I don't know how many people will read this whole thing, but I am sure there will be at least a few. It is going to be kind of long and I know that long posts can be somewhat tedious. So I am sorry if this bores some of you, as I'm sure it might considering none of this is groundbreaking information.
The other day in my lifegroup a girl mentioned how she had heard the phrase "Christianity should be one beggar telling another beggar where he or she found bread". This isn't really anything profound, but for some reason it has been on my mind quite a bit since she said it. She mentioned the person who said it, but I had forgotten who it was, and was kind of upset because I would have liked to see the quote in context. Then earlier today I was reading the May_June 2008 issue of RELEVANT magazine, specifically the section dealing with "7 burning issues". They basically took 7 semi hot topic questions and asked some popular leaders in today's christian culture what they thought about them (Steve Brown, Shane Claiborne, Chuck Colson, Cindy Jacobs, Brian McLaren, Nancy Ortberg, Jim Wallis, and N.T. Wright).
The first question that RELEVANT posed was this:"Is our focus on social justice out of balance?"
My first reaction to this was "Isn't dealing with social injustice kind of what we are supposed to do?" I felt pretty good about myself when I read on and found that almost all of the responses confirmed my reaction. So much so that I am willing to bet that whoever asked the question felt a little bit dumb. They shouldn't feel dumb though, because I think that to an extent, that really is how social justice is viewed. It is almost as if it is something we should address when we get done with work, or get out of class, or when we are less busy. People are struggling now, and they are hurting now, why would we think that showing them that the kingdom of God is available now can wait until we find ourselves with less to do? Christ teaches us to pray "May your kingdom come here to earth. May Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven."
Shane Claiborne makes the observation that "People are hungry for a Gospel that embodies a social, political alternative to the patterns of our world." The term "Gospel" simply means "good news", people are hungry for "good news" about political situations. No one can argue against that, people are hungry to know that it is even possible to hear "good news" regarding politics.
This naturally takes us to evangelism, and what it should look like. Which coincidentally brings back the aforementioned (good word usage nick) quote regarding beggars. In context the quote reads as follows: "When a Christian sees someone who is physically hungry, a Christian feeds the hungry person. Why? Because hungry people can't understand the plan of salvation? No. Simply because that person is hungry. That's what Christians do. And if a person is spiritually hungry, a Christian becomes 'one beggar telling another beggar where he or she found bread.' Why? Because that's what Christians do." (Steve Brown)
I don't think the idea of beggars telling other beggars where to find food needs to be explained in great detail. They need food. Really badly. When they find food, and become satisfied or fed, and go on their way, they will see other beggars who need food really badly. When they see them, they will know what the other is going through and will eagerly share with how they found food.
"Justice and evangelism are things which have to go on through the work of the Church simultaneously." (N.T. Wright) I am not going to go into a long discussion about my thoughts on evangelism, because I already have. But evangelism is not this loud, wordy, forceful form of "worship" that it is often made out to be. It is simply telling others where you found food.
I hesitate a little to come up with posts like this, because I think Christians sit around and talk about Christians too much. But on the other hand, too many people never talk about anything that matters. I don't mean on their blogs, I just mean in life in general. I don't know whether it is due to insecurities, or thinking they are smarter than everyone. I wish that I had conversations like this with more of my friends, Instead of always talking about stupid crap that won't matter in 10 minutes. I hope that people aren't afraid of looking stupid when they talk about things that they have questions about, or things that they are passionate about.
This really didn't end up going where I meant for it to, but whatever. I hope you guys have a good weekend.
If you live in Manhattan KS, you should go to the Manhattan Arts Center sometime between now and May 23rd. My friend Tom and I have some photos on display.
LUH U GUYZ!
nicholas david welch
3 comments:
so you're getting into the m83 album eh?
also, if you ask one more time for "that one song, the video that was on your facebook page" one more time. i'll kill you.
dude, you should come to korea with me.
I read the whole thing.
I've nothing profound to say except that's pretty much right. We evangelize because we're commanded to, but not only that-
We evangelize because we take delight in the "food" we have "found". We often share the new bands we've found, or movies or whatever with other folks. How much quicker should the christian share His true souls delight with others, and That is Christ.
the thing i like about that quote is that it isnt us just giving the beggar bread. its us informing the beggar where bread can be found and allowing that person to make the journey themselves as well. its not forced, but it makes it a conscious decision for them that they need bread and will go looking for it.
bread/Christ and beggar/nonbeliever can be used synonymously here of course.
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