Doomed to Fail
I Had Another Post Written. It wasn’t bad. It felt a bit too close to the “pro tips” I promised this blog would not become at the start, though. I’m sure I’ll come back to it, reword a few things, and make an attempt at saying what I’d hoped to say.
Other things are more on my heart though. In particular, a thought struck me this morning. It is not a new thought, but I guess it hit me in a new way.
I am just not able to protect the people I love.
Sure, I can (and hopefully do) in many small ways. I can be (and hopefully am) faithful in my callings as father, husband, pastor, friend, etc. But even in those categories, I can not guarantee that I will always be able to take care of things the way I am now.
I AM FINITE.
That is painfully obvious, and yet I don’t really like to stay cognizant of it. Much of my life is motivated by a deep desire to protect- to take care of those who need me. That doesn’t just apply to my children, but to those older than me, as well.
I’m noticing this interesting twist in the grief after my mom’s passing. I had hopes to be able to take care of my parents as they aged. I have a rough draft plan for just about any future hope that enters my mind and heart. This one had taken a few shapes over the years, but I could give you a pretty detailed thought of how I wanted it all to play out.
And then, it didn’t… just like it doesn’t for all of us in some profound and exasperating way at some point along the path. Your desire might not be connected to protecting, but there’s something. And we all have a sense that this deep desire will be significantly frustrated eventually, if it hasn’t been already… and…
IT WILL BE FULFILLED.
The most significant communal practice in the process of my discipleship to Jesus has been regularly unearthing these deep desires, (which often go unnoticed yet silently govern our hearts and actions) reckoning with that sin, (even though the desire is often a good thing, placed within me by God himself) and being helped to remember that its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ.
God protects my people. Even if they might make disastrous decisions, putting themselves in serious peril, he protects them far better than I ever could. He promises that all who trust him cannot be taken from his hand because of Jesus. Even though their bodies will die, he cares for them beyond what I can see.
So, I can be present here and now, and protect and care as much as it is a part of my calling to do so, and trust the Spirit of God to do all the things that I cannot.
THIS IS FREEDOM.
And that is what truly moves us to work to bring the protection and freedom of the gospel to those on the margins of society and those who may be different from us.
That’s our heartbeat in attempting to build a church that is cross-cultural.
Does that seem doomed to failure in our current societal context? Does it seem doomed to failure because of the power dynamics of cultures and ethnicities in our world? (Does it seem doomed to failure sometimes because I’m the one leading it?! You bet!)
PERFECT.
As a former pastor and mentor of sorts taught me well- in ministry, I am really only interested in attempting things that are doomed to failure unless God is in it.
The only kind of church I’m interested in seeing established is the one that God is establishing by his Spirit, the one that is actively seeking to reach its community with the good news, the one that reflects the beautiful union of God with those totally unlike him in Christ.
THAT’S WHAT WE’RE SEEKING TO BUILD WITH UNION ATHENS.
And we want you to help us build it if that’s your heart too. Our first preview worship service is coming up in just a couple weeks- 11/24 at 3PM at 660 W Broad Street (the old Phoenix Coffee spot).
Would you come worship with us and see what we’re all about?
Even if you know you’re not going to make the journey with us? Perhaps the Lord would have some key role for you to play in all of this, somehow.
My friend Meme Dock will be leading our singing in worship (which, if you don’t know her, means that part of it is going to be soulful, fun, and incredible) and I’ll share a bit from God’s word about our hope in Jesus and our hope for our city because of him!
Mark your calendar!
Come and celebrate along with us the one who reforms certain failure into certain freedom, protection, and care for all peoples!
PS Keep in the loop with us via our website and social media!