are you guilty of being the older brother?

Today I read a blog by Tony Campolo entitled “I’m the Older Brother.” (which can be found at http://blog.sojo.net/2009/03/24/im-the-older-brother/ if you would like to read more than the excerpts I address below.)
In his blog, Campolo admits that with regard to President Obama’s stimulus package and its provisions to help those Americans who are having great difficulty paying their home mortgages, he has come to realize that he is like the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son.
(in case you need reminding, younger brother takes his share of their father’s wealth, spends it all irresponsibly, then returns home to ask for a job on his father’s farm. But instead of giving him a job, his father runs out to meet him, welcomes him home and throws a party. Older brother is angry. He resents that he worked hard for his father for many years, and now the money he helped earn is being spent on the brother who was wasteful. Campolo points out that we can almost hear the older brother saying, “This brother of mine was irresponsible in the way he lived and spent his money, so why should he now get the benefits of money that I helped earn through my hard work, day in and day out?”
Then Campolo admits that this is much the same attitude that he and many conservative brothers and sisters, have had in reaction to President Obama’s announcement that taxpayers’ dollars, earned by hard-working, responsible citizens, would be given to help those irresponsible Americans who bought houses that they couldn't afford, while embracing a lifestyle that was beyond their means. This is a very good comparison. Campolo goes on to say that many people now sound like that older brother in Jesus’ story, and call for those irresponsible spenders to get what they deserve. With an air of self-righteous indignation, we declare, “They didn’t do what’s right and now we’re being asked to rescue them from the financial mess they’ve created for themselves!”
Campolo reminds us that the gospel is about grace and we all know that grace is about us receiving from God blessings that we don’t deserve. But many are reluctant to extend that grace to others.
In several incidents recently, I have noticed that people – especially Christians - have problems extending grace to others. Because of this, Christians often give Christianity a bad name. We preach about grace. We declare a God of second (and third and fourth, etc) chances. Yet we do not give people a second chance. We often fail to even give the first chance. Our mouths say we seek to reach the lost and bring them back to God. But our actions (or reactions) say that you shouldn’t have gotten lost in the first place and if you are not like us we will not be comfortable worshipping with you. We claim to share a message of “Hey, I am a sinner just like you because we have all fallen short of the glory of God. Evangelism is just one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread.” But the message others actually receive is “Yuck. Are you kidding? If you have made any error in judgment or fallen short it any way we want to see you punished. After you’ve jumped through our hoops, we might consider throwing you some crumbs.”
Maybe you’re outraged at a stimulus package or resentful of social services or irritated by the way someone dresses at church or disgusted that someone does not know a church ritual or reluctant to forgive someone, or all of the above and more. Ask yourself: Am I the older brother? Am I reluctant to extend the grace I have received to my brother (or sister)?

what I really think

this morning I wanted to do announcements and say something I had been thinking. all the way to church I thought about how I would say it. but when I arrived at church, a realization of the changing times welcomed me.

For a year and a half I have thought that I could afford to be the one who to challenge the church. after all, my livelihood does not depend on the church paycheck. if I was the one to honestly assess a situation and said assessment angered the congregation, I could afford to be run off. But today was the the beginning of a change. Well a change that will last for at least the next couple of months.

Tim offered to do announcements and address a situation. He reasoned that he would be leaving in a couple of months and he could afford to say the possibly unpopular things. What unwelcome announcement could we possibly need to make?

Well, last night was the youth fundraiser - a St. Paddy's Day Party/Dance. Money raised will be used for the youth mission project. Last week the church council included a long discussion on how we need to have programming for the youth. People commented on the importance of youth ministry. But last night the only people who showed up for the fundraiser were people associated with youth.

I was proud to have a good youth representation. (a concern since it was the beginning of Spring break) I was thankful for the parents and grandparents who helped prepare for the party. The new youth director and family worked hard on an event they kind of inherited because it was planned before they came on board. I appreciate the people who came on Friday to set up sound and decorate. The people who came out Friday for set up and those who attended the party on Saturday all seemed to have a good time.

Although there was certainly for which to be thankful, I couldn't help but wonder where all those people who just a few days earlier had talked about the importance of youth ministry. Where were the people whose presence could have sent a message to the youth that the congregation supported them? Where was the desire to fellowship with one another?

I really wanted to stand up and tell these people of my disappointment. I wanted to tell them that they needed to back up their words with their actions. I wanted to say this is the first church I had ever known where the people only supported a cause if they reaped some benefit. They only attend an event if they have some personal interest in the particular ministry. Can't they see that they should have a personal interest in every ministry of their church?

But Tim set out to protect me from my own mouth. Instead I stood in the back and kept Dustin from burning down the church while Tim told everyone what a good time they missed. Pictures of all the fun scrolled across the screen (eventually) while Tim described the excellent potato bar, lively music and fun missed by those who failed to come out to support the youth fundraiser. He reminded the congregation of how much youth would enjoy interaction with other generations. He reminded them of the importance of showing support.

And so once again only a few will know what I really think. Because I am learning that maybe I do not always have to be the one who says what I think.

the post that tells you nothing

This has been a crazy year. The more I resolve to post more regularly, the harder it seems to do so. I am having wireless issues and time issues and posting to the blog or even checking what my friends have blogged has been difficult. But here I am with another baby step making an effort.

Maybe all the hurdles have been God's way of making sure I have not been able to post something I would regret. You may find this hard to believe, gentle readers, but there are people who will criticize you speak your mind. Some are honest enough to comment and provide their names. and then there's always Anonymous. Or perhaps they will not even comment on your blog, but instead call someone who knows you and express their "concern" about what you have written.

You see, a lot has happened on which I have an opinion, but it is probably best not to share that opinion with everyone. That is very funny because I am so often accused of being brutally honest and too blunt. People assume I just say everything that jumps in my mind. (and often I do speak/write without thinking) If the things I say shock people, what would they do if they knew the things I think, but don't say?

First round of appointments were proposed this week. A lot of pastors moving around. I don't know all of them yet. Some may change after the second round. I do know that I will be working with someone new. Still waiting to learn about them. Appointment time. One of those times it might be best not to say everything that jumps in your head.

That may be one of the hardest parts about being clergy. You have to be careful how much information and opinion you share. Some clergy never even share what team they support. all you have to do is see my car and you know that I don't keep that a secret. Some advise you not to indicate which way you lean politically. I really try on that one because I can see where that would be divisive. but most people can figure that out about me also. You have to be really careful not to take sides when there is disagreement among church folk. Well that is a full time job because church people often disagree.

So here I am posting without really saying anything and thinking for all the times I hear "you would not believe what Donna said" I would like to say "No - you would not believe what I really wanted to say."

This has been a busy week and today is a big day

I started the week with a great worship service. Noted the observance of MLK Jr. Day, Human Relations Day, historic inauguration, baptized two people, got to see a bunch of friends. After worship several people complimented the service - baptisms and anointing were special. People said the sermon went well. I noted that it is easier to do well when you have a crowd that loves you and wants you to do well. Nice start to the week.

Which brings us to today. Historic because we have a new president. Funny because news commentators noted as Bush flew out of Washington that everyone was cheering - some in support, others because they were happy to see him leave. Hopeful because so many people wish our new president well. But all of these national events are not the only big events of the day.

Today we welcome Lillee Jo and Steven Coy to the world. I am leaving to go meet them, so this post will be short.

I just wanted to post a hopeful blog for these new beginnings. It is the beginning of the year (still in the first month). Baptism is the initiation to the church. Inauguration marks the beginning of a new presidency. And birth is definitely a beginning of new life and the certainly the beginning of a new way of life for the family. May God bless all of these new beginnings.

I really am alive

I will not even bother to list all of my excuses for having neglected posting. I know that most of you who read my blog know how crazy things have been lately. I don't know that things will be any less crazy, but I guess one of my resolutions for 2009 will be to try to be more consistant with posting to the blog. Of course, I do not usually make New Year's resolutions.

I have been lucky enough to see many of my friends more in the last month than I had been able to see them in a while. Football, Christmas events and a baby shower presented several opportunities to catch up. Since several people mentioned that they try to keep up with me by reading this blog, I determined I should do a better job of posting.

Christmas was great. I am lucky enough to get to see my family during the holidays. We had fun. Church events went smoothly. Overall a very merry Christmas.

My goal is to get organized so I can get more accomplished in 2009. I have enjoyed seeing the WEEDs over the past month and would like to try to get together more often. LEGS had a nice turnout for our Christmas party and I would like to carry that momentum into 2009.

Hmm. I am taking baby steps at blogging again. Don't have time to say much, but I did want to wish everyone a wonderful 2009.

In case you wondered - I am still alive

Wow! What a time to be too busy to post. It has been a crazy few weeks. After a fairly slow trial year, I am spending the last couple of months in back-to-back trials. That means that in addition to my church work, for the last several weeks I have been in trial prep or in trial. Last week I was in Florence for a trial. On the historic election night when I would have loved to have been out celebrating, I was in a hotel room getting ready for the next day of trial. I stayed on the phone with Alicia for over an hour while she stood in line to vote. She needed someone sensible to talk to as she sensed she was the only blue dot in line. I had celebratory phone calls, text messages and email. Those blue dot friends of mine getting in touch to share some of the excitement. It was a big night. Then it was back to work.

Work turned out well. Of course the local papers were quick to report that the defendant would appeal the almost $2.3 Million verdict. Because of said appeal, the client will not see any money for a long time. But it is still fun to win. And several of us went out to celebrate. It was a big night. Then it was back to work.

I had class at Huntingdon this week. On Friday I drove back from Florence, dropped my equipment off at the office, re-organized and headed to Montgomery. Friday night and all day Saturday I sat in class. By afternoon I was texting to get football scores and sharing them with the class. It was good to have an Auburn win. The other game was exciting. It was a big night. Then it was back to work.

One of the Sunday school teachers notified us she would not make it. I was trying to get back into a normal schedule, but I things were hectic when I arrived at church. Sitting in for that SS teacher, trying to get ready for worship. Then the Children's church person needed something for the lesson. I rushed to make copies. I rushed back to the sanctuary. I helped the acolytes get ready. I processed in and realized I had forgotten to get a wired for sound. during greeting I had to run back to the sound man. It was crazy. But I could not slow down. Alicia and I had to engagements Sunday afternoon before I had to rush back to teach Sunday night. It was a big night. Then it was back to work. Getting ready for the next trial that goes out Monday.

Things have been so crazy and I had been so busy, that I missed a couple of issues. One of my adults who helps with children and youth activities might not come back to the church. Another one is kind of fed up. A couple of our youth are boycotting. What, you may ask, could cause such division in the church? Here is were I remind you that my current appointment is conservative. (I know I hate the label, but this is how they would describe themselves.) I am not usually described as conservative. The two youth workers of which I speak do not consider themselves conservative. The two boycotting youth apparently do consider themselves conservative. They feel they cannot be respectful of anyone who could support the Muslim anti-Christ.

Let me pause here to say that I have not talked to these youth about this situation. I have been out of town. Sunday and yesterday I have only passed these youth and did not really understand the issues until after they had left last night. To be fair, I wanted to point out that I still need to get their side of the story.

From the reports I received from several people, the election has been very divisive to some of our congregation. It should be interesting to see where we go from here. I hope people can realize that we can differ in our political views without hating each other. I hope we can concentrate on the things on which we agree and move forward.

I want to go on record right now. I voted for Obama. Maybe this will mean you can no longer respect me as your pastor. Maybe you no longer want me to teach your children. Maybe this means you think it is acceptable for your teenagers to be disrespectful. Of what are you afraid?

are you red or blue?

As previously posted, I have offended people with what they consider my "liberal" views. While I admit that I am considered liberal in many areas, some people who are offended have actually just assumed they know how I feel about certain issues. I work for trial lawyers so I must be liberal (and evil). So logically you can assume that since I am liberal I am "pro-abortion." That one really irritates me. I don't think anyone is pro-abortion. Pro-choice does not equal pro-abortion.

I basically don't like labels like liberal and conservative because those are relative terms. What is your starting reference? I recently asked several people if Jesus was liberal or conservative. I suspected that so-called conservative people would say that Jesus was conservative and so-called liberals would say He was liberal. According to my very non-scientific survey Jesus is liberal, conservative and independent. He forged new paths, he was compassionate for all, he followed the law, he was not influenced by outside forces.

I am offended by people who assume you cannot be "liberal' and Christian. I am offended by one political party claiming all rights to Christianity. And I am not alone. A couple of years ago I bought a book by Jim Wallis titled God's Politics. In it he points out that God is neither Republican or Democrat. I like a lot of what he says. Today I read his blog and I like it so much I would like to share a portion with you.

by Jim Wallis 10-23-2008

...I want to suggest a different approach this year and share my personal list of “faith priorities” that will guide me in making the imperfect choices that always confront us in any election year — and suggest that each of you come up with your own list of “faith” or “moral” priorities for this election year and take them into the voting booth with you.
... there is certainly no easy jump from God’s politics to either the Republicans or Democrats. God is neither. In any election, we face imperfect choices, but our choices should reflect the things we believe God cares about if we are people of faith, and our own moral sensibilities if we are not people of faith. Therefore, people of faith, and all of us, should be “values voters” but vote all our values, not just a few that can be easily manipulated for the benefit of one party or another.
In 2008, the kingdom of God is not on the ballot in any of the 50 states as far as I can see. So we can’t vote for that this year. But there are important choices in this year’s election — very important choices — which will dramatically impact what many in the religious community and outside of it call “the common good,” and the outcome could be very important, perhaps even more so than in many recent electoral contests.
I am in no position to tell anyone what is “non-negotiable,” and neither is any bishop or megachurch pastor, but let me tell you the “faith priorities” and values I will be voting on this year:
With more than 2,000 verses in the Bible about how we treat the poor and oppressed, I will examine the record, plans, policies, and promises made by the candidates on what they will do to overcome the scandal of extreme global poverty and the shame of such unnecessary domestic poverty in the richest nation in the world. Such a central theme of the Bible simply cannot be ignored at election time, as too many Christians have done for years. And any solution to the economic crisis that simply bails out the rich, and even the middle class, but ignores those at the bottom should simply be unacceptable to people of faith.
From the biblical prophets to Jesus, there is, at least, a biblical presumption against war and the hope of beating our swords into instruments of peace. So I will choose the candidates who will be least likely to lead us into more disastrous wars and find better ways to resolve the inevitable conflicts in the world and make us all safer. I will choose the candidates who seem to best understand that our security depends upon other people’s security (everyone having “their own vine and fig tree, so no one can make them afraid,” as the prophets say) more than upon how high we can build walls or a stockpile of weapons. Christians should never expect a pacifist president, but we can insist on one who views military force only as a very last resort, when all other diplomatic and economic measures have failed, and never as a preferred or habitual response to conflict.
“Choosing life” is a constant biblical theme, so I will choose candidates who have the most consistent ethic of life, addressing all the threats to human life and dignity that we face — not just one. Thirty-thousand children dying globally each day of preventable hunger and disease is a life issue. The genocide in Darfur is a life issue. Health care is a life issue. War is a life issue. The death penalty is a life issue. And on abortion, I will choose candidates who have the best chance to pursue the practical and proven policies which could dramatically reduce the number of abortions in America and therefore save precious unborn lives, rather than those who simply repeat the polarized legal debates and “pro-choice” and “pro-life” mantras from either side.
God’s fragile creation is clearly under assault, and I will choose the candidates who will likely be most faithful in our care of the environment. In particular, I will choose the candidates who will most clearly take on the growing threat of climate change, and who have the strongest commitment to the conversion of our economy and way of life to a cleaner, safer, and more renewable energy future. And that choice could accomplish other key moral priorities like the redemption of a dangerous foreign policy built on Middle East oil dependence, and the great prospects of job creation and economic renewal from a new “green” economy built on more spiritual values of conservation, stewardship, sustainability, respect, responsibility, co-dependence, modesty, and even humility.
Every human being is made in the image of God, so I will choose the candidates who are most likely to protect human rights and human dignity. Sexual and economic slavery is on the rise around the world, and an end to human trafficking must become a top priority. As many religious leaders have now said, torture is completely morally unacceptable, under any circumstances, and I will choose the candidates who are most committed to reversing American policy on the treatment of prisoners. And I will choose the candidates who understand that the immigration system is totally broken and needs comprehensive reform, but must be changed in ways that are compassionate, fair, just, and consistent with the biblical command to “welcome the stranger.”
Healthy families are the foundation of our community life, and nothing is more important than how we are raising up the next generation. As the father of two young boys, I am deeply concerned about the values our leaders model in the midst of the cultural degeneracy assaulting our children. Which candidates will best exemplify and articulate strong family values, using the White House and other offices as bully pulpits to speak of sexual restraint and integrity, marital fidelity, strong parenting, and putting family values over economic values? And I will choose the candidates who promise to really deal with the enormous economic and cultural pressures that have made parenting such a “countercultural activity” in America today, rather than those who merely scapegoat gay people for the serious problems of heterosexual family breakdown.
That is my list of personal “faith priorities” for the election year of 2008, but they are not “non-negotiables” for anyone else. It’s time for each of us to make up our own list in these next 12 days. Make your list and send this on to your friends and family members, inviting them to do the same thing.

One of my LEGS members recently asked about Biblical guidance in voting decisions. I believe Wallis has helped.