We are a bunch of idiots....

I don't know if any of you got the chance to view the docubias that was "Friends of God" on HBO this past week. I got a chance to view it after my folks Tivoed it. It was filmed, commentated and produced by Alexandra Pelosi (she's the daughter of House Speaker, Nancy). I really didn't expect a true portrayal of what believers are like--and it is a good thing I didn't expect much at all.This thing was ripe with biased embarrassment and ranged from ridiculous to ridiculouser.

It was anything but boring, however. She sure went to the heavy hitters: Jerry Fallwell, Joel Osteen, and Ted Haggard--yes, THE Ted Haggard. Haggard was a big focus of the hour long special, since he was serving as the president of the National Association of Evangelicals at the time of the filming, just prior to his run-in with the truth. The opening screen mentioned the scandal. That should have been my cue to turn it off. I couldn't though. It was like a bad accident--I had to watch.

The road trip visited many of the highlights of faith in America: from the almost humorous Christian Wrestling Federation to the commercialized Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Ms. Pelosi did all she could to show that Christ-followers were at best misguided lunatics and at worst ill-motivated greed machines determined to make millions by manipulating people through faith. Unfortunately, it isn't hard to find good examples of bad churches and theologies in our country. I found myself truly saddened by many of the things I saw, but in so many circumstances, the misguided, seemingly ridiculous actions of Christians were founded upon a whole lot of passion for love, acceptance, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of the people she spoke to (save the Haggards, Fallwells, and Osteens) interacted with her in a way that was marinated in grace and true Christ-centered love. I was really proud of those people, even though they had no clue that some of the ways they acted, spoke and even looked made them seem like looney tunes. It really brought me back to the Word.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" 1 Corinthians 1:18

I'm reminded of this fact every time someone that I knew growing up or someone I just meet finds out I am a pastor. They can't believe it, and then when they do, it seems almost silly that I'm not in some other job with a goal of piling up money or drawing up power. I look quite foolish. But I'm ok with that. I'd rather see myself through a mirror of truth than lie to myself through a puddle of pride.

With that said, I have to also say this: can we PLEASE get our act together, people? The loudest Christians in our country are the same people that should embarrass the heck out of a people saved by grace! Beyond that, when you're dealing with people who need to know Jesus more than anything else, look at yourself first...

do you look like a freak?
...or do you just look like someone who has been so freaked by the person of Christ that you can't help but show love and grace to those you meet?

do you sound judgmental?
...or do you leave the judging to someone much more qualified--like God?

are you impacting those around you for Him?
...or is the only impact you're leaving with the people you meet the thought that you're living in some idealistic other world?

A little self-diagnostic can be very helpful in finding out how effective you are truly being with the Good News. Not to say it all depends on you, because it doesn't. Inasmuch as it does require us to share our faith though, we need to examine the way we portray Christ as His representatives.

To the world, we may be a bunch of idiots. I'm ok with that, as long as we're approachable in our idiocy.

Needs More Salt...

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Jesus in Matthew 5:13

How true. How true. You ever have a life experience that sheds new light on a passage of scripture? This week, I have had that happen.

For those of you that don't know, I have had some health issues in my 27 short years here. Believe it or not, I had a heart attack at the age of 21. To make a long story short, there was no problem with my plumbing... it was all electrical. (you can click here for more info if you're interested) For the past 5 years I have not had even one flutter of an issue--until this week. For whatever reason, I began having palpitations quite frequently. Sometimes they would come once an hour. Sometimes, I would have 15 in a minute. Needless to say, it was distracting at best and panic inducing at worst. Given my past history, I don't panic when this stuff happens, but I do take notice and realize my need to get it checked out.

I went to the cardiologist on Monday and they ran all kinds of tests. My prayer was just that I wouldn't have to go on any meds again. Last time it was almost unbearable. My blood work, EKG and ultrasound came back normal. What concerned me was my doc's obsession with taking my blood pressure. I felt like I was trapped in an episode of Monk. Two, then three, then six times later, Dr. G. tells me that my pressure is high. I thought "maybe it is because you're stressing me out with your incessant use of your sphygmomanometer." He obviously thinks it is from other sources.

I left the office after scheduling a follow up appointment and determined to kick this thing the right way. I have been exercising every day, getting more rest, and (worst of all) changing my diet. I have cut WAY down on sodium and high-fat foods. Sure, that sounds healthy and all, but do you have any idea how hard that is? I have new respect for those of you who have been doing this for years.

All of this got me thinking how accurate the salt illustration is in Matthew. I have got to tell you: a world without salt is a world that is bland, tasteless, and down right hard to live in. Think I'm kidding? Try going one day without consuming more than 800mg of sodium. That's what I have been doing, and it is tough! It makes me proud to be called salt by Jesus. Salt is good stuff, man. It is now part of my prayer life to pray that I'll truly be what God is intending to make me--that everywhere I go people will encounter that salt of God and not want to be without it.

Once you've tasted life with Christ, you realize how life without Him could never measure up.

Off to go eat some yogurt. Peace.

Authentic Excuse?

Happy Sunday, everyone!

There's a big buzz word going around churches these days. I actually think it is big in a number of circles, but my experience with it is mainly in ministry. The word is 'authentic'. I have to say that I've used the word many a time to explain part of what I'm shooting for in leading worship. We all want to be seen as real or honest. When people can sense that you are not being straight with them, they will tune you out. It is always a goal of mine to share from the heart--and to be real in caring about what other people have to share as well.

This brings me to my frustration for the day. I am convinced that there are many people who use the term 'authentic' as a wall to put up or a bad excuse when they feel challenged on anything. I have heard the term so misused and so overstated that it is hard to even know what the word means anymore. For instance, there is a strong believer I know that has a mouth worse than a trucker, but refuses to give that up to God to be dealt with because it is 'just who he is'. Imagine if we all took that stance.

"Sure, I sleep around...but that's just who I am. I'm not gonna put up some front and pretend like it's not."
"Yeah, I still smoke up...but it's really not a big deal. It helps me to relate to those people that I'm sharing the Gospel with. They wouldn't take me seriously otherwise. They'd think I'm some church freak."
"I'm a Christian and all, but I'm not like the type that are all into it and stuff. That's just so fake."

Look, here's the deal. The Christian life is a journey. Christ invites us to follow Him. It is pretty stinkin' impossible to follow someone if you never move from where you are. If being overt in your sin and making an excuse to stay there is more 'authentic', then maybe it means your decision to follow Christ could possibly be a little more inauthentic than you'd like to admit. I can't be the judge of that, but I can certainly show you numerous portions of scripture that say that very thing.

I am authentically sinful. I am also authentically being changed. If I am excited about what God is doing in my life and the lives of those around me, you cannot call me inauthentic. In fact, interestingly enough, the definition of authentic is something "conforming to fact, and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief." I'm thrilled to say that I am something that is conforming to fact--the fact of Jesus Christ.

I will admit that many people do come off as churchy and not willing to get to the heart of the matter. I would agree that those kind of 'everything is perfect today because of God' attitudes are, many times detrimental to the Gospel because 9 out of 10 people can't relate to a 'perfect' life. Incidentally, I fall into that 9 out of 10. To put it as authentically as I know how, life is far from perfect. I don't easily relate to those 'happy, jolly Christians,' but I cannot and will not question their authenticity.

I guess my frustration with this whole buzz is that being authentic essentially means that they are just doing what is natural and free of outside influence and 'manipulation.' Unfortunately, I need a little manipulating. My natural way stinks for the most part. The Bible agrees with me. Proverbs 14 says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Given the choice between the unchanged, natural me and the changed, affected me, I'd take the latter every time.

Let's be honest. Authenticity really means honesty. You find me a person of integrity and honesty, and I'll show you a person who is authentic. Cutting through the buzz cuts through the excuses.

Just a Little Reminder

As if my brush with airborne terror wasn't enough...

This morning, my wife and I got a call from my in-laws saying that a car was stolen from their driveway last night and found abandoned on the highway. Turns out that it was used in a robbery last night as well.

It was a strong reminder to me of the nature of the world we live in. As much as there are people out there trying to be a force for God, there are those so deceived that the only force they know is that which has come to steal, kill and destroy. It really is a sad thing that we need locks and security systems and neighborhood watches. Need any more evidence that evil is all around us?

Dave tends to call me 'Drama Boy' because of the exciting nature of my personal life, but, come on! This is ridiculous! My best advice to any of you that know me is unless you need a little more excitement in your life, you're better off keeping your distance. However, if you're not enjoying your uneventful, boring life, then, please--give me a call. Chances are you'll find a monkey in your bathroom or maybe even get a check for three cents in your mailbox. How fun is THAT?

I other exciting news, my six month old, Landon, was just asked to do a photo shoot for Hasbro toys! You might see him in your newspaper, or in an infomercial at 4AM on the Bravo network. who knows? I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, please pray for my sister in law, Jenna. She's a bit spooked over this whole car thing.

I'll Take My Reward Now

I hate flying. Never have liked the idea of being 7 miles in the air in an object built by man. I know, I know... it's the safest way to travel, you're safer than when you drive, etc. etc. Still, it's unnerving. Anyone that knows this little fact about me and also the fact that over the past year I have taken probably 60-70 flights should be very proud of me. I'll give you a moment to applaud...

OK. Thanks. Wow. I didn't expect that sort of response. Really, thank you.

I mention this fear of flying because last week I was on a plane headed back to NJ and I had a Jack Bauer moment. Here, let me set the scene.

I was on stand by to catch an earlier flight and was happy to see I got on. I get in my seat and am thrilled to see that I'm alone in my three seat row. Score! I'm gonna be sprawling!
Now, in comes these three guys. (cue the music) They look like they could be brothers, and they're pretty close and giving each other short glances, but not saying a word. One guy sits in the row in front of me. The next guy takes his seat across from my row and the third guy sits two rows back. Lucky for them, they are also alone in their rows.
They shut the cabin door and we're told there will be a bit of a delay because of traffic going into Newark (typical!). Now it starts getting weird.
Still, no words have been exchanged between these guys, but they start getting antsy and looking at each other more often. The guy across from me even stands up and looks back to the guy two rows back, catching his eye, and then sits down.
The plane starts taxiing to the runway and that's when I start getting nervous. The guy across from me looks at the one right in front of me and utters the first communication to him, confirming my theory that they know each other. He mouths to him, "you okay?" and then looks down to his bag and pulls out his cell phone.
I assumed he was pulling it out to turn it off... but instead he pulls it out and turns it on--seconds before we hit the runway. The phone comes to life and he scrolls through his contact list. I'm trying to catch a glimpse at the name, but I can't see it.
We make our final turn onto the runway. The man's hand is hovering on the 'send' button, waiting to place a call. Now, I'm freaking out! I was faced with a decision. I can't get up and ask a flight attendant anything. They are all strapped in their seats and my movement would ensure me a long night being detained. I knew if I was going to do anything, I would have to do it myself.
The engines pick up to full speed and I reluctantly leaned over and tapped the man on his arm. Staring at his phone, I use my best acting skills to excitedly ask him, "Is that the new Motorola RZR?" He looks at me and nods. I reached over and obnoxiously touched the phone and said "can I see it?"
While the guy wasn't happy, he did let me grab the phone and I began to look at it, ogling over the features and checking out the 'interface'--all the while asking him stupid questions that I didn't need answers for.
After we were in the air and steadily climbing, I said 'oh! i forgot I'm not supposed to be using this!' and turned off the phone, handing it back to him.

It was probably not anything truly dangerous, but, come on! Wouldn't you be a little taken aback? Fear can do a lot of things to a person--not the least of which is invent scenarios and 'what ifs.'

Sure, I didn't save the world. But, for that moment, I felt like I might have.
I know I shouldn't be scared of flying. I know I shouldn't live in a state of fear. I think that having a beautiful wife and amazing baby to go home to has just changed what I have to look forward to.

A Little Gold at the Globes

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I do enjoy relaxing in front of the TV as a form of down time. My wife, Melissa, and I don't go out to movies or restaurants (I have had the afore mentioned fast food issue on my own) and we don't take in theatre or many events (minus the occasional Chris Tomlin concert). So, it was not out of the ordinary for her and I to sit down and Tivo through the Golden Globe awards. We breezed through the pre-show festivities (Melissa loves the dresses) and we were both excited to root on our favorite characters from our favorite shows.

While the snub to "Prison Break" was glaring in my mind, I was happy to hear that both "Lost" and "House" were up for awards in various capacities. We love these shows--not because they are "Christian", but because they make us think. They have led to many a great discussion about our faith, both with each other and with others.

One of our favorite actresses from "Lost" is Evangeline Lilly. Not only is she a great actress, but she has always struck us as a down-to-earth, humble person--rare traits in Hollywood.

A quick search of "Evangeline Lilly" and "Christian" on the net will 'net' you tons of results. While I can't vouch for her personally, it seems that her upbringing, her stance on moral issues, her disposition and her history speak clearly of her faith. From teaching Sunday School in her Baptist and Mennonite churches to doing missions work in the Philippines, she has not shied away from her faith. She has continually stood for what is right in her career and been a great example to those who believe that there is a higher standard than the FCC. Even in the midst of her home burning down recently (see the photo at right), she reacted the way I hope I would in the same spot. (side note: she notoriously struggles with her language... i guess God is still working on her!)

I bring her up because I had to do a double take during her interview with Ryan Seacrest before the Golden Globes. When questioned about her recent comments about not liking being a "celebrity" and whether or not she meant it, she didn't pull the typical Hollywood response. You know--the "oh, that was taken out of context. I didn't mean for it to come across like that" dismissal. She said "that is absolutely accurate" and continued to explain how she has always thought that the idea of celebrity is a hoax. She stood her ground and made it clear that neither she nor the Jacks, Brads, Leos or Clints of the world are what it is all about. She also hinted that she is strongly considering leaving the show because she's really tired of being the center of attention.

Sure, she's made choices that many believers would (for better or for worse) scoff at. Sure, she could give up some more of those areas to Christ (we all could). I just had to make it a point to simply recognize that in a world full of celebrity, it stood out as a little glimmer of truth in the midst of a whole lot of acting.

Now, I'd go watch the news, but Tivo's got my back.

PS - set your DVRs... SWITCHFOOT is on Leno one week from tonight - Tuesday, the 23rd!

New Year, New Blog

2007 is here! Hard to believe that this year marks my first full year as a father, my third year of marriage, my fourth year at Jacksonville Chapel and my seventh full year of full-time ministry! It seems like just yesterday I was dreaming about teaching high-school choirs for the rest of my life (of all things!) and trying to find good excuses to sneak off to the music room and play around on the piano. Little did I know those seemingly non-committal appointments I had with that piano would, over time, develop into a life-long love that God would use to help people enter into His presence in worship. It was a silly little habit that became a lasting career.

It makes me wonder--what other harmless habits have I had that developed into regular love rituals?

Whether it is that trip to Wendy's every other day for some fries and a burger (don't I know it!) or hitting that snooze alarm that steals precious seconds from my morning, I have always struggled with turning a time-to-time luxury into an evil siamese twin of a must-have. For me, it comes down to rulers.

When I was growing up, I would have a monthly treat that I would look forward to incessantly. Once a month, my mom would splurge and I would be allowed to go to Burger King to get a simple Bacon Double Cheeseburger. We couldn't afford it any more than once a month. I had no say in it. I had no control. Once a month.

Sleep also was not under my control when I was a child. Mom said it was time to get up...it was time to get up. I would plead and beg, but usually there was no budging her. If I chose not to rise up, my blanket would be lifted and the cold air was all it would take to force my swift retreat to the warm shower.

As I got older, I realized that I had no mom there to limit my high-fat diet or my lazy snoozing. If I wanted a burger, I got a burger. If I wanted to sleep, I got to sleep. And so I ate... and I slept. It's good to be the king.

Except... I'm not the King. I sing to the King, I pray to the King, I worship the King... because He is worthy. I am far from worthy. I belong to the real King. Psalm 24 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

You know, maybe that is part of what it means to have faith like a child (Matthew 18:2-4). Maybe I could learn something from the young me.

This New Year I have decided to give up fast food. It has been over two weeks and I'm still going. I know, for some of you it is nothing huge. For me, however, it is monumental.

Now, if only I could stop hitting that snooze button...