In a Christianity Today interview with Douglas Gresham the stepson of CS Lewis, Douglas said Lewis was the best Christian he had ever known. The reporter than asked Douglas why evangelical Christians love CS lewis so much; especially since he smoked, drank, was known to use "colorful stories" around the pub etc. Here is his response:
"The problem with evangelical Christianity in America today, a large majority of you have sacrificed the essential for the sake of the trivial. You concentrate on the trivialities—not smoking, not drinking, not using bad language, not dressing inappropriately in church, and so on. Jesus doesn't give two hoots for that sort of bulls---. If you go out and DO Christianity, you can smoke if you want, you can drink if you want—though not to excess, in either case."
As a pastor I have been wrestling with such scriptures as:
The base things of the world and the despised...God has chosen. -1 Cor 1:28
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. -1 Timothy 1:15
In the church...we tend to choose the people who look good, promising, respectable and have potential. Judging is a major part of gathering leaders. I find myself struggling with this way of thinking, especially when God messes it all up.
I was at our church prayer meeting at lunch time...alone, since hardly anyone attends that hour. That can be disappointing as a pastor...its like a window banker not having anyone drive up to his window. Whats the point? But anyway...I was sitting there and in came a man I know from some activities in the neighborhood. He sat down and said he felt the Lord sent him to encourage me. He then preceded to tell me his life story.
He was a recovering sex offender; who molested his daughter.
He shared, we prayed together...he left.
I sat bewildered yet again by Jesus and who he chooses to use. Of all the people we would think to send to encourage the "pastor". Of all the people who God could use...good ole, respectable, church born, together people...He sent our society's most despised to shed his love on this at times...generally prayer times...discouraged pastors heart.
I think Jesus went to a different leadership seminar than I did...
1 comment:
Such an interesting post. If I were in a life or death situation, and needed someone to help me from falling, I would be equally as thankful if the world's most vile offender offered me his hand.
I think we are all a mixture of beast and angel, and hopefully none of us are judged wholly by our grossest sins. Emmerson said a man should be remembered by his greatest achievements not his worst, or somethink to that effect. I suspect this talk was a demonstration of his deep repentance and hatred of his past action. I like to think that.
Love Dad
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