Wednesday, May 27, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: "Do What You Love"

May is the month for commencements and graduations.  College and university graduates then need to ponder life after graduation.  My nephew Tom and I met up the other day after he had returned home from his university graduation.  We were having lunch together, so we had time to talk.

Tom said he had a few ideas about "what's next," but he wanted my advice; and as usual, I am always prepared to give advice (perhaps too freely).  So I answered Tom with a question: "What are you most passionate about?"  Then I reminded Tom how it is important to distinguish between what we think we are supposed to love and what we really love.

On my drive home, I began to realize how simplistic my answer to Tom had been ---- "Do what you love."  It degrades work that is not done from love.  It ignores the idea that work itself possesses an inherent value; and most importantly, it severs the traditional connection between work, talent and duty.

My father didn't do what he loved.  He labored at a job he detested so that he could send his children to college.  Was he just unenlightened and mistaken to put the well-being of others above his own personal interests?  It might be argued that his idea of self-fulfillment was taking care of his family.  But again, like so many other less fortunate ones, he hated his work but gritted his teeth and did it well.

It could be argued that my father turned necessity into a virtue.  Or, that taking the best care you can of your family is really a form of self-service.  But getting outside yourself enough to put your own passions aside for the benefit of a larger circle, be it family or society, does not come naturally to everyone.  Therefore, not everyone will take this path.

Then I remembered that many faithful Christians believe that their talents are gifts from God, which they are duty-bound to use in service to others.  In a philosophy course I took in college, this question had been discussed at length:  "Suppose a man finds in himself a talent which might make him a useful man to others.  But he finds himself in comfortable circumstances and prefers to indulge in pleasure rather than take pains to enlarge his happy natural capacities."  What should he do?

Our professor had argued that one should not decide that letting one's talents "rust" for the sake of pleasure is OK.  Our professor believed that a "rational" being would want his faculties to be developed, since they also serve him, and have been given to him, for all sorts of beneficial purposes. It would be irrational, the professor believed, to live simply by the rule "do what you love."

This is not to claim that we ought to avoid work that we love doing just because we love doing it.  For some people, a happy harmony exists or develops in which they find pleasure in using their talents in a responsible, other-people-oriented way.  But the belief that my likes and dislikes, or my sense of personal meaning alone, should decide what I will do, is part and parcel of the "gospel of self-fulfillment." 

Some folks simply narrow their focus to "What am I best at doing?"  Or, perhaps their focus is "What job would most improve my family's prospects?"  Maybe being licensed as a welder, or electrician?  Maybe the military?  Passion and sought-meaning may nevertheless enter into the mix of our thoughts and emotions, with the understanding that they could sharpen one's focus and might make one more successful.

Look at three universally recognized paragons of humanity ---- Nelson Mandela, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King.  They did not organize their lives around self-fulfillment and bucket-list desires.  They, no doubt found a sense of meaning in their heroic acts of self-sacrifice.  But, they did not do what they were doing in order to achieve a related sense of meaning.  They did ---- like my father ---- what they felt they had to do.

Dr. King taught that every life is marked by dimensions of length, breadth and height. Length refers to self-love, breadth to the community and care of others, and height to the transcendent, to something larger than oneself.  Most would agree with Dr. King's prescription that self-fulfillment requires being able to relate yourself to something higher than self.  Traditionally, that something "higher" was code for God, but whatever each of us believes the transcendent to be, it demands obedience and the willingness to submerge and remold our self-oriented desires.  I wished I had thought to pass this wisdom along to my nephew Tom!

Perhaps Tom relishes running marathons.  Perhaps he even thinks of his exercise regimen as a form of self-improvement.  But if his "something higher" is, say, justice and equality, those ideas might behoove him to delegate some of the many hours spent pounding the track, on tutoring kids at the youth center.

As I turned into my driveway at home, it seemed clear to me now that our desires should not be the ultimate arbiters of vocation.  Sometimes we should do what we hate, not merely what we love doing.  We should do what most needs doing, and do it as best we can.
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this summer at CPC.
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Thursday, May 21, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: After Jesus Was Crucified, What Gave Energy To His Message?

The New Testament records the teachings and preaching of Jesus.  We believe Jesus was the son of God.  We believe God put Jesus into our world to show us how to live.

But then, Jesus was arrested, tried, crucified, and he ascended into heaven.  How could the small group of Jesus' disciples have the energy and foresight to then take Jesus' message throughout the world?  Today, there are more than two billion followers of Jesus in the world.

As it turned out, soon after Jesus' ascension to heaven, the Jewish world (centered in Jerusalem) launched their annual celebration of Shavuot.  Because it was the end of the winter wheat season, it was their long-standing tradition now to thank God for a good harvest.

Perhaps more importantly, however, Shavuot also commemorated the giving to us by God of the Ten Commandments, at Mt. Sinai, fifty days after the Exodus.

Shavuot was one of three annual feasts celebrated in Jerusalem. Every Jewish male was required to participate.  More than a million Jews from all parts of the Old World were said to  stream into Jerusalem to celebrate and worship in the magnificent marble Temple. The city was filled to capacity and throngs of celebrants filled the streets.

Suddenly, during the Temple service of Shavuot, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came and filled the house where the disciples were gathered.  The disciples were filled with a new spirit ----- the Holy Spirit.  Tongues of fire seemed to rest on each of them, and they spoke in other languages.  Immediately, bewildered people "from every nation under heaven" gathered around them.  The people marveled that they could understand the disciples as they spoke and preached.  The disciples were thus empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ.  They went into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the festival of Shavuot.

These were people like you and me, but they were suddenly inviting Christ into their lives. Thus, they were allowing God's spirit to fill them and to empower them to do his will.  In an important sense, this was the birth of our church, because it was actually the birth of a community of believers.

Although some people mocked, about three thousand others believed and were baptized.  Christ had promised his Apostles that he would send a "counselor" as his replacement, and on Pentecost they were granted the "gift of the Spirit." (Acts 2:1 - 4)

At Central Presbyterian Church we celebrate this event each year.  We call it Pentecost.  In 2015, we celebrate Pentecost on Sunday, May 24.

What Christians saw on the day of Pentecost, was God giving His power to the people. The Holy Spirit, who was thought by the Jews to reside only in the Temple, now had moved into a new "temple"---- the "temple" of individual Christian believers.  God was demonstrating that He was beginning a new age, an age rooted in His people.

Whereas, in the era of the Old Testament, the Spirit was poured out almost exclusively on prophets, priests and kings, in the age of the New Testament, the Spirit would be given to all people.   All would be empowered to minister regardless of their gender, age, or social position.  The Church of Jesus Christ would be a place where every single person matters, where every member contributes to the health and mission of the church.

So, Pentecost is a "thank-you" feast.  But, the mark of how thankful we really are is how much we care for those people who do not have as much as we have.   The mark of Pentecost is how much the community that was filled with the Spirit, cares about what they offer others ----- their time, their money and their love.  In this new "temple," the question is:  How much care do you feel in giving over to others what God gave you?

Since the first Pentecost celebration, the Holy Spirit has dwelled within God's people. In our daily lives, to what extent do we truly act as though we have the hands and feet of Jesus?  To what extent do we allow Christ's spirit to fill us and empower us to do his will?
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage your personal growth this year at CPC.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: What About Our "Shadow" CPC Members?

I was on one of my rare shopping trips to the Short Hills Mall, when I came upon my dear friends, Harry and Judi.  I see them socially from time to time, and they are members of my church.  Yes, they are members officially, but they attend church worship only on Christmas and Easter, so I call them "C.E.O.'s" ---- Christmas and Easter Only.

I have tried a few times to get them more engaged with the diverse activities at our church, but they politely decline, or tell me they already have too full a schedule.

How do we express with honesty and clarity what we hope others will receive if they really join our community of faith?  Will Harry and Judi just settle for being "shadow" CPC members?  In theological terms, the answer might be "a relationship with God through Jesus Christ."  For most people this might not appeal because it is too abstract an answer.  And wouldn't that answer apply to joining any community of faith?  What do people need and want from our church?

Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase told us in his writings, that people need to know the peace that runs deeper than an absence of conflict, the hope that sustains them even through the most painful periods of grief, the sense of belonging that blesses them and stretches them and lifts them out of their own self-absorption.

Furthermore, said Bishop Schnase, people need to learn how to offer and accept forgiveness, and how to serve and be served.  As a "school for love," the church becomes a group of people who learn from one another how to love.  People need to know that life is not having something to live on, but something to live for ---- that life comes not from taking for oneself, but by giving of oneself.  People need a sustaining sense of purpose.

What is it about Central Church that makes it special, as an instrument of God?  Why has God put this congregation in this place, at this particular time?  It would be easier to answer that question if CPC would just stand still.  But our Central Church does not do that.  New members join, former members die or move away.  New program ideas catch fire, new friendships are made in the congregation.  CPC tries to look "calm," but it is really quite dynamic ---- so, where is God leading us?

Remembering that all CPC members are part of the Body of Christ, we are subject to many sincere opinions of where God is leading us as a church.  To a large extent, perhaps the question is not "where" is Central Church headed?  Perhaps the question really is where are each one of us headed individually?  By working and learning together can we not eventually find a much clearer answer to that question, than just as a solo act like Harry and Judi?

But, how does this "school for love" really operate?  Sometimes the greatest strength of church worship and Bible classes and choirs, is also their greatest weakness. Church members may love each other so much that their lives become very intertwined, and their interests interwoven, so that church groups become impenetrable to new people.  The closeness can close out new people who feel like outsiders looking in, and often those on the inside don't even notice.  The church members feel content -- their own needs are being met!  What they forget is their obligation to help newcomers achieve in personal growth, as members of the Body of Christ.  Is this what is blocking the progress of my friends Harry and Judi?

Today, people are searching for churches that make them feel welcome and loved, needed and accepted.  The work doesn't stop there.  When congregations invite someone to a feast, they can't spend all the time focused on getting the invitations right.  They have to consider what will be served.  What are they inviting them here for?

Why has God placed our Central Presbyterian Church at this time, in this place?
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage some personal spiritual growth this summer at CPC.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: Is There A Christian Voice In Iraq?



Recently, the tragic results of a powerful earthquake in Nepal momentarily filled the headlines and pushed news about Iraq and ISSA to the background.  But, warlike conditions in the Middle East have been with us for many years and no doubt will continue, perhaps involving more and more countries.

In the "old" days the U.S. would send in troops to secure peace.  That does not work so well anymore ---- look at present-day Iraq, after 10 or more years of U.S. military assistance.

Let's try something different!  The PC(USA) is doing just that, through on-site missionaries who develop long-term, person-to-person relationships, especially with the youth.

Greg and Chris Callison are each ordained Presbyterian ministers, as well as husband and wife. They have been living in the Kurdistan sector of Iraq, in a city named Duhok, about 30 miles north of the ISIS-occupied city of Mosil (ancient Nineveh).  They tell us they have been safe, but very busy.  A big reason for their safety is that Duhok is deeply in the area controlled by the Kurds, who are friends of the Christians in Iraq, and effective fighters against the Caliphate sought by ISSIS.

Last August, several members of our CPC Members In Mission Team had lunch in Summit with the Callisons, and were so impressed with their work that we asked to receive updates.  They have stayed in touch with us.  Their specific humanitarian work seems to fall into three categories:  (1.)   providing needed help to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) (local people who have been bombed out of their former homes and livelihoods); (2.)fostering school space and teachers for Kurdish (largely Christian) youth; and (3.) promoting the teaching of English language to Kurdish and other youth.  Their emphasis seems to be on the youth ---- trying to save the next generation.

The Callisons have recruited volunteers from North America to staff several schools, over last summer.  The UNICEF school was new and clean, they said, with classrooms in cargo containers.  One of those containers was morphed into a library, with 1100 donated books, in various relevant languages.  At the grand opening of the new library 300 kids attended, report the Callisons, with lots of party food and good interaction among the Callison team, teachers and students.  Several U.S.- based Presbyterian churches had helped turn this idea into a working reality.

Chris Callison describes (by email) some of the Duhok school experience:

          "We had Muslim and Christian students, IDPs from Mosul and refugees from Syria.
            In addition to the two hours of English each day, the kids had music, theater, sports,
            games, art and lots of fun interaction with leaders."

           "We ended each day with an assembly with lots of singing, skits, and classes showing 
             us what the students learned that day, sometimes emphasizing some aspect of 
             Christian teaching that Muslims could affirm, like God's ability to transform hate into
             love, fear into trust, greed into generosity, sorrow into joy."

Chris goes on to report a "heart-warming" moment:

            "Two high-level men from the Department of Education visited us.  Before leaving,
              they said, 'Do you know the difference between your teachers and ours?'  I (Chris)
              was a bit nervous about what was coming.  'Your volunteer teachers are willing to 
              work, even when it is hot; they're with the children and the children are happy.  And
              they are doing this without pay.  Our teachers would not do that.  Please thank them for                       what they're giving to the children of Duhok.' "

Christians have been living in Mesopotamia since the First Century, when the Apostles Thomas and Thaddeus brought the Gospel.  In 1987, the Christians numbered about 1.5 million, or about 8% of the population.  Now less than 1% remains, or about 175,000.  Many fear that it's just a matter of time until they too are relegated to history.

The schooling that Greg and Chris are facilitating serves two purposes.  If the students and their families remain in Iraq and have marketable skills, the odds of their success are obviously greater.  On the other hand, if they emigrate to Europe or North America, they may have marketable technical skills, but also with some facility with the English language they can more quickly learn about a new job and a new country.

If there remains a Christian voice in Iraq, it would be tragic if it were only the voice of guns.  That would be a voice which probably will not uncover the talents, gifts and potential of the Christian and other youth of Iraq.  We should support efforts like those of the Callisons to bring life-giving focus to our presence in Iraq.  

We are making the bet that if peace comes to the Middle East, it will come with this generation of youth, whose wants and values are being formed right now!

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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some spiritual growth this spring at CPC.
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