Friday morning, I gathered with several dozen men for Men's Fraternity as we continued exploring the idea of grace in our study entitled One Way Love. We wrestled with the tension between grace and law.
Starting Friday evening, I spent a little over twenty-four hours with 40+ middle school students. During that time, I had the opportunity to get to know some really cool teens. We played games, discussed life, sat in the cold, and I was reminded what it's like to drive a van full of boys in early adolescence. If you've never done that, I recommend you give it shot. ;-)
On Sunday morning, I was back at the church for worship and then served as a small group leader with the middle school students.
Sunday afternoon we gathered with some other Chapel folks for our second session of Foundations: Serve, a 7-week class that helps us examine our spiritual gifts and how we can serve in the Kingdom.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday evening with the Mission Impact Team, where we heard about a number of missional initiatives and a presentation from a missionary who is translating the Bible into a regional language in Mexico.
I am absolutely exhausted and completely uplifted, wondering how one can feel simultaneously drained and filled to the brim.
As I reflect on the weekend, my head is spinning. What does it mean to be in community? How do we live that out? What does it mean to be the church? Here are a few reflections...
Lead with grace
Whether we are dealing with those in the church or outside the church, we must always lead with grace. God did not come to us demanding perfection before offering forgiveness. As the apostle Paul wrote, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8 NIV)
If Christ died for us while we were still sinners, who am I to demand anyone else measure up to God's standard before I extend grace to them?
I believe one of the main reasons that so many people have a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to church is because Christians so often lead with law, not grace. We judge behavior and demand certain standards before we offer grace.
Look to the law
At the same time, we can't ignore the law. It is there for a reason. Paul wrote, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." (Romans 3:20 NIV)
Following the law will never earn us anything, but looking into the law will reveal what we need to change. The law is meant to challenge those of us who have a relationship with God; it is not meant to be used as a weapon against those outside the church. Paul said it this way: "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?" (1 Corinthians 5:12 NIV)
Followers of Christ cannot ignore the law, but neither can they obey the law to find favor with God or people. Which leads to my last observation.
Love with abandon
In a world where so many people are trying to earn their value and worth, Christians must be people who are first and foremost known for their love. Jesus came into the world and loved the unlovable. He ate at the home of a hated tax collector. He welcomed the prostitute. He offered mercy to the woman caught in adultery. To those who were outsiders, he offered an invitation and open arms.
Lead with grace. Look to the law. Love with abandon. When we allow the grace of God to provide us assurance and the law of God to offer guidance, then the love of God will flow through us into a world that is desperately in need of unconditional love. And isn't that what the gospel is really all about?
shine
Jason
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