On "googling" the Faith...

 

              We’ve come up with some pretty strange words in the English language in recent years, most of which have to do with our taken-for-granted life online. “Skype,” “Livestream,” and “google” have gone from being online platforms to becoming verbs: “Let’s Skype tomorrow at 10 a.m.” we say. Or, “We’ll be livestreaming our worship services tomorrow evening on social media.” My favorite phrase that has become a normal part of our 21^st century vernacular is “Have you ever googled yourself?” (which might sound like a rather indecent proposal!) We’ve become instant experts in just about everything these days, just by going online. (I confess that I’ve become a rather proficient shade-tree diesel mechanic thanks to YouTube!)

              Unfortunately, there are some downsides to this method of enlightenment. Not everything we find on the interweb can be trusted. (I know! I was shocked too!) Another issue is that just because someone has posted about a given subject doesn’t make that person an expert worth trusting. Still, our first response to most questions is to just “google it.”

              The fear that many pastors like myself have is that there are many folks who encounter people who would rather “google” their faith, or to let it become merely a query-based exploration rather than develop a personal, life-long relationship with our Creator God. Knowing information about God is not the same as knowing God, no matter how many website hits you may explore. But still, this is the extent of many people’s spiritual growth endeavors.

              The issue with only seeking information rather than a genuine relationship is that knowledge is only part of the equation. One can, for instance, study all the effects of buoyancy, floatation devices, swimming strokes, water displacement, and drag co-efficiencies, but never fully experience what it is like to swim in the water. The same is true of our relationship with God.

              And developing a relationship with God takes time. Discipline. Intention. And patience. Getting to know God starts with spending time in God’s Word. Getting to know the person of Jesus starts with reading the scriptures, particularly the Gospels. Truly understanding what a holy relationship with God is like begins with immersing oneself within the worshiping body of believers known as the Church. This is where the sustaining power of God’s Holy Spirit shines best.

              If you’re one of those who only comes to church on occasion, (what one pastor I know calls a “CEO” Christian – “Christmas-Easter-Only”) the joy of knowing God’s plan for your life is sorely limited. If you are not cracking open that Bible that has been on your shelf for the last umpteen years collected dust, you’re truly missing out on the blessings God has in store for you. If the last time you stepped foot in a church was for a funeral several months ago (or longer!), you’re short-changing yourself.

              You cannot “google” your way into heaven, regardless of how good the marketing is for the internet. God has something much better waiting for you. Come and see!

              See you in Church!

The Promise...Fulfilled!

 

Easter People, Raise Your Voices,

Sounds of heaven in earth should ring.
Christ has brought us heaven’s choices;

Heavenly music, let it ring.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Easter people, let us sing.(1)

                It wasn’t too long ago that Valentine’s Day candy and cards were being replaced on the shelves of many stores with Easter baskets, cards, chocolate Easter Bunnies and other assorted sweets. We hadn’t even begun the season of Lent, and the world was telling us to hurry into the next big holiday. Corporate advertising, bottom line profit margins, and retail therapy were being pushed to the limit and beyond. It seemed to be too much too soon. Let us at least get over our glucose and fructose highs from all the candy and chocolate-covered whatevers before we are thrust into another diabetic experience!

It was a strange whirlwind of change, but one that seemed to leap-frog over some fairly significant events. Ironically, for most Christians, we’ve become numb to this onslaught of quickly moving holidays. We may subtly scoff under our breath at the changes, but somewhere, deep-down, I suspect we’d truly like to have a breather.

The season of Lent is now past, and has been replaced by the High Holy Days of Easter, and the season of new life in Christ. Resurrection has come at last, and we proclaim boldly in the tradition of the Church of two millenia - Christ is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

Unfortunately, the coloring on the Easter Eggs has barely dried, the chocolate bunny ears consumed, and the world is moving on to the next big event – Mother’s Day.

But for a moment – nay, for a season – let us stop long enough to proclaim to the world that God’s plan of Salvation has been fulfilled. Death has been defeated. Sin did not win. God’s eternal Kingdom has begun, and Christ has assumed his rightful place at the right hand of God! Easter people, RAISE YOUR VOICES! Sounds of heaven in earth should ring!

If only for a moment – nay, for a season – the earth could hear from the body of Christ this wonderful news of glorious victory over sin and death, perhaps the world might slow down again, and turn toward the Creator once again.

I pray that you will not be among those who are seduced into the next great secular whirlwind holiday, but rather might take the time to dwell in the HOLY-day of Christ’s resurrection. And proclaim it aloud! Raise your voices! Tell the world! And Shout Alleluia! The promise has been fulfilled!

 

See you in Church!

(1) William M. James, Copyright 1979 United Methodist Publishing House