Christian survivalists?
July 12, 2006
“Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world…” - John 17:18. Read entire lesson.
I read recently about how some people thinking they are accessing Christian radio stations via satellite are getting Howard Stern’s satellite feed instead. What a shock that must have been! However, I’ll venture the opinion that they needed that jolt.
Before we get too spun up over that, though, what I mean is this: No Christian deserves Howard Stern - who, for my money renders the communications version of our local sewer. They deserve, instead, to face the irony of the situation. Whereas, it’s true–I wouldn’t wish Stern on anyone, especially a fellow Christian, I do have to chuckle a bit over anyone tuning into him when they think they’re tuning out the world. And especially in our contemplative tradition, I’m all for keeping the World at bay. But maybe - just maybe - it’s not entirely a bad thing, when the worst of it leaks in every so often, if only to be a reminder of what we’re really here for.
Remember, beloved, Jesus sent His followers out into the world - even warning them about how dangerous it was going to be–instead of trying to insulate them from it. He certainly was in the World when he was here and paid a very high price for it. For us all, I might add. And He did that, so we could share in His victory - the abundant life - and to share it. That’s why He told us “Ye are the salt of the Earth - the light of the World.” Giving light and being salt means we have to be among them.
In the beginning, most Christian media was admirably motivated by an attempt to get the message out, but has increasingly become a means of keeping the world out and the message in. To be sure, it would be very nice to be able to access nothing but safe, wholesome entertainment all the time, but I believe it’s going to be impossible to keep the world from leaking in. And anyway, what would be the point? That’s not influencing the World, it’s avoiding it.
Ultimately we have to ask: What are we here for? Are we here to become Christian survivalists - having the nicest, safest, most polite bunker life possible, or are we here to follow Jesus into the danger zone of the world around us in order to demonstrate his victory in lives changed by the Gospel? It’s my understanding that Jesus wants Christians in the world and not out of it. He never said it would be safe. He even prayed for the protection of his followers because he knew it wouldn’t be. But, then again, he told us not to worry about the World around us; He has overcome it.
Are we hunkering down in our bunkers or living changed lives amidst the worst the World can toss our way?
By Grace,
Chip+
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