Wednesday, May 14, 2008

The purpose of prosperity....

LeeElla, my wife, made a short video in response to viewing recent revival reports from various parts of the United States and after viewing some pictures sent to us from the devastation in Burma by the recent cyclone.

You can view that video HERE

The issue has been churning in my heart and mind for a few days. The passage below captures what I have been feeling in my gut. Now Amos has more edge in his words than I am feeling, mine is more sadness than anger. I find myself grieved over the waste of time, resources and gifts that I see and hear about. I feel less and less interested in American Christianity, whatever the current hobby horse is. I am deeply longing to be more and more involved in the authentic work of Jesus. And I am more hungry to truly walk in the spirit of Jesus, in the way of Christ and with the heart and mind of God. Everything else just seems so shallow, earthly and a waste of time.

At God's coming we face hard reality, not fantasy,
a black cloud with no silver lining.
"I can't stand your religious meetings.
I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice - oceans of it.
I want fairness - rivers of it.
That's what I want. That's all I want.
-Amos 5:20-24
(The Message Bible)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

The words in the bridge towards the end of the song "Hosanna" have been stirring similar feelings in me of late.
-Dan

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Unknown said...

Yes, me too...

Dr. Russell Norman Murray said...

I feel less and less interested in American Christianity, whatever the current hobby horse is. I am deeply longing to be more and more involved in the authentic work of Jesus.

Yes, a struggle for a Western Christian can be having a Biblical worldview that leads to actions pleasing to God. In Western comforts some Christians miss out on deeper spiritual meanings in life.

Russ:)

thekingpin68

satire and theology

MaryMGlynn said...

Yes I watched it. It was powerful. I posted the link for our volunteers to watch as well. LeeElla your a beautiful person!!