I heard an interview about the difference of charisma and character on NPR on Monday. It seems like there was a time that silent- character was honored more but in the day of reality TV the introvert who does good deeds seldom wins anymore. It is the charismatic dude that seems to "trump" everyone. I think that is it for people of faith. MLK Jr. wrote and spoke beautifully and as you know he dreamed that his "children would be judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin," or their denomination, or their sexual preferences and so on and so on... Respect is not a big deal to me and I know they use to kill prophets for saying less than we say today. I want to be known for sharing God's word and making it real to people. That's why today The Denver Evangelical Examiner will be continuing a series called "Answering Letters." The set up? You arrive home and as always you check the mail. Inside your letter box are offers, invitations and privacy statements. There are coupons and a bank statement. But in between the junk and the bills is an old familiar friend- a hand written note with your name on it. It's a love letter. You put file the rest of the mail in the appropriate cabinet (square, rectangle and round.) You get out the letter opener and you begin a new journey. Then it hits you. "I have to make a decision about how to answer this love letter." Will it be rejection? Will it be an unconditional or conditional "yes?" Or will you need to read the whole thing over again and think about it? It depends of course what's inside the envelope.
Love is more than a two way street-it's an intersection
Love is an intersection and there is no room to fear oncoming traffic. I cannot be afraid of people who disrespect God's word. They are actually crying out for help and an understanding. They don't even have to be afraid of God's love. I was once. Every time I sang one of my songs in a Denver bar or at the Denver Folklore Center and someone would come up to me and tell me about God. I'd walk away. John writes in his letter that "if we claim to be sinless, we are self-deceived and strangers to the truth. If we confess our sins, God is just, and he is to be trusted to forgive our sins." That was a Pharisee hangup, they would wonder how Jesus had authority to forgive sins. Which is kind of funny if you think about it. He healed people in front of them, they said nothing. He rose a guy from the dead, and they barely noticed. But once the son of God started forgiving people that's how they built their case against him. They should have been scared by looking God in the face and pointing fingers at him. The letter says that Jesus is our advocate for our sins. How do you answer that?
Finding answers in Denver
The question is "where is your heart today?" Is it on the gaming system you just bought? Is it on the economy? Are their fears and addictions that are eroding your core? Denver is known as an obstacle course with all kinds of things competing for your attention. John writes in his letter, " Do not set your hearts on a godless world or anything in it." That includes media, arts, entertainment, the environment. It doesn't mean turn off Ron Zapollo on Fox, or Mike Rosen on KOA, all it means is that don't worship or find escapism in the issues of the day, or the gossip of the day, or the politics, the Marijuana dispensaries, or even Starbucks. In moderation they are all acceptable (another letter writer says), but anyone who loves the things of the world and not the creator of all things "is a stranger to the Father's love." John writes this in his love letter: "Every thing that the world affords, all the panders to the appetites or entices the eyes, all the glamor of it's life, springs not from the Father but from the godless world. And all this world is passing away with all it's allurements, but he who does God's will stands forevermore." 1 John 2 (15-17)
There's gonna be a test
Do you keep his commands? Do you know him? The person who says they do and doesn't keep his commands is deceiving themselves.
If you answered "yes" divine love has indeed come into perfection.
If you claim to be dwelling in him, are you living for him? (Jesus that is)
If a man or woman says "I am in the light" but turns around and shows disdain for his brother or sister you are still in the dark. Only the person who loves people and walks in the light has truly been saved.
Read 1 John 1-8 to 2-18. Answer the letter as best you can. Comment on this.
With New Eyes
How would you answer the letter in your hand?
The challenge of his love seems hard.
The fear and the tears that you carry with you,
are gathered in the yard. and he loves you so much.
He wants you to receive respond.
Chorus:
With new eyes you can see him
With new hope you can receive him
Don't let words stand in your way.
Renew love today.
BT Springs February 2, 2012
Richard Beattie is the Denver Evangelical Examiner and the National Prayer Examiner. He is the Minister of Leadership and Communication for Cause Central which is designed to communicate Biblical truth, Systematic Theology and Evangelical outreach in Denver and the Front Range. Richard is the pastor and church planter of Friendship Fellowship a special church for people with intellectual disabilities, their caregivers and family members. For more e-mail friendshipfellowship@juno.com.
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