Power structure and platform presence.

Dr. Franklin Pyles did an interesting survey of some "key Alliance official workers who are considered to be young and thoughtful, and considered to be leaders among us."  A lot of good observations were made as to what effective churches will look like in the future.  One comment, however, caused me to reflect on what kind of leadership we older pastors and missionaries have been modeling for the younger generation.  The comment had to do with the noble goal of inclusivity.  "Ethnicity, gender and race must be included in the power structure and in platform presence."  

Perhaps the author of this comment was just reflecting on his desire to let people minister in the area where they are gifted.  It's more likely, though, that he was echoing values that he had learned in the world, and which have been carried into the church.  Jesus confronted these upside-down values when the mother of James and John requested that her sons be part of the Kingdom's power structure.  The other ten disciples were upset with the blatant politicking, but only because it meant that they would not have equal access to power structures and platform presence.  Jesus very graciously reminded them that the Kingdom concept of authority is different than the world's.  "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave..." (Mathew 12:20-28)

Lord, help me to be that kind of a leader.  Wean me from my desire for position and power.   May the younger generation see in me a servant's heart.  

Crossing the tracks.

  Arlene and I just returned from a sibling reunion.  Part of the weekend involved a visit to Yarrow, a town where our family lived during a couple of my pre-school years.  The house we lived in was no longer there, but the train tracks, only a few steps away, were. These were the tracks that I was repeatedly told not to cross unless an adult was with me.   I don't remember how many spankings I received for disobeying that order, but apparently they were numerous.  I was only five, but I was very much aware of the irresistible pull of temptation.  Then came a very special day in my life. It was in our little house, close to the tracks that I knelt beside my mother to ask Jesus to come into my heart.  The next evening as my mother prayed with me she asked if I was still a Christian.  Without hesitation I said "yes!"  How did I know?  "I didn't cross the tracks today."  

As I stood on those tracks once again, now as a 62 year old, I thought of how that distorted view of salvation had colored my view of God over the years.  Do everything right today and you're still a Christian.  Make an unauthorized trip across the tracks tomorrow and you're toast.  Your heavenly father disowns you.  It probably wasn't until I had my own children that I was able to see how great and how unconditional is the Father's love towards me.    I still cross the tracks on occasion and my Father disciplines me as he sees fit, but his acceptance of me as his child never wavers.

     One of our friends in Venezuela is quite up front about his faith.  His SUV is a moving billboard encouraging people to read "Juan 3:16." He told us that every shirt he wears has John 3:16 and Exodus 20 on it.  And sure enough, he gave us two shirts as a farewell gift to prove it.

    I find this type of in-your-face evangelism a little uncomfortable, but at the same time, I have to admire a man who, every waking moment, is inviting people to talk to him about what he believes.  It is also a reminder to me that the good news of God's love is worth sharing, and that I need to be faithful and consistent in doing that.