Wounded Warriors

"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." – REV. JOHN WATSON (aka Ian MacLaren)

I appreciate this quote, and it helps delay my increasingly common outbursts of self-righteousness.  It's easy for me to criticize others, partly because I don't want to see my own faults.  The Bible says a number of things about this: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matt. 7:1-2).  "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).  We're all broken people whether we admit it or not.  We've all been wounded on the field of life's battles.

This is an important, vital, reminder to me as I struggle through some of the cultural issues confronting me and my fellow Evangelicals these days. Whether it's next year's elections, the economic woes, the "gay agenda," or the environment -- or a combination of these things -- there is very little common ground and a whole lot of mutual loathing.  It's easy to condemn the other side, isn't it?  Much easier than listening.  Much easier than accepting the insults that accompany valid points.  Much easier than having to change my opinions or beliefs. 

Kindness is rarely observed in the public arena these days.  Political candidates are forced to attack,  not just the opposing side, but even fellow candidates from their own party.  If you don't have "fire in your belly" or pledge to "fight for the people" (i.e. whoever you happen to be addressing), then clearly you aren't electable.  Of course, having "fire in one's belly" usually means nasty ulcers, and fighting often brings bruises and lumps.  I kinda feel sorry for politicians.  Why do they want such a life?

But for the Christian, kindness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit living within us (see Gal. 5:22), a Christ-like quality that involves an attitude of empathy and forbearance.  It's based on this simple realization: "If everyone I meet is going through battles similar to mine, then why shouldn't I treat them as I would want them to treat me?  I don't want to be despised, so why should I despise them?"  If our real enemies are "spiritual forces of darkness" (see Eph. 6:12), then our human adversaries usually are unknowing victims who are in even worse shape than we are.  As a Christian, I know where and Who to go to for help and power -- they don't.  If it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4), then surely I need to reflect that same kindness to others whether they deserve it or not.  I don't deserve God's mercy, but that's what He shows me.  And that's what He wants me to show others.

Am I Credible?

Paul Borthwick writes: "Credibility provides the foundation for effective witness."  And the Bible frequently mentions it in the context of "shining one's light" (Matt. 5:14-16) and the importance of love for one another (John 13:34-35).  James says it most bluntly: "Faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26).  I must admit that I struggle with making time to get involved in consistent local outreach.  I can manufacture excuses to drown out God's quiet voice that says "Do something."  "I'm tired" or "I do cross-cultural ministry" or "My schedule is too unpredictable."  I'm afraid God isn't convinced, nor is He pleased.  I have some abilities that could be very helpful to others, even if I'm not an expert at anything.  I can do basic carpentry, wiring, a little plumbing, and some computer-work.  I can do grunt work, serve food, and run errands.  I can listen to those who just want to talk, or read with a child who needs a coach.  I have a feeling that I'm already equipped for most things people need.  So my goal this fall is to get involved, to make a difference however small. 

If I fail to do these things -- to shine Christ's light, to show his love in action -- then where is my credibility?  Where is my faith if it's not expressed in deeds?  Is it there at all?

Thank God for the TSA

I don't like being frisked.  I don't like being pulled aside and made to feel like a member of a sleeper cell.  I don't like strange, Star Trek-like scanners.  Last weekend as I traveled home from Albuquerque, I experienced all three of these inconveniences when going through security.  It seems that something on my hands set off their chemical weapons sensor, and so further inspection was in order.  I'd heard horror stories of what happens in the "little room," and as I approached it with two (thankfully) male guards, I didn't know what to expect. 

Well, it wasn't so terrible.  The inspector ("frisker?") told me exactly what he was going to do (and where), and was quite respectful.  I didn't have to remove any clothing (other than my belt and shoes, which I'd already removed), and it over in just a few minutes.  They even explained to me that hand soap (which contains glycerin) is probably what set off the chemical sensor.

The TSA is much-maligned, but I for one thank them for their service.  In the event that a terrorist does try to sneak through, there is a much better chance to stop him because of the TSA.  No, I'll never enjoy being searched, but I'm glad there's scrutiny.

What's So Good About Short-Term Missions?

Lately I've been thinking a lot about "short-term mission" (STM) trips.  I've read numerous critiques, most of which warn against STMs as potentially wasteful and possibly harmful to both hosts and guests.  And I've participated and led quite a decent number over the years.  I'm no expert, but I certainly have an opinion.

While it's certainly true that STMs can have negative consequences -- what doesn't, after all? -- they clearly can be a source of great blessing in individual lives and to God's Kingdom.  Here's my short list of benefits that STMs can provide:

1. Short-term participation leads to long-term involvement.  Recently, a missionary colleague passionately defended STMs by stating that he owes his present ministry to them.  If he hadn't gone to Honduras on a mission trip years ago, he wouldn't be serving as a missionary today.  Added to this testimony are the many examples of local church "missions advocates," who -- because of their own participation on STMs -- raise awareness and support for missions on an ongoing basis.  Recent generations expect and even require face-to-face involvement before they will support a given ministry.  There's a lot of competition for charitable giving and attention, so it behooves mission agencies to provide eye-witness opportunities.

2. Short-term trips can revitalize local church missions programs.  This isn't a guarantee, of course, but a mission team can motivate local church support in ways that sermon series can't.  Churches tend to rally around their own members, and a mission trip -- especially by youth -- can provide a sense of ownership for the task at hand.  This in turn can bring long-term benefits as relationships with missionaries and nationals are established, and as mission trip participants become more active in local church ministries. 

3. Short-term trips can result in personal transformation.  Many STM participants are humbled -- even convicted -- about their materialism as a result of witnessing Majority-World poverty.  God can use their experience to change the way they use money and resources to a Kingdom-oriented perspective, rather than a selfish one.

Yes, there are potential problems.  STM participants can be a burden to their hosts.  They can even offend national Christians.  And of course, for some the trip is little more than a vacation that others pay for.  But these negatives don't have to happen!  Some can be avoided with better screening of participants, preparation, and intentional follow-up.  If leaders are careful to provide quality leadership, STMs will be a blessing for everyone involved, and not a drain on Kingdom resources.

I'll keep this in mind as I get on the plane for Kenya next week!

Walking on Eggshells

This morning a mission leader (and friend of mine) sent out an e-mail in which he asked us to pray about a property dispute his ministry is having with trespassing neighbors.  In the U.S. it would be a relatively simple matter of researching the property deed and clearing up the dispute, but in this case it's not so easy.  My friend lives in a country where Christians are a very small minority, and where -- at any time -- violent persecution can break out against him and all our fellow Christians there.  They are walking on proverbial eggshells, and have been for many years.  One false step, one protest too many against injustice and corruption, and property disputes would be the least of their concerns.  So I'm sure that my friend is weighing the risks of going to court against people from the majority religion, even though he has justice on his side.

This situation is incredibly common, repeated in virtually every country where Christians are a minority, where there is real danger in confessing faith in Jesus Christ.  Let us therefore pray for our brothers and sisters at risk, and remember Jesus' words in Matt. 10:32-33 -- "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."  Join those who walk on eggshells by getting involved in cross-cultural ministries, and by standing up for your faith wherever you go.