Here is a, um, hypothetical question for anyone out there in cyberspace: At times in life we find ourselves in no-win situations, ones in which no matter how we approach it, we lose. When you find yourselves in one of those seasons of life, what do you do? Do you count your loses and get up from the table? Do you go all in, nudging all of the chips forward and calling the other players at the table? Do you just fold that hand, write it off to inevitability, and see what cards happen to come up with the next?
Just curious. (Too much on my mind today!)
10 comments:
You seem to be a follower of Roman Catholocism, not a member of the church of Christ. I am wondering why you don't just place membership in that church and stop trying to make unbiblical changes in the Lord's church. Advent season is phony and nonbiblical. We are not told to set aside certain seasons. We are supposed to celebrate His birth, death, and resurrection all year long.
Anoymous,
I believe as a faithful MTOC, you'd harken to Alexander Campbell and the boys who said, "Speak where scripture speaks and be silent where scripture speaks, and in all other things liberty."
I'm interested that you would pick this topic to assail Brother Mag, because Paul himself, you know St. Paul, the apostle, wrote expressly and explicitly about this precise issue. In addressing some believers who celebrated specific holidays and those who did not, he said that each could celebrate or not celebrate as they saw fit, but that they were not to engage in the holidays against their own conscience. ROMANS 14:1-12.
Does it make you incredibly nervous that the inspired Word itself blesses differences of opinion and conscience on issues as vital as worship?
Anonymous,
First, I have had enough of the guerilla attacks on me, my spirituality, and the work and service I am trying to do for the sake of the kingdom of God and the world. Your attacks have been uninformed, spiteful, and disdainful. None of those are shining character traits of disciples of Jesus Christ. Because of this, all in the blogosphere have lost the privilege of posting anonymously on this blog.
Second, while I do agree with you that we should celebrate the totality of the incarnation and resurrection of Jesus all year long, the depth and beauty of the incarnation is something that can neither be grasp nor explored fully by simply reflecting on it every day of the year. I liken my reflection on the work of God in the life of Christ to our education systems. There is a time in life to learn basics and to engage in the generalities. But, as all of us know, there are seasons in life to move beyond the generalities and explore the depths of specific subjects. By choosing to use this time of the year to focus on the brilliance and beauty of the incarnation of the Word in Jesus Christ, as well as anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises with the second advent (literally 'coming') of Christ, I have a chance every year to be shaped and formed by God's work in the life of Christ. All too often, Christians become myopic, saying they focus on the totality of the work of God in Christ, but really only wanting Christ for his blood. I think that the incarnation, the fact that God dwelt with humanity in the person of Christ, is an equally important part of our Christian discipleship and faith. There will be other seasons in life and throughout the year to take special “courses” focusing in the crucifixion and the resurrection, but for now, I am in a short course on the mystery of the incarnation of God and the fulfillment of his promises in the coming of Jesus. General studies of the totality of Christ’s life are good, but for the next two plus weeks I am shooting for a degree in the coming of Christ.
Finally, a note about the season. As Christians, it seems to me that we have three choices. First, we can simply ignore that anyone in the world is doing anything this time of year. I don't really find many Christians doing that. Second, we can divorce this season from the birth of Christ, but instead choose to focus on presents, packages, and the jolly, plump man in the red suit that comes down chimneys to leave gifts. Of course, Santa Claus is a derivative of Saint Nicholas, a saint who delivered gifts to children in Myra (in modern day Turkey) in the 4th Century. Within a century of his death, he was declared a saint by the church. To this day, he continues to be venerated by the RCC and the Orthodox churches. So, not to be mean but to be realistic, if you prefer to talk about Santa Claus during this season of the year, maybe you are the Catholic. Third, we can choose to celebrate the beauty and awe-inspiring mystery of the incarnation, of Emmanuel, the saving presence of God with his people in Jesus Christ.
Personally, I choose the third option. In a few months I will turn to focus on the sacrifice of the one who, "though in very form (morphe) of God, did not consider equality with God something to be exploited," but made himself downwardly mobile for the sake of the world. The incarnation was the first step of that process, the obedience “unto death, even death on a cross” is the next part of that. (You might recognize that from an early Christian hymn: Phil. 2:6-11.)
You may well be able to reflect and dwell upon every facet of these amazing mysteries (birth, death, and resurrection, among so many other incredible aspects of faith) all year long, each day of the year. I am not that smart. I am not an intelligent man. So, instead I choose to remind myself today that the God who fulfilled his promises to his people in Bethlehem so long ago will continue to fulfill his promises to his people. As Jesus that first Christmas night, so he will come again. I pray that I will keep anxiously watchful until that day, for the sake of my life, for the sake of the kingdom of God, and for the sake of the world.
I can't post anonymously anymore?
:-)
If I post anonymously, I can check my brain (along with other parts of my body) at the door, and no one will know it. So I want to post anonymously. Come on....
I was of the opinion that I would not want to argue with JRB's razor-sharp retorts, honed in the fire of daily practice in the arts of jurisprudence as they must necessarily be. However, I think your response even bested his. Good job.
And a good post to start with, by the way.
"good post to start with by the way"
I was referring to the post on the advent, to which anonymous was apparently replying.
Don -
You're awfully kind to us, but keep in mind that litigation and ministry share the same essential skill set. Mags knows what he's doing, even if he does lack my cool detatchment.
In response to your question, thank God for the challenges, like anonymous dartthrowers!!
Eric,
In the last year, Mark and I have faced some conflicts in which we cannot win, no matter what we do. If we leave the conversation completely, then we are deserting and rejecting people we love. If we continue in the conversation, we are only perpetuating a cycle that is unproductive. We find ourselves stuck in this strange middle place that can be emotionally draining.
What do we do? Various things. We try to live triumphantly in spite of the conflict. We try to love as if there is no conflict. We try to remain humble and obedient, even though we sometimes think that we are "right" and others are "wrong." We struggle to remember that conflicts are never so black and white. We pray about it. We talk to trusted friends and mentors. We lean on one another. And sometimes hot tea or cocoa and a good book/movie can help. And a backrub. Backrubs can cover over a multitude of stresses at our house!
I'm sorry if you guys are caught in a no-win situation. Perhaps by now it is resolved. Know that we are thinking about you and praying for you guys. Give my love to Natalie!
Love,
Jocelyn
Thanks, Jocelyn.
I appreciate your thoughts and insights a lot. We love you guys and hope that all is going well. Our trials and struggles are not yet over, but with a cup of hot chocolate (in the green mugs you gave us), a good book and movie, and a nice backrub, we just might make it.
Natalie says Hello back.
Seeing how the initial question of facing no-win situations has taken a back seat...
Eric...thanks, brother, for all of your thoughtful writing and ways for bringing Christ more present among us. Your ministry and service is entirely reflective of Christ living in you, and there have been a number of times when I have sought your blog as a way of experiencing Christ anew.
I happen to like the third option...to allow Emmanuel and the mystery of the incarnation to penetrate every aspect of who I am. I don't always do a good job, but look forward to seasons such as Advent when "God with us" is more prevalent and alive.
I hope and pray that you and your bride have a great Christmas.
Post a Comment