Define or Describe

Humans seem to like to define, label, and categorize things. Good definition requires perfect perspective. We can have confidence in definitions like “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) and “Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.” (John 17:3) These definitions come from God. Rarely is my perspective so exhaustive. But even when I can’t define, I can describe. And I can be confident in my descriptions provided I’m humble enough to consider a new insight or another person’s different description. Defining closes the knowing venture, while describing opens it up. That can be endlessly rewarding!

Culture Coaching

Much has been said about Jesus’ way of discipleship. His shared life with The Twelve has figured into many messages on Small Groups. Sending the seventy out on mission has been used in support of short term mission trips.

But we know Jesus also had brief conversations with people. He taught in the temple. He fed people and healed them. He modeled prayer and submission to the Father. And he made points by challenging religious leaders.

A variety of methods.

But there was a consistency in his message: “The Kingdom of God is like…”

In this way, Jesus was a culture coach. And discipleship leaders should be like him. Whether we speak to thousands or meet with people one-to-one, we describe the Kingdom and help people adapt to its culture—not as tourists, but as immigrants. At times, it might be a light touch, like an episode of Rick Steves or Samantha Brown. Other times it might be a deep, immersive experience that’s more like sharing a home and life.

Whatever the approach, our message—as worship leaders, pastors, teachers, small group leaders, and counselors—begins with “The Kingdom of God is like…”

Row, row, row your boat

This morning I saw four moms exercising at the park. They were using elastic bands to work their arms while singing:

Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream

I think they were more interested in friendship and exercise than they were in theology. Who knows what they even believe about God?

But that song!

There are religions that teach life is just a dream—that reality only exists in the spiritual realm. But the Bible teaches otherwise. Both the spirit world and the physical world are very real.

Many Christians see life as rowing a boat gently downstream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Just passing through. But the Bible calls us to spiritual warfare. We've been given the Great Commission (Matthew 28). We pray "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven". Life for the Christian is upstream stuff. And while we are to "count it all joy", it's not always merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily.

There was a time when 'go with the flow' meant fitting in with the community we were born into. Now, we can customize our community with a couple of taps or clicks and we can receive all the affirmation we crave. But now, as before, let Jesus' praise be enough.