Discover the champion in you

This semester I am involved in teaching three first year classes in an intro to theology subject. In the first session I like to ask them to tell a little about themselves and one of the prompts I give them is something like "What is your vision for the Church? What is one thing you hope for the Church, or one thing that frustrates you about the Church?"

Usually I get things like "I wish the Church were more unified," "I think the Church needs to teach Grace more," "I long for deeper community," etc. The other night I got one that shocked me. It was from a student from Dallas, Texas. He said:

"What's my hope for the Church? Actually I have a very specific one. You guys know Joel Osteen? I hate him. My hope for the Church is that he is put in jail. I despise that man."

Just writing the words that he said does not do it justice. It really was quite venomous. Since then I've thought of a number of things I should have said. But all I managed was "...wow...ok. Next."

I am not unaware of the criticisms leveled against Joel Osteen. But even if they are totally justified, there is something desperately wrong with a Christian saying that they "hate" anybody, especially a brother. It kind of reminded me of all the Christians I heard saying how much the "hated" George Bush several years ago, and even of some other folks who while they may choose their words better harbor similar sentiments towards the current US president.

Yuck.

We should love our enemies. We should pray for and submit to our leaders. Simple. Not easy, but simple.

I'm not saying that we need to just blindly follow, or that people of influence ought to be immune from legitimate criticism. I'm simply saying that those who are leaders, either political or spiritual, carry a huge burden of responsibility and need our encouragement, support and prayer not our judgment.

No whining and disobedience? Not on your life!

Tonight at bedtime, Nathan hit me with a precious truth. I had not been especially annoyed with him, but had snapped at him over dinner time for his incessant chattery nagging (I often call it "chirping" - Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, DadadadadadadadadadadadadadadaDAAAAAAAAAD!).

But this is what he said: "Dad, I bet you're glad that you had us right?" - "I sure am" I said.

"But if you didn't then you wouldn't have anybody whining at you and disobeying..."

I gave him a big hug and assured him in words that he could understand that I would choose my current chaotic life over a life of peace without them any day of the week.

It sure did remind me to always be thankful though.