sex before marriage? not that you'd admit anyways, but...

because you judge those who aren't like you? but you wouldn't call it judging - you would call it lovingly concerned

because...we could go on, couldn't we?

or...is it because you:

feed the hungry?

give drink to the thirsty?

welcome strangers?

clothe the naked?

care for the sick?

visit the prisoners?

- let's do this is Jesus' name.

catalyst

I'm heading to California with a good friend of mine, Brad Moffatt and I can't wait. We're checking out the Catalyst West Conference

yawnishly contemplative

I need a rest...anyone else?
enough of this busyness, running about, accomplishing nothing - I need a rest.
let's slow down - agree?
I'm not saying, "ooh, I'm so busy, poor poor me"
I'm saying, "slow it down, take it in"

who's with me? hands up, way up

scrapping bottom...

I'm so sorry it's come to this. how many years have we walked this road together? how many victories? how many defeats? but, why has it come to this? nearing the bottom, last resorts, last ditch efforts, incapable of seeing any way out...I'm sorry.

but know it doesn't have to be like this - there is hope. there are consequences, there always are...I'd be lying if I said there wouldn't be - but it can be better. there is hope.

I'm here and willing to walk with you. I can't fix it all, I would if I could. but I am here and there is hope. please don't give up, even if everything in you wants to. I'm never giving up on you. there's more than this. there's better than this. and you know it, don't you?

opposition...

...it comes from the least likely sources. those who 'should' be advocates, are actually conniving, planning, waiting to catch you. is this what your life has become? a witch-hunt? a perputual pursuit of wrong? where is your joy? where is your contentment? where is your peace? where is your....love? you feign at all these - lipservice, not even convinving to you (or is it? - that may be the scariest part, you actually believe the words that come out of your mouth)

now before you go and say, what about you? let me publicly flog myself for you...I have been guilty of this. I pass judgment quickly. I assume my position is correct. I actually believe the words that come out of my mouth.

...but - I don't want to anymore. may I not be found proud. may I not be found assuming I'm right. but may I be found humble - acknowledging my short-comings and seeking the truth.

so, for your sake - give it up. please.

dark was the night

...just purchased a new album on itunes, Dark Was the Night. http://www.myspace.com/darkwasthenight , check it out...

- right up my musical alley (if there is such a thing)

I Sold My Soul on eBay

A friend recommended I should read the book, I Sold My Soul on eBay - so graciously, I did. Don't let the title put you off. This was an intriguing read to say the least. Mehta (author) raises some interesting questions. Whereas the Bill Mahers of this world seem to be looking for a fight, the Hemant Mehtas seem to be looking for the truth - though he hasn't found it yet.

If you have read it, or do read it - I would enjoy discussing your thoughts. It may even change your views of atheists.

- ineloquently


Mehta's blog can be found at:

http://friendlyatheist.com/