Rules of Engagement

I've enjoyed writing and posting on my blog. I have several notebooks, mainly sermon notes, personal study notes and just notes in general that I'm going through to see what's publishable. Also, I've written 2 other not yet posted posts that I'm crafting to just right reading perfection. I made the commitment to write and publish my work on a regular basis. So far I have met that commitment.

I also made the commitment to be open to comments on my blog, something I am steeling myself to receive. I understand the necessity of being open to comments, but that doesn't mean I will enjoy or understand some comments. I stated in an earlier post that I would not allow comments. This was based on reading comments in the past from various blogs and news sites. I have always been amazed that just because someone has an opinion doesn't mean everyone (or anyone!) wants to read that opinion. I've often thought there are those individuals who appear to take great pleasure in making comments that insight conflict rather than offer something to the discussion. I thought then, as I do now, if you have an opinion get your own blog!

That said, I have some requests about posting comments:

1.  Be to the point. 
2. If possible, be constructive. 
3. These are my opinions, thoughts, ideas, observations, etc., and I'm sure I will make mistakes.
4. I fully own my posts, they're mine and I accept the responsibility of my comments. If I'm wrong I will respond in an appropriate manner and own up when I believe necessary.
5. Own your comments, don't hide behind a pseudonym.
6. Use appropriate language, my kids read my posts. 

That said, comment away.

Authentic

Being an "Authentic Christian" has become something of a buzz phrase recently. So, in my semi-curmudgeon almost hopefully positive outlook, I ask: What is an Authentic Christian? There must be some sort of test, maybe a blood test? Maybe a breathalyzer? There must be some way to find out because the more I look the more confused I become. Everyone has some nifty ideas, the churches/organizations with the hippest multimedia presentations appear to have more on the ball, but that's not saying much. Fellow Christians tell me they want to be "real" in their faith. It's said with a sense of longing, as if they're missing something and can't put their finger on just exactly what they're missing.

Here's some other catch phrases idly tossed about: "Real People, Real Christians" or "Living out our Faith Together" or "Real Answers to Real Problems". Real is used often, to the point it has no meaning. Now, before you take issue with my references, I don't believe any of these are disingenuous, ill-tempered or purposefully misleading. In fact, many churches who employ this type of PR are genuinely genuine and sincere. There's nothing wrong with such communication.

At least not completely. Let me explain. WE (humans in general) want to differentiate ourselves from each other in any way possible. From the clothes we wear, the vehicle we drive, our jobs, education , our kids educations (!), what we eat, where we shop, we will pull away from the other non-real humans in whatever way we can. We want to be different, real and authentic in a fake world. Personally I attribute this type of thinking on my part to the middle child syndrome. You know like this, I will not be like my older siblings, I will be different, better, improved "We have the technology to rebuild him!". Anyway, WE (humans in general) also love to display our individuality by flocking together with other humans who look exactly like us. We're not consistent in our expression of individuality because while we love our individuality, we just don't like doing it alone! Even standouts like a crowd.

I don't know what churches or denominations mean when they use the above descriptors. And, that's the problem, its all about context. Different context means different definitions. Christians so desperately want to be liked or received in our communities that we'll reduce who we are to something palatable for our world. Robert Capon writes in his book The Parables of Grace, "But does the church preach that salty message? Not as I hear it, it doesn't. It preaches the nutra-sweet religion of test-passing, which is the only thing the world is ready to buy and which isn't even real sugar let alone salt."

I know most of the churches that I'm referring are probably great places of worship, following God's will in their lives and reaching the lost. But it's not their realness that separates them, its' Jesus Christ. Christ Alone should be our motto. The church shouldn't differentiate itself by clever marketing or snazzy catch phrases. We should differentiate ourselves by how different we are in, by and through Jesus Christ. In truth, the world in which we live despises individuality and cherishes conformity. We can only be free in Jesus Christ. We can only understand our place (our individuality) in Him.

The Apostle Paul called himself a bond-servant of Jesus. He would also write to several churches instructing them that we (mankind) are slaves to sin. He would encourage them to be bond-servants of Jesus. Yes, he said become a slave of Jesus Christ. I don't know if this means being an authentic christian. But I would rather be a slave of Jesus than a slave of this world any day of the week.

Hello, my name is Eric....

NOTE: I began this post July 10th in Jefferson City early in the morning before the Executive Board meeting. Hey, I'm not the fastest writer.

I'm sitting at Dunn bros coffee enjoying my just roasted and brewed coffee, listening to some modern beatnik music on the PA, typing on my iPad. I'm even wearing my birkenstocks! I feel very hip...actually I'm not that impressed with my surroundings or the ambiance. I'm not here for the "I want to support coffee farmers in third world countries thru free trade programs" attitude. I've been in third world countries and I'm not impressed by that program either.  Then why be here!? Cause I like coffee, or more accurately, I'm addicted to coffee and I'm addicted to really good coffee. I have a coffee jones. There, I admitted it, I'm an addict. You know, "Hello, my name is Eric and I'm a ..." I'm not sure if it's just a physical addiction or psychological addiction. Probably both. 

My addiction knows no bounds, I'll go to crazy lengths to get a cup. Drive out of the way, plan a trip with coffee stops along the way, even going without regular coffee if I cant get my fix of the good stuff. Eric, you may say, why not just drink regular coffee, it's all the same isn't it? Well in fact it's not the same. 

This little caveat brings us to a reality, we are all addicts of something. Food, coffee, books, hobbies, family, job, STUFF. And when you have an addiction, you become a connoisseur of that addiction. Coffee isn't just coffee anymore. There's different types of beans, different roasting methods, different tastes, etc. We break down our addiction so it becomes easier to rationalize. I suppose we think if we sound intelligent about our addictions, it's not an addiction it's a choice. You know, a well thought out, researched and informed choice. 


Intelligent people can't be addicts or controlled by anything. They're to well informed and smart. Those Wile E. Coyote addictions need not apply here, this Road Runner is too swift for your likes!


In truth, humans are predictable. And I mean very predictable. Otherwise marketing departments would be out of business. We are too simple, press a button here on an emotion and presto we react in a predictable manner. Satan knows this, all he has to do is wait for us. We become our own worst enemy. And it doesn't even have to be a big temptation just a moment forgetfulness or distraction. Now, I know we aren't perfect, that's not the point. The point is when you do fall, repent and ask God to forgive with one caveat, don't do it again. 


It's one thing to slip up, it's another when you do the same thing over and over again. Which brings me back to the beginning. We are all addicts of something, which means we are always going to slip up. If that bothers you then good, it should. But don't go breakin' God's heart and try and fix your own problems. Let His grace cover you. Let me describe this as a dialogue:


Me/You: God I did it again! I can't believe this, and I thought I was paying attention.
God: You were, but you aren't perfect.
Me/You: But I'm suppose to be perfect like you and Jesus are. I've got to try harder. I promise I'll do better.
God: And where has that gotten you so far?
Me/You: Well, close anyway. I'm missing something some where.
God: You are, Me.
Me/You: But, I want to please you.
God: You are. Trust me, I got this one. What you've been doing will only take you so far. And you still have a long way to go. I have to make up the difference.
Me/You: But that means I'm weak!
God: Yes you are. 
Me/You: I want to be strong!
God: You will be in Me not in you. It's OK. My Grace is sufficient. 

Crazy Grace

So let it be written...

I have often considered writing, exactly why I'm not sure. I don't think in words per se, I think conversationally. Talking suits me, it always has more than writing. Writing has always been more like passing a kidney stone, one the size of a bowling ball. I think/speak much quicker than I can write. I've tried tape recording or even using my phone to record my thoughts, but I looked weird and got some very interesting looks.


I don't have any delusions of grandeur, this process will be more therapeutic than anything else. Whether anyone reads what I write isn't all that important to me. I'm more entertained reading my past posts (I have kinda  kept a journal), I just make myself laugh! You may believe that sounds mental, but its OK to talk to yourself and even answer yourself. It's when you begin to ignore yourself and saying "I'm not listening to you!" when no one is around that you've got problems.


Most posts will be in a conversational tone, I'll address you (or someone) as if you're sitting in front of me. I may even include contact information. So if you really enjoy what I write you can puff up my ego! If you don't like what I write, keep it to yourself. Just make sure if you reference my material you spell my name correctly. If I'm going to be burned in effigy, I'd prefer proper annotations.

That brings me to some ground rules. This is a blog, not a forum. So there won't be a comment section. You can contact me (again, if contact information is posted on the blog) with any comments or questions.

And in the same manner as Treebeard, “…it takes a long time to say anything in Old Entish. And we never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say.”


Eric