November 27, 2007

Miracle Word--1

"Fidelity to the Word takes us on the path of downward mobility."
--Henri Nouwen

According to the latest statistics, at least 1/3 of the world is "Christian." For those who are supposed to be salt and light, in an age of radical independence and self-reliance, it is difficult at best to define or determine who or what is "Christian".

Some define "Christians" by behavior--don't smoke, don't cuss, don't drink, don't chew and don't hang out with people that do. Some define "Christians" by doctrine/philosophy--Pre-Post-Neo-Freewill-Calvinistic-Four Square-Evangelical-Baptist-oholic."

"Christian" was originally a derogatory term. People who were "little Christs", lived in community, were radically dependent on God and each other, loved for all, and served the poor.

I'm tired of being labeled a "Christian" and dismissed as an ultra-conservative, right wing, fundamentalist, without a brain or a heart. I want to live like Jesus.

Feeding the hungry.
Giving the thirsty a drink.
Helping homeless find shelter.
Clothing the naked.
Caring for the sick.
Visiting those in prison.

I want to live what the Word says. If I live like this, there is a good chance no one will notice. It won't be in the media, it won't be in books, it won't be on the internet. But, maybe, in the small-ness of daily faithfulness, the world WILL change. Maybe the God who uses a shepherd to defeat a giant, who feeds thousands with a sack lunch, who calls fools to follow, maybe God will grow His upside-down kingdom of peace, hope, joy, and love through small acts of justice.

Jesus said, "Seek first God's Story and His justice, and everything else will be taken care of."

Reading the Word is difficult. Living the Word is dangerous.

Starting in January of 2008, my church is engaging the dangerous, subversive, countercultural Word of God, seeking to live God's Story. It's called Miracle Word.

More to come. If you're interested, check out:
www.miracleword.net.

1 comment:

Hire_Ed said...

Ethan -
You are a radical and I love you for it.

The Word is kicking my butt right now, thought you would like to know.

Hug the little ones for me!
jet