In my previous church there was a married couple whose professions were in some ways considered opposites. They both worked in the field of medicine. But, one was in brain surgery, the other cardiology. It was common to those who knew the couple to find them debating from time to time over which of their two fields were more important in their contributions to medical science. One would argue that the brain mattered most, and the other would counter that the heart was more important.
Medical science aside, the debate over head vs. heart is one that continues on in many circles of conversation, and indeed within ourselves. Given just about any situation we are confronted with this debate, do I trust my head, which then metaphorically refers to the center of our being which gleans from evidence or personal experience; or do I trust my heart, which relies on intuition and emotion? The head is understood as the place which believes that truth is derived from things that can be proven, measured, and evaluated. The heart is understood as the place which believes that truth is derived from feelings, gut-instinct. The head is at work seeking to understand, endeavoring to be proven right or wrong. The heart is at work falling in love, reaching out with compassion, going deep into conversation. The head is the seat of wisdom. The heart is the seat of love.
Psychologists Jung, along with Myers-Briggs found great success with their theory on the universal typology of personalities. In their work the well known Myers-Briggs test has been used in a variety of ways to highlight the differences and encourage understanding between 16 primary personality types. Built into their conclusions is an acceptance of a fundamental difference between people who might be called “head” people verses “heart” people. The “head” people tend to be more grounded, stoic, and realistic. The “heart” people tend to be more flighty, emotional, and imaginative. However, while modern Psychology may indeed recognize that there are “head” people and “heart” people, there is also widespread acceptance that we all make choices somewhere within a continuum from head to heart, and every circumstance is addressed a little bit differently than the last. None of us are 100% head, or heart. We are a blend of the two, and personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs simply point out our tendencies.
The point is, there are times when we need to trust our heads, and there are times when we need to trust our hearts. And, every situation is potentially a battle ground. Internally, a storm rages as we struggle with decisions between the head and the heart. And, sometimes, the storm rages outside us, in the world around us. It is in the external arena that we start to see individual leanings of heart or head arise as we make use of politics and various subtleties of personal influence to try to win others to trust in our viewpoints. Both the internal and the external struggles between the head vs. heart have the potential for destructive results if we are not careful and forgiving of both our self and others.
Today’s bible readings seem to be lifting up the heart over the head as a manor of virtue and faith. In the gospel, Peter responds with his heart to Jesus’ call to get out and walk on water. Walking on water is, without a doubt, a response of the heart overruling the head. The head sees the water, not a solid surface upon which one can walk. The head sees the boat as the only source of salvation. But, the heart wonders if it’s possible and realizes he’ll never know if he doesn’t try. Peter’s heart wins the internal struggle and for a moment he is walking on water.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans we hear him teach us that one must learn to believe with their hearts to be saved. Paul makes a statement such as this simply out of an assumption that we already recognize that there is a kind of faith that is not of the heart—namely faith of the head.
The simple way to preach or teach these texts is merely to proclaim that God requires faith of the heart over faith of the head. The trouble is that if we are really honest with God, the scripture and ourselves, then we must confess that nothing in life is ever truly that simple. In fact, while this text today lifts up the necessity for the faith of the heart over that of the head, this text also speaks just the opposite. For instance, while Paul declares that we are to believe in the heart to be save, he says further in the verse that follow a list of "head" things that are necessary to bring us to that belief. He says, "How can a person believe if they do not hear, and how can a person hear if someone doesn't proclaim..." Furthermore, if we do not recognize the significance of both head and heart in Paul's teaching, then he contradicts himself in chapter 12. Just as Paul declares today his message of belief in the heart from chapter 10 of his letter to the Romans, if we skip over to chapter 12, verse 2 he seems to be saying just the opposite. There he exhorts us to be “transformed by the renewing of the mind.” Likewise, Peter's walk on the water shows his heart for Jesus as he is willing to get out of the boat during a storm. But, how would Peter be able to call to him, or go to him on the water if he didn't first know him --head stuff-- and be able to recognize him. The others see a ghost on the water. Peter recognizes Jesus because he knows him.
The same is true of us. We may want to follow Christ (do what is right), and we may even be willing to try something radiucally new and different (walk on water), but if we don't go to church, if we aren't listening to scripture, if we aren't given the "head stuff" how can we even begin to know how to redognize Jesus in the midst of our storms.
So, what we find in scripture is an affirmation of our suspicion that both the head and the heart have their place within matters of faith. Therefore, the more allow this text is to be honest about this suspicion, and take in the whole message of the scripture. These texts clearly lift up scriptural examples of the efficacy of allowing our heart to ascend over our heads from time to time. But, it is irresponsible and contradictory to the fuller message of this text for me to preach that matters of faith can only be fulfilled by the heart.
There are times when we need to respond with our hearts. And, there are times when we need to respond with our heads. The challenge for us is to do what is right. This means finding balance between the both, and allowing our heads and our hearts to respond appropriately under the appropriate circumstances.
But, there will be times when we allow our hearts to squelch our heads. In times like these, common sense will give way to an emotional decision that will likely fail but hopefully offer to us a learning example that will lead to things being done differently next time. There will also be times when our head squelches our heart. In times like these, passion and enthusiasm for something will be overcome for reasons that are just unfounded. Emotional decisions made like these lead to destructiveness for everyone involved. And, they increase feelings of burnout and exhaustion depreciating the morale of an organization.
Striking a balance between the head and heart is actually the heart of the paradox of our Christian faith. This is the true heart of the matter. We are called to give our lives to Christ, and to give our lives to our neighbor simultaneously. We are called to be in the world, yet at the same time to remain not of the world. We are both saint and sinner simultaneously. And, we follow a Lord who is both human and divine. The heart of the matter is that we are always in a boat of trouble on a stormy sea. But, to our boat, and in the middle of this stormy paradox our Lord Jesus comes to calm our fears and be with us.
The blessing for us today from this message is found when we recognize that God is not one who demands that we get every decision right. He simply asks us to do our best, and as we do to entrust everything to God. If you’re a head person, recognize that there are times when you must let your heart win. Emotion, passion, idealism are good for the soul. If you’re a heart person, recognize that there are times when you must let your head win. Evidence, reality, common sense are also good for the soul.
Jesus may indeed have called Peter out of the boat to walk on the water with him. But, the truth that we need to hear from this text is the message that often gets overlooked. The storm that rages all around the boat of Peter and the others is not calmed by Peter getting out of the boat, but by Jesus climbing in. There is a storm of head vs. heart that rages inside us and all around us. But, the blessing for us all is found when we recognize that God--in our baptisms, in the Word, in the fellowship of believers, in the bread and the wine—climbs in and takes charge of the storm for us. He wants to be our God over all things, both the head things and the heart things.
God understands our struggle. Is it any wonder that Jesus says at one time, “Take up your own cross , then at another time, “Take my yoke upon you, the burden is light.” Jesus knows the weightiness with which each faithful decision we struggle through is made. Yet, simultaneously he offers his yoke to guide us through each of them.
God knows there are times when we will struggle and fail. He also knows there are times when we will struggle and succeed. God doesn’t ask perfection of us. He only asks us to trust him with the end result of all things. In the end perfection is God’s work—not ours.
Letting God be Lord of both our head and our heart, our full self---This is true freedom. This is what it means to live by faith. This is what it means to walk with Jesus.
When the storm rages within and without, take a moment to pray, to listen, and to watch. Because it is in the middle of the storm when our Lord comes to us and says, "Don't be afraid, I am with you even to the end."
Amen
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Newsletter Aug '08
Think again, you fools!
When will you finally catch on?
Is the one who made your ears deaf?
Is the one who formed your eyes blind?
He punishes the nations—won’t he also punish you?
He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing?
The Lord knows people’s thoughts, that they are worthless!
Happy are those whom you discipline, Lord,
And those whom you teach from your law.
You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord will not reject his people;
He will not abandon his own special possession.
Judgment will come again for the righteous,
And those who are upright will have a reward.
Psalm 94:8-15
Do you know what the word “gospel” means? It means Good News!
Today we have technology’s mixed blessing of finding out about events more quickly and in greater detail than ever before. Unfortunately, most of what we see or hear in the news is the negative. When negative information fills our minds, it’s hard not to be cynical.
In the Psalm I have quoted above, it seems as if the psalmist could think of nothing but bad news. He saw evil people prospering and oppressing others, corrupt governments, and the condemnation of the innocent, much like what we see in our world today. But, by the end of the Psalm we learn that in spite of all the bad news he remains hopeful and expectant of God. The psalmist resists the temptation to become cynical even though it seems that there is nothing but bad news to report everywhere he looks. He takes comfort in remaining faithful to the promise that God would never allow evil to continue forever. The psalmist takes comfort and refuge in God’s promise, rather become cynical.
If you’ve ever been around a cynical person, you know how maddening such company can be. Saturday Night Live used to do a skit called “Debbie Downer”. Each skit presented a context that was lively and celebrative, like a birthday party, or office party. Then, just as everyone began enjoying the moment, Debbie would announce some cynical remark and bring the party to a screeching halt. And, in no time at all, completely turn the atmosphere from positive to negative. It was funny on Saturday Night Live, but it’s not funny in real life. A cynical outlook on life has two problems: 1. Negative attitudes are rarely necessary, and rarely appreciated. It may indeed be necessary to speak the truth. Even so, if done with love even negative news can be communicated with a positive attitude. 2. A cynical attitude makes every situation look bleak and hopeless, even when it’s not.
So, what’s the cure for the cynic, or the potential to become a cynic in all of us? Into a world that seems fraught with bad news—we have been given the Good News—the gospel of Jesus Christ! The “good news” of Jesus Christ overpowers the bad news because it sheds the light of God upon every bad news situation and promises new life. It is this “gospel” power that turns the bleakest day in human history—when Jesus was crucified—into what we know as “Good” Friday. The power of the gospel is God’s gift to us, and with it believers are never without hope.
The cynic looks upon the world and declares something to the effect of, “It’s all going to hell!” But, the faithful are never without hope. They express trust in God and commit themselves to taking responsibility for this life as a sign of God’s gift of the gospel.
When overwhelmed by bad news, we can resist the temptation to become cynical. Instead, we can take guidance from the psalm. We can give our anger and frustration to God, and allow the gospel to reassure our hope. With God’s good news to strengthen and encourage, we can then carry on in a course of action that faces the bad news with hope and security.
There’s a bluegrass gospel song that is sung regularly in our church that declares this same message. I’d like to close this month’s devotion with it. It’s called Keep On the Sunny Side.
There's a dark and a troubled side of life
There's a bright and a sunny side too
Though we meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side we also may view
Refrain
Keep on the sunny side always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help us every day
It will brighten all our way
If we keep on the sunny side of life
Oh the storm and its fury broke today
Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear
The clouds and storm will in time pass away
The sun again will shine bright and clear
Refrain
Let us greet with a song of hope each day
Though the moment be cloudy or fair
Let us trust in our Savior always
To keep us every one in His care
Refrain
When will you finally catch on?
Is the one who made your ears deaf?
Is the one who formed your eyes blind?
He punishes the nations—won’t he also punish you?
He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing?
The Lord knows people’s thoughts, that they are worthless!
Happy are those whom you discipline, Lord,
And those whom you teach from your law.
You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord will not reject his people;
He will not abandon his own special possession.
Judgment will come again for the righteous,
And those who are upright will have a reward.
Psalm 94:8-15
Do you know what the word “gospel” means? It means Good News!
Today we have technology’s mixed blessing of finding out about events more quickly and in greater detail than ever before. Unfortunately, most of what we see or hear in the news is the negative. When negative information fills our minds, it’s hard not to be cynical.
In the Psalm I have quoted above, it seems as if the psalmist could think of nothing but bad news. He saw evil people prospering and oppressing others, corrupt governments, and the condemnation of the innocent, much like what we see in our world today. But, by the end of the Psalm we learn that in spite of all the bad news he remains hopeful and expectant of God. The psalmist resists the temptation to become cynical even though it seems that there is nothing but bad news to report everywhere he looks. He takes comfort in remaining faithful to the promise that God would never allow evil to continue forever. The psalmist takes comfort and refuge in God’s promise, rather become cynical.
If you’ve ever been around a cynical person, you know how maddening such company can be. Saturday Night Live used to do a skit called “Debbie Downer”. Each skit presented a context that was lively and celebrative, like a birthday party, or office party. Then, just as everyone began enjoying the moment, Debbie would announce some cynical remark and bring the party to a screeching halt. And, in no time at all, completely turn the atmosphere from positive to negative. It was funny on Saturday Night Live, but it’s not funny in real life. A cynical outlook on life has two problems: 1. Negative attitudes are rarely necessary, and rarely appreciated. It may indeed be necessary to speak the truth. Even so, if done with love even negative news can be communicated with a positive attitude. 2. A cynical attitude makes every situation look bleak and hopeless, even when it’s not.
So, what’s the cure for the cynic, or the potential to become a cynic in all of us? Into a world that seems fraught with bad news—we have been given the Good News—the gospel of Jesus Christ! The “good news” of Jesus Christ overpowers the bad news because it sheds the light of God upon every bad news situation and promises new life. It is this “gospel” power that turns the bleakest day in human history—when Jesus was crucified—into what we know as “Good” Friday. The power of the gospel is God’s gift to us, and with it believers are never without hope.
The cynic looks upon the world and declares something to the effect of, “It’s all going to hell!” But, the faithful are never without hope. They express trust in God and commit themselves to taking responsibility for this life as a sign of God’s gift of the gospel.
When overwhelmed by bad news, we can resist the temptation to become cynical. Instead, we can take guidance from the psalm. We can give our anger and frustration to God, and allow the gospel to reassure our hope. With God’s good news to strengthen and encourage, we can then carry on in a course of action that faces the bad news with hope and security.
There’s a bluegrass gospel song that is sung regularly in our church that declares this same message. I’d like to close this month’s devotion with it. It’s called Keep On the Sunny Side.
There's a dark and a troubled side of life
There's a bright and a sunny side too
Though we meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side we also may view
Refrain
Keep on the sunny side always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help us every day
It will brighten all our way
If we keep on the sunny side of life
Oh the storm and its fury broke today
Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear
The clouds and storm will in time pass away
The sun again will shine bright and clear
Refrain
Let us greet with a song of hope each day
Though the moment be cloudy or fair
Let us trust in our Savior always
To keep us every one in His care
Refrain
Newsletter July '08
Elijah has been home now for three months. I have shared many stories with you already, and I expect that more are to come. As I reflect upon this fondness we all have of telling and hearing stories of parenthood I realize that there is something common in all of our stories. Each of our stories, whether they be about learning to walk, talk, or drive a car are stories about growth. There’s a certain fondness we all have to these stories of how we grow. Whether they are stories of children, teens, or even the glib remarks we make about growing old, we are quite fond of growth.
Over the last month the necessity arose for looking back over the history of our congregational meetings. With the help of Bob Williams and Donna Lewis, the minutes from every congregational meeting were dug up and read. This was an arduous task. But, as Bob and Donna periodically informed me of the things they found it was as if they were telling stories of how this congregation grew in faith, as well as in number over the years.
Often, the topic of growth is spoken of in the language of change. Contrary to the language of growth, change is not usually received with fondness (unless your Barack Obama as of late J). Yet, we all know that growth doesn’t happen without change. Since 1993 there have been many changes at Living God. Even though these changes have yielded positive things for our congregation, one thing is noticeable from reading the meeting minutes from the past 15 years. Change frightens us.
Maybe we need to speak more of growth than of change. This may seem like mere semantics, but there is something very real about the way certain words infer certain things. For instance, I am thrilled to see Elijah grow. He’s 2 inches taller, and 2 pounds heavier since we brought him home. I am equally thrilled to see him walking, and to hear him learn certain words. But, even though I know that growth cannot happen without change, I am very much aware that I am resistant to the notion that he is going to change. I don’t want him to change. But, I want him to grow.
The truth is we can’t have both at the same time. We can’t grow and not change. To grow is to change. Likewise, to resist change is to resist growth. So, we must keep an open mind and an open spirit about things if we want to enjoy seeing them grow. This is true of our selves, our relationships, as it is true about our church.
This is the season of growth for the church. It is officially called the season of Pentecost. The lessons we hear on Sunday and the thrust of all the thematic material of this portion of the church year is on the growth of the church. As the world around is growing green with summer, the church celebrates the ways in which our faith has grown, and how our relationship to Jesus has grown over the centuries and throughout our lives.
God has done marvelous things with us as we have grown in our faith over the years. It may be helpful to recognize how our growth in faith has resulted in very wonderful changes in us. But, it is also important for us to realize that God isn’t finished with us yet. There are still many more stories of growth yet to be lived and told in the years to come. What will our children tell theirs about us, about our church, about God? I look forward to hearing those stories some day. I hope you do too.
Faithfully,
+Pastor Rich
Over the last month the necessity arose for looking back over the history of our congregational meetings. With the help of Bob Williams and Donna Lewis, the minutes from every congregational meeting were dug up and read. This was an arduous task. But, as Bob and Donna periodically informed me of the things they found it was as if they were telling stories of how this congregation grew in faith, as well as in number over the years.
Often, the topic of growth is spoken of in the language of change. Contrary to the language of growth, change is not usually received with fondness (unless your Barack Obama as of late J). Yet, we all know that growth doesn’t happen without change. Since 1993 there have been many changes at Living God. Even though these changes have yielded positive things for our congregation, one thing is noticeable from reading the meeting minutes from the past 15 years. Change frightens us.
Maybe we need to speak more of growth than of change. This may seem like mere semantics, but there is something very real about the way certain words infer certain things. For instance, I am thrilled to see Elijah grow. He’s 2 inches taller, and 2 pounds heavier since we brought him home. I am equally thrilled to see him walking, and to hear him learn certain words. But, even though I know that growth cannot happen without change, I am very much aware that I am resistant to the notion that he is going to change. I don’t want him to change. But, I want him to grow.
The truth is we can’t have both at the same time. We can’t grow and not change. To grow is to change. Likewise, to resist change is to resist growth. So, we must keep an open mind and an open spirit about things if we want to enjoy seeing them grow. This is true of our selves, our relationships, as it is true about our church.
This is the season of growth for the church. It is officially called the season of Pentecost. The lessons we hear on Sunday and the thrust of all the thematic material of this portion of the church year is on the growth of the church. As the world around is growing green with summer, the church celebrates the ways in which our faith has grown, and how our relationship to Jesus has grown over the centuries and throughout our lives.
God has done marvelous things with us as we have grown in our faith over the years. It may be helpful to recognize how our growth in faith has resulted in very wonderful changes in us. But, it is also important for us to realize that God isn’t finished with us yet. There are still many more stories of growth yet to be lived and told in the years to come. What will our children tell theirs about us, about our church, about God? I look forward to hearing those stories some day. I hope you do too.
Faithfully,
+Pastor Rich
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