Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Messing with your theology

I bet this is going to mess with your theology. It has with mine for awhile now.
I was out 'strolling' a few nights ago, wandering around downtown Victoria. It was hot (for Victoria), and people were just sort of moseying along.
I happened upon a couple of people I know fairly well. She is usually out panhandling, stretching her income as best she can. He lives on the street, pushes his grocery cart around, scrounging for whatever he can find. They are both in their 40's, I would suppose.
He commented that they hadn't been able to find any food in the dumpsters today, nobody was throwing out anything. They had seen lots of people going by, carrying their take-out food, but no one had offered them any.
Meanwhile, it is still two days to 'payday' (Welfare day).
As we were chatting, along comes 3 young guys, one of whom I have chatted with a number of times. I really didn't know his two friends.
The guy I know says “Hi”, and asked how things were going. Then he said they had some food for my street friends—a fresh, 12 inch Subway sub.
Of course, the recipients were happy.

Now we get into the sticky stuff.
As I said, I have had many conversations with the one young guy who brought the food. He knows I am a Christian, involved with CARTS, a weekly food and clothing ministry to the homeless. He has often shared how good it is that people are offering assistance to people on the street.
All in all, what happened was a very Christ-like thing. These guys, sharing their food with someone in need. Offering it gladly, not having to be asked. It's what Jesus would do (WWJD).
Living up to Jesus statement:
John 13:35 This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other.
The sticky part? This guy is a Muslim.
Living like a Christian is expected to live.
Not confessing to be a follower of Christ.
But living like it.
Luke 6:43, 44 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.
I continue to see some people who say they have nothing to do with Jesus (perhaps trying to keep clear of those who call themselves 'Christian', but don't live up to it), but putting many of us to shame by their commitment to love the 'least of these'.
That's why my theology is getting kinda messed up.
And I think it might be a good thing. Our theology probably needs to be shaken up regularly, or else it will go rotten.

2 comments:

shallowfrozenwater said...

i've thought similar things and i sometimes struggle that i should just let God judge the heart and the faith of everyone instead of me trying to fit it all in my paradigm.
LOVE your traffic feed by the way. love it.

Al said...

Welcome, Ian!! As you well know, it isn't easy trying to figure out where to walk sometimes. Even tho the road is narrow, I think many of us aren't on it, because we are so sure of what we believe. Regarding my own messed up theology--I am beginning to side more on the side of grace than I used to--but I'm not sure where that is ultimately gonna bring me.
I like your profile. It seems there are many of us who are in the throes of something (and most of us are blogging about it!). I appreciate every person I connect with who admits that they haven't got it all together yet. And I'm progressively more worried about those who think they do.
A friend of mine (also from Winnipeg) posted on his facebook status: " __ is preaching this week at Little Flowers on "The Dangers Of Absolute Certainty, or The Spiritual Gift Of Doubt."
I responded: "...a lot of evangelicals think the sun rises and sets on their particular theology."
I'd like to hear what he has to say (but Victoria is a long ways from Winnipeg).
btw, how did you find me?

 

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