A lot of religious people are wonderful. Across the board. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, pick your favorite flavor. That probably sounds funny coming from a preacher. But when you have been in this ministry as long as I have, you tend to have seen so many beautiful expressions of faith that you start wishing you could get the word out more. You start craving the spiritual equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
This past Sunday, in the sermon I preached, I made the observation that one of the things that (hopefully) makes our church stand out is that we are simply loving our neighbors as ourselves. Know what I mean?
We accept everyone in the name of our God. We ride with the Patriot Guard to soldiers' funerals. We shake each others' hands, sing edifying songs in worship, and put invitations on our sign out front that we hope are welcoming.
Let me try to make an observation that I hope can be heard as more loving than analytical. Ready? Here goes. I think the thing that makes non-religious people rethink their attitudes about religious people is when kind and merciful actions overtake the judgmental postures they assume all religious people have. We see that occasionally, and it is always good.
Now, here's another good observation: In spite of a few undeniably crazy Christians, lights of hope flicker all over the world. Churches all over are speaking out for those the world dismisses as second-class. Perhaps one of the messages we need to be saying more is, "We are really trying to reflect Jesus."
I am grateful that some of these messages are getting out in the media. Every once in a while you will hear a level-headed Christian in the news. Stories like NBC's "Making a Difference" tell about organizations that feed the poor and equip people for action. They give voice to groups who practice simple faith that actually puts their ideas into... (What's the word I'm looking for?)... practice. Simple and normal looks good.
I tried editing and rewriting this particular piece so that it would not sound so cheesy. I really tried. But the wonderful truth is that the contemporary global religious landscape gives us plenty of reason to be optimistic about those who put their faith into action.
I posted on facebook this week, "Practicing simplicity is complicated." But it doesn't have to be. Just look over your life and survey what you are doing right. I have learned (and am still learning) to put into practice the delicate art of being present. Even as I write this I know deep down that this might build you up at this very moment. I also put my hope in this: We are figuring out what it means to be Christian while being accessible to the world. Moreover, a few of us simple Christians are getting the word out that you can talk to us about anything. Because some of us are staying plenty busy attempting to represent the real Jesus to those who seek genuine truth.
The fun part is finding a way to say it every day. There's still so much more to say... and do.
