CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

September 19, 2004

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:

Our congregation                                                      Various friends, relatives and co-workers

Our college students                                                  Leon and David in the Navy

Our nation, leaders and military                                Sherry’s son-in-law

EVENTS:

Oct. 30 - Hobo party at the Cruthirds

APPLYING RADICAL DISCIPLESHIP TO THE CHURCH

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We are to live radical lives in this world.  Radical is defined as “far out” or “extreme” and as “to the root” which means a thoroughgoing transformation and conversion in every area of life.  Putting this into practice within the body of Christ has been difficult.  When sinful and selfish people come together, whether in the first century or today, there will be conflict until there is a willingness to become like Jesus.  Many have observed Christians and how they lived and found that their lives were not much different from non-Christians.  “Today, as in days past, there is no way to tell from a person’s life, from his deeds, whether or not he is a believer” said Leo Tolstoy.  Others have shared his observations. 

Some have come up with the life of the Christian as Wal-Mart Christianity, the fancy word being compartmentalization.  We go to church on Sundays and act a certain way.  At work the rest of the week we act another way.  At home still another.  Then there are the social clubs, sports activities, and other areas.  Our Christianity or discipleship is seen only in the department of church.  The rest of the time it is of little consequence.  This has developed for any number of reasons including the idea of finding and keeping the forms.  There are five “acts” of worship, a certain organization to the institution (the church), and five points in the plan of salvation.  If these are done, then everything is okay.  So we keep the forms but fail to change our lives to be more like Christ.

Let’s illustrate some of this.  How do we deal with those who we disagree with?  Some run immediately to the elders and demand that they deal with it and then harass them until they do.  Others apply labels or use name calling.  It becomes an all or nothing situation.  Everything becomes a matter of salvation, even ones opinions.  “I’m right and you’re wrong and you must change or else.”  I have even heard it said that if you do not like it here, go somewhere else.  None of this is Biblical.  Jesus makes it clear that we are to work out our disagreements by going to the individual on a one to one basis (see Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15).  Paul tells us that it takes effort, which we need to make (Ephesians 4:3 and others).  Of course, this requires humility, something sorely lacking in the church.  Too often our pride gets in the way.  “I want my way” or as one preacher described as an adult temper tantron.

Then there is the area of authority.  Needless to say, we really do not understand this word “authority.”  Elders have authority.  Song leaders and prayer leaders have authority.  Women who have stood and walked along a pew to pass the communion tray have usurped authority.  But where in scripture is the “authority” for this?  Jesus made it clear that to be like Him, then we must not be like the Gentiles who love titles and to have control over people (see Luke 22:24-27).  Rather than having control over people, shepherds should be out among the people encouraging and strengthening fellow disciples.  But where do we find elders?  In board rooms making decisions without thought to the flock they supposedly shepherd.  And how does a song leader have any authority over anyone just because he “leads” a song?  We have lost sight of humble service.  Why not call one who leaders songs a servant of song? 

Where do we get this idea of control?  Every organization needs someone to control it.  We have someone, Jesus Christ.  Why do we have to be like the world?  That is not radical discipleship.  While there are those who say we should not be influenced by culture, they are blinded by their own failure to see that they too have been influenced by culture.  In seeing the church as an institution, we have developed this idea of control.  If we see the church as a family, then we should have a totally different view of our congregational life.  As a family is concerned for its members, so too should the church be concerned for the struggling, hurting, and weak (see Hebrews 12:13-14).

What is the answer to this?  Radical living is humble service.  It is being a peace maker when needed.  It is looking “not to your own interests but to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4, NRSV).  This is the mind of Christ (vs. 5-8).  This is the mind we need to develop in our lives.  It is not about me.  Love seeks the best in others.  That means that if I disagree with someone, I need to sit down and attempt to understand where they are coming from, who they are, and how I can better serve them.  If one is an elder, they need to realize that it isn’t about control or power but about giving, humble service.  Wal-Mart associates wear vests with these words on the back: “How may I help you?”  A popular British situation comedy was titled “Are you being Served?”  That should be the attitude of all leaders. 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).  This means a humble acknowledgement and practice of the reign of God in one’s life.  In a society that is constantly elevating someone to fame or hero status, we have become oblivious to humility.  So when others look at Christians, do they see anything different from what they see in their workplaces, society, or any other area?  When church politics become the rule, what is the difference between that and national politics?  So I don’t get my way.  It’s not about me.  I am to humbly serve to bring glory to God.  In fact, as John the Baptist said, “He must become greater and I must become less.”  Now I know he was talking about the ministry of Jesus but it is still the attitude that we need to develop.  It’s not about me. 

If we are going to be radical, then Christians need to start behaving in humble ways rather than selfish.  People should see disciples falling all over themselves trying to serve others.  They will see people who gather around the hurting and suffering, who shout with joy with those who are joyful and honored, who are willing to give even if they get no credit and realize that it doesn’t matter anyway.  They will see not an uncaring and greedy institution but a family who really takes the time to share, learn, and care for one another.  When we show this type of love, then people will know that we are Jesus’ disciples (John 13:34-35).

                                                                                            George B. Mearns