Stiff-Necked

Lately I have been wondering if I did something to make God mad. It seems like there are breaks to be caught but they just don’t seem to float my way. “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” It’s one of those phrases I never understood and yet it described my own life too perfectly sometimes.

It’s funny even as I wallow in my own self pity and doubt I know it’s ridiculous, but so much easier to look for someone to blame. Even as I do it to myself I tell my own children that it’s wrong. Ricky thinks everything is a punishment from God. He had the flu this week and he kept asking what he did that made God so mad. I told him, “Ricky, God doesn’t work like that.” So now he thinks its Satan that causes the flu.

But isn’t that what we all do? He could think, “I should have washed my hands more” or “I should have had more vitamin C.” Of course he won’t because he’s 8, but do we really get any better at that when we’re 28? Maybe the hand washing part, but the blaming? Isn’t it easier to think someone else did it, or if there’s no one else, some all powerful being has cursed us and there’s nothing we can do about it? It’s certainly simpler that way.

I hear arguments against the existence of God all the time. A few of the most reoccurring are “Why would God give us free will? Why wouldn’t he just make it so we had to listen to him?” And “Why does God let bad things happen?” Or “Why wouldn’t God just talk to us, the way he did in the old testament? Just come down and tell us what he wants us to do.”

Well first of all, wouldn’t life be terrible if we didn’t have free will? Maybe we wouldn’t know it, but who wants to be a mindless robot? God gave us free will because he loves us, despite the fact that he knew we would fail him again and again. Its like any parent. We know our kids are going to misbehave, talk back, jump on our furniture, and eventually become teenagers who break our hearts over and over, yet we still have children, we still love them, and we wouldn’t take away their free will or personalities for anything. When I was told I could put Ricky on a magic pill that would make him sit still I wasn’t even tempted. If Ricky wasn’t bouncing off walls my head would hurt a lot less, but he wouldn’t be Ricky. I think that’s how God sees it too.

Why does God let bad things happen? Well I have two reasons for that. The first, the churchy answer, is original sin. We were set up in The Garden of Eden, where we got to be naked and eat whatever we wanted and do whatever we wanted and the one and only rule we had was not to eat out of one tree. So what did we do? We ate out of the tree. Now we’re caste out of Eden and bad things happen.

Want to know what I really think? I think bad things happen because bad things happen. There needs to be a balance, good with the bad, light with the dark, day with the night. Things balance out, it can’t all be lollypops and roses.

There’s a book I’ve been meaning to get called “Cinderella Ate My Daughter” by Peggy Orenstein. The author argues that princesses are bad for our children’s self image and I agree. I’ve never liked princesses, with the exception of a few, Ariel and Jasmine for example, because they saved the prince. I’ve never been much for the damsel in distress scenario, although I have to admit, with a good amount of shame, that I play one quite well.

And then of course the flip side to Disney Princesses, Super Heroes. I was watching the original Super Man with the boys the other night and I was suddenly struck by how ridiculous it is. How did Lois Lane survive before she new Clark Kent. On the very first day they met he catches a bullet heading for her back, the next day he catches her falling off a building, very fortunate timing for her to become a death defying klutz. I suppose I could be looking to far into silly things like kids shows but look at the message we are sending our children about the helpless women and the big strong men that save them.

Isn’t this the same way we look at God though? Isn’t this what we expect of him? The same people that adamantly claim they do not need God will throw him under the bus for not saving us when we leap from a ten story building.

Along with the free will he gifted us with comes the consequences of said free will. If you walk around in a bad neighborhood you may get mugged, or worse. If you leave your house you may get hit by a bus. These are the chances we take every day so we may live the life we choose.

Even Jesus when he was tempted in the dessert to show that he was truly the son of God refused. The Devil told him to leap from the rock and prove that he really was protected by God and “ Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Luke 4:12

Yet, through all that we do have one promises to take comfort in, God is always there “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Oh and why doesn’t he talk to us anymore? Because were “stiff necked” “And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff necked people:
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.-- Exodus 32: 9-10 You wouldn’t keep talking to someone who wasn’t listening to you, would you?

Here’s someone who had a right to be angry with God but instead he says this, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 We should all be ready for any test or trial that may come our way and bear it with a smile because better days are ahead.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “ Matthew 19:21

Good news!

“Pray for me that when I speak, God will give me the words so that I can tell the secret of the Good News without fear.” Ephesians 6:19

I have Good News everyone! I would like to take a moment to share with you all the Good News about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! Hold on… Wait… Where are you going? Come back, I was just kidding, let’s sit down and we can talk instead about the new American Idol contestants

Or maybe you’d prefer to talk about the crap season the Cowboys had and who you think will win the Superbowl this year, I’m going with my boy Troy Polamalu, Go Steelers!

Ah Christian terminology, how scary it is. I sometimes feel like ever since I became a Christian I can’t say the words “good news” without someone raising an eyebrow. “I have good news… I passed the test!” (sigh of relief from crowd) “Oh thank God. I thought she was going to start preaching to us.”

I started to write this blog last week because I was thinking of Christian terms and how uncomfortable they made me when I first started going to church, and still do some of the time.

They elicit that flight or fight response in us, similar to when you know it’s a Jehovah Witness at the door and that moment your debating whether or not to answer it. Then I found a list of words to never use when speaking to “seekers.” Surprisingly the word “seeker” was not on there. The terms to never use when talking to non-Christians are as follows…Blessed, I was Born Again, I was Saved, Jesus is my Lord, I repented, I had sinned, All are sinners, I felt convicted, and The Holy Ghost. They even went as far as to translate them for us.

I almost laughed out loud. Mainly because there is a need for said list, plus the fact that someone actually saw the aforementioned need. I thought it was a good list though, one that showed that the writer recognized the need to meet people where they are.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not making fun, ok maybe I am a little. Yes, it’s true, sometimes Christians sound silly, but I’ve learned to love terms like the Good News (which also wasn‘t on the list).

So what is the Good News?

The Bible says that it is every Christians responsibility to tell people the good news about Jesus. “Go home to your family and friends. Tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19 “He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15

So what is it?

Well historically you have to remember who these men are. These men, Jesus’ disciples, have been following Jesus around and watching him perform miracle after miracle. They saw him healing the sick, sighting the blind, they even saw him bring the dead back to life more than once. They’ve also been listening to his teaching and know now that he is the son of God. You may doubt it, but had you seen him calm the sea and walk on water I’m sure you’d be a bit more convinced. So now they are preparing for the crucifixion. Jesus is leaving them, at least in physical form, so what are the disciples expected to do now?

Like any good business man, Jesus knew that Christianity would die with him on the cross if there was no one to carry on his teachings. So he told his disciples to keep preaching keep telling the good new. ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Now, The Good News really is good news, but when I really started to embrace the term was when someone told me what the Good News was NOT! The Good News is just that, GOOD News. “If I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or clanging bell.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 Here’s where it gets a bad wrap. Too many times Christians think Good News means fire and brimstone… Well, that’s not very good news now is it? Too many times the Good News means, to some Christians, “believe what I believe, believe what I tell you to believe!” I don’t know about you but someone telling me everything I think is wrong and everything they believe is right is not good news to me.

So how do you tell the Good News? Is it good? Tell it! “We are telling you the good news: What God promised our ancestors” Acts 13:32 Is it benefiting someone else? Tell it. Is it benefiting only you? Think twice about your motive. “Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News!” 1 Corinthians 9:16

So, the Good News is all good, no bad, all frolicking through fields of wild flowers dancing in the wind with Jesus ,right? Our sins are forgiven, we can do whatever we want, right?

Well not exactly.

There is another side to the good news. One that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, including myself, but an important side none the less. This is a side I always knew about, one that made me tolerate the early morning evangelists at my door. Some of them really believed that if I did not hear it, I was going to Hell. “…you must warn them so they may live. If you don’t speak out to warn the wicked to stop their evil ways, they will die in their sins. But I will hold you responsible for their death.” Ezekiel 3:18

What is it then? Good News, bad news? What?

What does the Bible say about salvation? One thing I’ve known without a shadow of a doubt since joining my church is I am not interested in what Christians have to say about Christianity. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to bounce ideas back and forth but their opinion is not the one that matters. I’m not interested in what the Pastor believes is the truth, as much as I love him and respect his opinion, he is not my final authority. If I am going to follow this religion I am interested in what the Bible says. And here is what the Bible says.

Salvation is this easy… "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Acts 16:31 That’s it, more or less. That’s why he came, to save you. Salvation is a free gift and you can’t do anything to earn it or to loose it once you have it. But, then again, nothing is really free. So according to The Bible, it’s your choice to take it or leave it. And if you leave it, there’s no other way. “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 So does that mean if I don’t except Jesus as my savior I’m going to Hell? According to The Bible, yes that’s what it means. But luckily The Bible also says, “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

In short, if you thought Christians were know it alls who think their way is the only way, I have to admit, your pretty much right. BUT if you thought that meant that they were holier than thou, stuck ups, who think that it is practically impossible to get into Heaven, your wrong. Everyone gets in who asks to get in. “And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled unto him… This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others…” 2 Corinthians 5:18b In fact, it’s not even you who asks, “Here I (Jesus) am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelations 3:20 And any Christian worth his salt knows that he is no better than you or I “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

“Finally, they said to each other, "This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren't sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let's go back and tell the people at the palace." 2 Kings 7:9

Let’s recap shall we…

Good News is GOOD News.

“Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.” Proverbs 25:25

We tell it because we are excited.

“We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

I know for myself, since becoming a Christian I have met wonderful new friends, have received many awesome blessings, and have a new piece of mind that no matter what happens I’m safe, protected, and have a God who loves me and provides for me.

Being a Christian is not about being right, it’s not about being better than someone else, it’s about loving your neighbor, and doing what it right. So the next time a crazy Jesus freak asks to tell you the good news, don’t run away so fast, he might not be so bad. Or even better, now you can tell him you’ve already heard it.

“Because we loved, you we were happy not only to share God’s Good News with you but even our own lives.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8