On Friday night of camp this year, I presented a different approach to the parable of “The Good Samaritan”.  I would like to recap here for anyone who might find it interesting. 

Usually, the message is simply stated.  We are to avoid being hypocrites like the Levite and Priest, to see to the immediate needs of the wounded, and to address their longer term needs as well.  The fact that Christ used a Samaritan as the good examples has the necessary shock value to show us that “outsiders” have a place in the work and kingdom of God. We are to “go therefore and do likewise”. 

I am not at all seeking to minimize the parable’s typical application, but I believe there is likely more we are to learn from the example.  As was often the case, Jesus may have been presenting a challenge to his disciples that he would soon accomplish as an example.  Let’s look at the story again:

First, the traveler is alone on the road, robbed, beaten, stripped, and left for dead.  This is an illustration of the reality for most of mankind.  Each of us, after we reach a certain age, is often determined to travel the dangerous paths of life apart from the safety of parents, godly companions, or fellowship with Christ.  Encountering “robbers” is inevitable, and many of us have been left in various stages of distress “in the ditch”.  Some have been merely robbed, and continue to plug along bitter but self reliant.  Others have been beaten, and are covered in the wounds sin has left.  Many have been stripped bare, forced to face the shame of their sin but unable to overcome it.  And sadly many seemingly have lost all hope, left for dead along the road in utter despair. 

Next we have the priest and Levite.  Obviously these are those that simply do not help; they merely seem to pass judgment and continue on their way.  I wonder if this could be the Law—powerless to do what needed to be done to save the desperate traveler.  If so, it is not simply a matter of choice but the reality of the depth of devastation that the priest and Levite faced. 

What about the Samaritan?  An outsider, rejected by society, he was despised.  Still he alone had the means and the will to offer aid.  He tended to the needs, began the healing process, and delivered the wounded traveler to the Inn.  The care was provided at His expense, and yet the long term needs would be entrusted to others.  Of course, this seems a clear reference to Christ himself.  Jesus told the story fully aware of the role he would ultimately play.

Imagine, though, how the story would have ended if the next lines in Luke had been:  “then the innkeeper took the money, and, once the Samaritan was out of sight, he put the wounded traveler out on the street.” 

I can imagine some hostility leveled at the innkeeper for such an offense.  So who does the innkeeper represent?  I submit that we—the Church—are the innkeeper in the story.  Think about this for a moment.  Christ alone is capable of truly rescuing the sinner hopelessly left in the ditch.  Christ alone possesses the means for the long term needs.  Yet he places those he rescues along the road in the care of the church and expects us to meet their needs.  In return, he promises to return to us and repay us in full. 

I wish to draw just a few more applications.  The Church often serves merely as a place for applying a bandage or two, and then we simply put the wounded back out on the street.  In addition, many who are charged with the care have no interest in the work—they simply like hanging out at the inn!  Some statements made by the innkeepers are, “She doesn’t look so bad”, “Can’t the inn down the road take this one?”, and “how much longer is he just going to lie there?” 

Surely we must do better than this.

As a final observation, none of us can truly be the ultimate “Samaritan”.  Christ alone is able to rescue.  Our job is to be his agents along the road, at the inn, and everywhere else that people are found.  Then we can point them to the Samaritan that can actually help.  Much harm can be done when the best the wounded have to hope for are some good people wandering around trying to help who never put the wounded in contact with the Physician. 

Agape—or at least the best I can do,

Chris

A conservative friend of mine sent around an article written by Joseph Sobran, a former columnist for the National Review, in which he describes his transition from conservative, to libertarian, to philosophical anarchist. His main conclusion was that government might be restrained by Christian principles in the short or medium term, but that in the long run, as those forces waned, “we can expect the state to show its nature nakedly”.  In these uncertain times, more people will give credence to that assertion.  My friend asked for our thoughts, and I—ever the reluctant one—forced a reply:  J

I found Sobran’s thoughts very interesting; but not at all revolutionary.  James Madison said:

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.”

That is in Federalist #51.  A key problem is that a constitution is often a better reflection of it’s framer’s ideals than the actual practice of their power.  The Alien and Sedition Acts of the Adams administration made it clear that the first amendment was no protection against one party rule. Jefferson and Madison became the chief critics of this expansion of federal powers, and their new party won the next election. Yet, one of the first things James Madison (the father of the constitution) did upon becoming president in 1809 was to confirm the power of the Congress to charter a national bank (something long considered to be unconstitutional by Madison and Jefferson’s supporters.)  It would seem they scrapped their ideological scruples for what “worked”. 

The author of the article discussed his transition from blind belief in the “intent of the framers” to disillusionment in government altogether.  The truth is that there was no “intent of the framers”.  There were only the “intents” of each individual framer, given strength through coalition and realized only through compromise.  The arguments, fears, motivations, and even strategies are little–if any–different than those of today. 

The Civil War was not the death of the Constitution; it was the reshaping of its application in simply another (albeit more radical) departure from those practices that no longer worked–at least to the standards of contemporary policy makers.  The author’s argument has been made about Nullification in the 1830s, The Progressive movement of the 1900s, and the desegregation of the 1950s and 60s, to name a few.  The intents of many framers would have us living in a state run only by landed aristocracy and devoid of any rights for those who are not white men. 

Still, he makes a valid point.  Government, as an institution of man, is a failure.  Unfortunately, the purpose of our lives is not to overcome all the failures of man-made institutions, but rather to deal with them the best we can while recognizing that in a fallen world, there are no ultimate solutions outside of the second coming of Christ. 

This fact, however, does not make me disillusioned about government; rather it avoids any illusions about it in the first place.  I will, as a citizen of a representative democracy, be thankful for my political freedoms but realize they are not guaranteed by God.  (The Declaration of Independence is a fine document but devoid of true Christian principles).  Therefore, as a participant in our political process, I will vote and act in ways that I believe will leave the most people open to conversion to true faith.  For me, that means giving people opportunity along with freedom, choice along with education, and the message of Christ along with the protection of traditional institutions.  I may disagree with conservatives, libertarians, anarchists, and other liberals, but I will not see those disagreements as fundamental to my expression of faith or practice of mission.  Instead, I will seek to encourage others to view no human institution as a solution to the problems of mankind.  Government is a tool, like money, that can be an asset or a liability for Christians as they seek to do the will of God. I hope people of faith will have the wisdom to discern whether it is a tool they want to train themselves to use.   

Agape—or at least the best I can do,

Chris

Recently I heard a lesson about the obstacles to God’s grace in our lives.  The speaker noted that “I” is in the center of “SIN”.  Sounds like something right out of James.  I think I know why Luther didn’t like the book of James very much—it puts the burden of guilt right on us.  Paul is much nicer in Romans when he dwells on sin as a power unto itself, but I do believe the two views are not mutually exclusive.  The reality is that sin is both the result and the cause of the inflation of “I” in “LIFE”.   Our desire to put ourselves ahead of others, ahead of Christ, and even in the place of God is the chief obstacle to the grace that can be so richly bestowed upon us. 

I am reminded of the old saying, “But for the Grace of God, there go I.” It makes me thankful that God’s grace is not easily deterred by the obstacles we throw before it.  I am reminded of the words, “While we were still sinners”, and realize that is an individual truth over and over in my life.  I am the problem. 

I AM:  The Answer.  

Agape—or at least the best I can do…

Chris

Sounds like a great lesson in the works from Isaiah.  Instead, it is me announcing my return to the blogosphere.  Clyde Slimp had the decency to warn people of his coming hiatus;  I just ran out of focus in this general direction.  But after a nice long 3 mile walk, I am brimming with things to say again.  Maybe even something worth your time to read. 

I do want to announce a major milestone in the adoption process.  After over six months of guardianship, we have officially petitioned for adoption on the three children!  The last of the legal hurdles having been struck down by our generous God, we are finally looking forward to finalization in a few months.  YAY!!!!

In addition, I will be updating the Camp 2009 information soon, and hope that many will consider being a part of a week of “Real Commitment: The Greatest Command” .  Camp is June 28-July 4. 

LTC is fast approaching and my third graders are all looking forward to participating in the conference.  Jackson will be leading singing, Sam is in the Chorus, and Brooklyn is designing a T-Shirt.  Each has several other activities as well. 

Agape–or at least the best I can do,

Chris

It was a fair question. 

While enjoying a wonderful early Thanksgiving meal with the kids’ family, their grandmother asked me what our plans were for the children.  I had no good answer, and I have been thinking a lot about the question ever since. 

She said that she was wondering if we had any regrets.  That’s a much simpler question; these are now our children as much as Samantha and I can’t even imagine regretting that for a minute.  I am thoroughly in love with all of my family.  But, “plans”? 

I can’t plan past today.  We are in over our head.  “Mice and men” look like strategic geniuses compared to Mel and me most days.  Still, I have never felt closer to God.  In fact, as a result, I have never been closer to God.  

I have some daily goals:  yell less, praise more; scold less, correct more; punish less, discipline more; love more, love more.  Each day, I have little successes and big failures.  But every day I thank God for the challenges and joys of parenting four children.  Each day, I thank God for the church family we can lean on for support and encouragement.  Each day, I thank God for a biological family that is as interested in healing the broken hearts of these children as much as we.  Each day, I thank God for my family that has reached out to love these kids without reservation. And each day, I thank God for my wife, who never realized what she was getting us into and is learning to rely on strength beyond her own. 

I have some broader goals:  I want our children to realize that life is not “all about them”; that it is “all about God.  I want them to get the best education that they can, because it helps them establish a paradigm that is outward looking.  I want them to know the peace and security of two loving parents in a home that is structured and overflowing in love.  And I want them to know Christ and the power His resurrection gives us every day. 

Ultimately, I just want a front row seat in seeing the plans God has for our family. 

Job 42:2

 “I know that you can do all things;
       no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Agape—or at least the best I can do,

Chris

 I enjoy using Facebook.  As a teacher, it allows me to stay connected with former students and communicate with current ones in an open forum.   As a youth ministry leader, it gives me another way to be involved as a mentor with our young people.  As a Christian, Facebook adds another way for me to reach out to those who may be open to the message of Christ, and to fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Him.  The potential for good in this application I believe far outweighs the negatives; and that is why I maintain a page in the network.  Still, this networking program, like any other, has serious risks for the individual Christian and the Body of Christ.  Following is an incomplete list of potential hazards to those who would represent Christ on this earth (and on the internet).

First, although Facebook is a great forum for friendly and godly conversation and fellowship, it is also an exceptional tool for gossip and division.  People have the ease of flowing from wall conversations (open to scrutiny) to private messages (safe from onlookers), and therefore can easily fall into a trap of saying one thing publicly and quite another privately.  This is of course a hazard of any group dynamic, but Facebook facilitates it intrinsically.  In addition, innocuous conversations between friends of the opposite sex become fodder for some to allege impropriety. 

Secondly, although the openness and public nature of Facebook can foster accountability, it also can contribute to voyeurism.  You must be willing to scrutinize yourself on this when necessary.  If you spend more time looking at others’ conversations than participating in your own, this is likely a problem.  If your tendency is to search others’ walls for signs of impropriety, Facebook is likely a bad choice for you.  If you can’t avoid jumping to conclusions, skip out instead. 

Of course, Facebook wouldn’t attract voyeurs if it wasn’t also a great facilitator of impropriety in the first place.  Facebook allows for all of the dangerous traps of internet chat rooms, without all the social prohibitions.  Internet affairs can easily start with harmless streams of wall posts that progress to private conversations over time.  Again, you must be willing to discern your own motives and actions.  Just because you’re paranoid, that doesn’t mean that people aren’t out to get you; and just because you may be the subject of malicious gossip doesn’t mean that you don’t have to hold yourself accountable for maintaining your integrity. 

I have personally witnessed the devastation that gossip, infidelity, dissension, hypocrisy, and betrayal can have on all sides inside and outside of the Body of Christ. Facebook is, at its heart, simply another means by which we can develop the best—or the worst—aspects of our character as His Church. 

Agape–or at least the best I can do,

Chris

At this point in my life, I refuse to blog about politics.  I would certainly alienate many of my friends no matter what I said; and any message of ultimate truth would be lost in the fray.  So, I will instead blog about not blogging about politics. 

I am currently addicted to the news.  I fall asleep in front of cable news and wake up in the middle of the night watching reruns of the major commentators’ shows.  I watch along with the nation as investments wither and debt continues to soar.  I think of my own financial mistakes and become disgusted—first with myself, and then with those who expect the government to divest them of any risk.  I think of those who are losing jobs and those who are hopelessly underwater and realize how blessed I am.  Today I bought a bottle of hope (overpriced lemon cleaner) from an inner city “salesman in training” who is trying to escape the cycle of poverty and most likely is being exploited by the company to whom I wrote the check.  I can’t help but wonder what the current economic outlook means for him.

The political season is in hyper drive; and both candidates purport to have our best interest at heart.  Followers on both sides present their version of the truth.  Sound byte solutions and personal attacks fill the airwaves.  I have my own view of that truth; but—again—I refuse to blog about politics. J 

Then I think about my day.  Opportunities abound to witness to the students and friends I have at school.  I have limits on what I may say, but no limits on the way I live.  Where are my energies spent?  How do I convey the relevance of the issues of today in my social studies classes while demonstrating that the real solutions are not political? 

On Wednesday night, we looked at I Timothy 6:3-21.  This passage addresses the issues of my world of today.   Our focus is so often on “controversies and quarrels” that may be of importance in the world, but that stir up malice and discontent that can jeopardize our eternal future.  We have not learned to be content with food and clothing.  Instead, we demand a healthy 401k.  How we need to heed the words of Paul in vs. 17-19: 

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

We indeed are all rich if we have “the life that is truly life”.  No politician can endanger that wealth, and no risk is involved if we continue to invest our faith.  

Yet, if this is truly the case, then why do I get so angry when I get a political e-mail?  Why do I yell at the TV when they refuse to address the real causes of the economic crisis as I see them?  Perhaps it because I stay up too late watching the world grapple with its problems instead of recognizing that Christ solved the most important ones already.  Perhaps it is because I don’t feel as comfortable talking salvation as I do talking politics.  Or maybe I am just so caught up in the world that I can’t stand it when God makes it clear we can’t serve two masters. 

Agape—or at least the best I can do,

Chris

My lone compadre in a sea of femininity

I confess I always enjoyed the thought of a houseful of girls.  They share clothes, toys, make-up (the play kind), hair “thingys”, and even the bathroom.  One Y chromosome in the house was enough, far as I was concerned.  I was happy with my two girls, Mel and Sam, and figured any additions would best just be more riblets. 

Now, I find myself with three girls and an eight year old boy.  Pretty good stuff.  We go fishing regularly with my dad and nephews.  He went to work with me tiling one day, and was the reason I finished on time.  He fights with his sisters, locks the doors when he gets in the car before them, fawns after the teenage girls in the youth group, and can fog up the car when he takes off his shoes.  All in all, he’s well on target for growing into a fine young man. 

Jackson definitely acts sometimes like he has always been surrounded by girls.  He dances a little too well to the songs from High School Musical.  But he is all boy.  And I enjoy having another man in the house, though this one hasn’t figured out how to operate the seat.

Agape…

Chris

Another year is fast approaching, and Mellodie seems to have a little more appreciation for the beginning of school than in past years.  She’s even starting the “school schedule” at 6:30 AM tomorrow.  I can’t wait…

I have a lot of changes to work through this year for sure.  I have decided to give up academic team so I can focus more on family, church, and work.  I will miss it greatly; but the breakfasts with my kids will more than compensate for the loss.  I leave it in good hands. 

I am excited about the new year with the youth.  We have two activities planned in the next week or so–a lock in and an ice cream social.  I look forward to getting the new sixth graders involved.  I also am excited about the new families at our church.  Hopefully we can grow spiritually through the activities and classes we offer. 

AP classes are full this year, and I have a student teacher!  I hope to make the most of both opportunities.  I expect to assign essays with reckless abandon now that I have time to grade them.  Students, beware. 

With all the changes in my life, I realize now more than ever how little I know about what the future holds.    And that doesn’t bother me in the least.  I pray that the peace I currently enjoy (amid a little chaos) never goes away. 

So, off to school I go. 

Dear Lord, Please grant me the strength to live each day.  Please make my path straight when I am going in the right direction and please defeat me when I stray.  Thank you for blessing my family, and please help my family be a blessing to others.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Agape–or at least the best I can do,

Chris