Okay, one more serious blog before the baby arrives this week...then you'll get hammered by baby pictures!
I've been reading 1 John lately. This week I was back in chapter 2 where it says, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Got me thinking some more about community. We've had a lot of discussion on community, primarily in a local mindset. I feel confident it's been addressed quite well and on many levels. However, community extends its reach worldwide...if we allow it to do so. Consider the last part of that verse, "...also for the sins of the world." Jesus, in his ultimate sacrifice and expression of love, offers himself to anyone who believes. That is not exclusive. It's inclusive. He put himself on the cross to allow anyone the choice to accept that very sacrifice. He said he would draw all men to himself when he was lifted up from the earth (John 12:32). His resurrection compels people to consider him for salvation.
I've been told that my faith is narrow-minded. That statement could not be further from the truth. Jesus' sacrifice is the most inclusive act of love ever to be done on this earth. He paid the penalty for the sins of the world and then made it available to anyone, regardless of their sins. It's called grace. And if that very grace is extended to me, I should find no struggle in extending it to others, locally and beyond.
So, how does this figure into community? Well, I think in America we have become exclusive. We tend to think as followers of Christ in this country that we are God's chosen people. That God favors America as a Christian nation. I find this to be a problem. I don't believe we are a Christian nation, rather a nation with a large number of Christians living in it. And I don't believe we are favored. I think the American church is missing the point in many ways. We spend tons of money on huge buildings, pastoral salaries, programs designed to fit our cultural relevance, even interest on massive loans to make it all happen. Just when we complete building projects, we find ourselves needing more building and the process starts all over. I'm not against church buildings, programs, salaries, etc. I question the pattern of the American church that they take priority over the obvious needs of our communities, locally and globally.
I have been compelled lately to get back to a global mindset. Jesus weeps over the lost across this great globe. He loves the Iraqi child deeply, who has been murdered under the banner of the war being 'God's will'. He longs for those in Darfur and Tibet to come to know him and surrender their lives to him. He waits patiently for his chosen people to see him as their Messiah. He died on the cross for them and offers his mercy freely. He longs for the day when America cares more deeply about justice for all the innocent of this world, not the defense of her borders. No, I don't have a bunch of verses to back that up...it's simply God's character, as shown by the entire scriptures.
No, I'm not angry. I find myself sad lately because I am part of the problem. It's taken me 16 years of knowing Jesus to get it. And I'm saddened by that fact. I'm saddened that I can't remember the last time I sent my money across the globe to feed a hungry child, or provide medical assistance to an AIDS victim in Africa. It's also been a year since I've talked to Tim, a homeless guy on Pearl Street that I personally find to be one of the most intelligent persons with whom I've engaged in conversation. I miss that. I miss the compassion. I want it back...and I think God is giving it back to me.
Community deserves this discussion. We need to talk with one another about how we can step it up and live, breathe this thing called community. Jesus did it. He wants us to do it. Let's do it.