Theme: Seeding
In listening and contemplating Pastor Dan’s message this past Sunday and using it as a lens through which to look at the Podcast Josh, Zach, and I did on Saturday, I must ask myself whether an assured stance on my faith is prideful and boastful. If, because of love, I am compelled to tell the unadulterated truth of my God, His love and mercy, why can it look as if I am trying to be right when I am not?
Being firm in one’s beliefs and convictions is often seen as boastful, arrogant, intolerant, and hateful. Should I soften my faith to make others feel better? Should I accept one denying God and not try to help them see the truth? Is it just my truth and not theirs? I do not believe so.
I do not arrogantly think this is my truth, taking pride in something I conceived. After all, everything I live was written primarily by five men: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul, and the Holy Spirit of God, who inspired them. So, it is not as if I am trying to get these to follow me or my ideas. I am merely a fellow beggar showing others where I found bread. Why do I second guess my convictions, as if they are too bold and offensive? Is it arrogant to be bold in telling the truth? If not, why does it feel so at times? Why do I think I must sometimes apologize for the strength of my faith?
After the podcast, I was struck by one comment from a listener. He commented, "The older gentleman seems very closed-minded.” Although I am not closed-minded about how I love, loving many who have differing opinions or lifestyles than I do, I am closed-minded about my rock-solid and absolute faith in One True God, the Creator of the universe—the God of Abraham, Moses, David, and Daniel. I am closed-minded about His love and mercy for them and me, as well as His purpose for this universe and His creation. I am closed-minded that Jesus was who He said He was, the only Son of this one true God, the second member of the Trinity, and the very likeness of the Father. I believe, as John wrote, that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, the Word was God.” I feel beyond doubt that the Word, Jesus, became man to redeem humanity from the sin we all are born into with His blood. I believe His life, that who He said He was, was not a lie, the rants of a lunatic, or a mistake. It could not be, nor could anyone make the mistake of telling thousands that you are God over three years with such lucidity and unwavering conviction. I am committed to this God and this Jesus because I was once open-minded enough to accept the small light of prevenient Grace that entered my dark soul, and I cannot water that down.
So, I agree with the listener on two points: I am an older gentleman, and I am closed-minded about my faith in God, my Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit. Why does it sometimes feel as though I must be less so adamant? Should I seem less assured in my faith to disarm those I long to help see the truth? Is that not fake?
Did Paul soften his stance for fear of being stoned or chased out of town? Did Jesus not answer the Pharisees, Chief Priest, and Pilate directly and powerfully? After all, it is only because of this God that I can love this gentleman and others unconditionally and wish them all God’s blessings. And, because of that love, I am compelled to tell them the truth, whether they accept it and me or not.
I am writing this addendum to this week’s blog, sitting up in bed trying not to wake Kirby or my two pups at 2:32 AM. It took an entire day for the answer to the angst displayed in this blog to enter my brain. Why did it come at 2:00 AM? I have no idea. When I was younger, my cousins and friends gave me many labels. One of them that stuck the longest was “Testa Dura,” which literally means Head of Stone. Maybe that is why multiple texts and emails from Pastor Dan referring to “seeds” took so long to sink in.
As they relate to pride and boasting, the answers to all the questions above all center on the word “seeds.” Duh?! If I expect someone to melt before my persuasive words and compelling presence to accept Jesus in an emotional heap, that is pride and fodder for boasting. If I can be bold in merely stating the truth of the Gospel in love, expecting and demanding nothing from my words, there is no room for boasting, disappointment, or rejection. I am to scatter the seeds of truth over and over, nothing more. Now, I must do that boldly, unapologetically, and regardless of the condition of the soil. But that is all I am to do. I am not to agonize over whether the seeds sprout and turn into trees. Nor am I to boast if they do. I just seed; it's not a big deal. I can do that. Testa Dura.
Scripture: Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Prayer:
Lord, like Paul, gives me the conviction to “fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel” regardless of how it is received or how I am received. Lord, please reveal in me any pride or arrogance in doing so, however, and create a love conveyed simultaneously as your truth.
Comments