In the Loop; In the Spirit

There’s been quite a back lash to Susan B. Komen’s announcement on not funding Planned Parenthood. So many people assume that everything is about abortions. Unfortunately it’s not that simple. Life is complicated. It’s even more complicated when you lack resources. So many people assume that abortions are easy for the person(s) involved. It’s not, it’s complicated on so many levels. I have been pastoring for 37 years. Every woman (or man) who comes to me comes because life and the choices in life aren’t easy. People on the outside think it’s black and white, easy to choose. It’s not. We live life in the grey areas and that complicates life. It’s even harder when others try to make it even more complex and difficult. I think Jesus gives us great insight in his discussion with the woman at the well. Unfortunately, people are so busy determining black and white they can’t hear what he says. Or maybe we want to be so bold, that regardless of Jesus’ words, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” we can’t wait to throw the first stone. And that is sin.

Yesterday, once again I was reminded of the church as seen publicly. There are so many representations of the Bible, scripture, and Jesus. No wonder there are so many people who could care less about the church let alone believe in God. I am deeply disturbed by those who allow the church to be hijacked by those who think they speak for the church and Christ. It is deeply disturbing to see how the Gospel is brought into each and every individual campaign. The Gospel to be rightly understood is much larger than these religious campaigns. The Gospel speaks about the “context” of God’s love and concern. There are many who completely miss the context of the whole. We need more people who can stand up and say, “You have heard it… but I say to you”. If we can share the words of Christ, they would speak volumes about reclaiming the Gospel and a true vision of “church”.