Yesterday I saw a commercial on television that angered me and disturbed my understanding of faith.   Amidst all the news reports of hundreds of thousands of people dying in disasters and their great suffering came a dissonant reminder that our culture really doesn’t care about others.  We live in a self-centered and indulgent society.   It was a commercial for a credit card.

            The commercial from Chase had a jingle tag line “I want it all and I want it now.” After that blatant appeal to selfishness which ignores the needs of others, the commercial went on to point to a new message emphasizing that you could text message to instantly obtain your available credit, so you could “know how much to spend”.  The message of the whole commercial seemed to be "buy more and more for yourself and buy as much as you possible can".

            I remember the words of Jesus recorded in Luke 14:33 “so therefore none of you can become my disciples if you do not give up all your possessions.”  Or the words of Jesus in Matthew 16: 24 “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

            Does there seem to be a connection or a polarity here or is it just me?  Does it mean I should cancel the account I have with that credit card?  Should I pay off the balance I have owing first? 

      Next week I leave on a trip to visit China.  This is a wonderful opportunity for me to see a part of the world that I have never seen before.  This however is not just a tourist vacation trip.  We are going as a part of a trip sponsored by the Division of Overseas Ministries to meet leaders and observe the church in China.  Many have indicated their surprise as we talk of the church in China.  They have been under the impression that China didn’t allow churches.  Part of that I hope to find out for myself during the trip there.  The other thing however is to discover how important faith is in a part of the country where it is not the norm.  For those of us in the south of the US Christianity is our culture.  We see and experience it everyday and it even becomes common to us.  For the Chinese I expect it will be a vital part of their life which they choose each day.  In a place where they are not encouraged to be Christian but choose to be, it means they have really discovered the value of this faith we hold. 

            I intend if possible to send back impressions and reactions several times while in China.  I hope that I may share with you some of the excitement and some of the discovery of the faith of the Chinese Church that can help us in our efforts to be the vital and alive Church God has called us to be.  When I get home I will indeed have many more thoughts and a great many pictures to share with you.  I look forward to us talking about what I experience and what I learn that will help us all in our journey and pilgrimage of faith.

            Blessings to you

Ray 

Christmas is past now and in reflecting on the events of Christmas, I discover it has been a hectic season.  The season involved good times with family and some trying times dealing with issues that had to be done.  Altogether it is not too different than yours, I suspect.

            One thing I am aware of is that I am viewing things through different eyes.  Some people refer to that as maturity and others say it is because we notice others who are in similar situations to those we are in.

            I notice that there are an amazing number of people in my circles who are experiencing grief.  I am surprised the number of people I know who have had a mother die recently.   Maybe it is the age I am and my acquaintances are experiencing similar things.  Maybe, however, it is because I am more aware of others now.   My own life has opened my eyes to what others are dealing with.  Grief has maybe made me more empathetic to others. 

            The other thing I am aware of is the number of people who have expressed concern and sympathy for me.  Being part of the body of Christ is really an experience in being loved and loving others. 

            It all leads me to think about the ministry we in the church need to deal with.  Perhaps the most important thing we can do is walk with others through the tough times of life and care for each other.  It is said the early church was identified by the way the loved one another.  That’s not a bad thing for us to be aware of today as we live out being church.  “See how they love one another”.    I think I’d be happy if that were the way I was remembered and my ministry recalled. 

I’m finding grieving this time to be totally different than anything I’ve experienced before.  It’s affecting me in different ways and in unexpected manners.   It is hard to make decisions and I find I am tired a lot of the time.  It is good to know enough to recognize these things as signs of grief and not get too worried.   I am also thankful for the patience with which people have treated me during this time. 

The most positive thing I have experienced has been the love and support of the people in the church.  Continually I have received cards and notes, emails and calls.  They have all been filled with love and concern for what we are facing and for what we need to do.  I cannot thank you enough for all that concern. 

            Love and concern is a great thing but the important part of it is to express the love and concern.   It reminds me of all the sermons that I have preached about the importance of doing love.  God calls upon us to express the love we have for others, neighbors, friends, church members, but also those who we aren’t acquainted with but whose lives need the love of God.     

            In New Orleans, the pastor of Westside Christian Church wore a shirt that said “Where did you see God today?”  For those of us who name Jesus as Lord the question needs to also be “Where did you live God’s love today?”

Thanks for doing that.

Ray