Freedom… or BBQ?
I was thinking this past weekend about the national celebration of independence here in the United States. It is a moment to commemorate and celebrate freedom – and that’s a good thing. For many, though, it has become a weekend to eat BBQ and watch fireworks.
Allow this disclaimer: I really enjoy BBQ! It’s great. And fireworks are really enjoyable displays. In and of themselves they are not issues. It’s when we forget what we are a part of something bigger, and have an incredible freedom to celebrate.
For me, there are great parallels to the church. Many have forgotten (or forsaken) the freedom Christ provided for us. We forget the mission God has placed in the path of His church, to go into all of the world with the hope of the gospel. To be a blessing; to love and serve with the strength God provides.
For some, it has turned into a Sunday event where people can attend churches as passive consumers (“gimme some BBQ!”) and watch an entertaining, well put together show (“Mama, look – fireworks!”). Again, Sunday gatherings are not the issue in themselves. But when we trade the freedom of new life in Christ, when we set aside the mission – serving and loving this world with the full gospel – all for a plate and a show – we are simply exercising our ability to miss the point.
It’s still about grace. Forgiveness. Hope.
And a world Jesus loves.
Please forgive me if I am missing the point, but it seems to me that the celebration of freedom is just as valid no matter who delivered it, or the form it comes in (Please don’t confuse this statement with me saying that freedom gotten at any means is right, just that the freedom we Americans have should not be taken for granted! Nor, as it seems, should Christians take for granted the freedoms from Jesus Christ). The statement “Think globally, act locally” seems to come to mind as a apt parallel, but I don’t think I have the word-smith skills to articulate it.
I hope this is not read as any disrespect to your believes, just my thoughts on your thoughts. I have just discovered your site (/blog?) and, while I would not call myself religious by any means, I enjoy your insights and they seem very usable in my own life. Keep it up!
Ben
Comment by Ben — July 8, 2009 @ 10:56 pm
Hello Pastor Sean!
I’m loving your blog and website!! You’ve been busy since the last time I logged into Fountain Church’s website….it’s going to take me a while to get caught up with all the additions within here.
I wanted to comment your Freedom or BBQ post? I’d like to say I understand your point but then I may have missed your point altogether. My thoughts after reading this post, was can’t going to the BBQ’s or get togethers with friends and family for fireworks lead to an opportunity to discuss “the mission God has placed in the path of His church”? Get togethers can provide Christians with an opportunity “to go into all of the world with the hope of the gospel. To be a blessing; to love and serve with the strength God provides”, your quotes. Is it OK for Christians to enjoy “a plate & a show”, and celebrate our freedoms in Christ while celebrating the freedoms of our country? Did I miss your point? I stayed home this 4th of July as I’m still recovering from an illness I got in May, but normally I like the get togethers, and to be honest for the reason I go the BBQ’s and such, it’s to share love with family and friends more than snagging a “plate and a show”.
Comment by Jody Ward — July 10, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Ben,
I appreciate your insights. Maybe the post wasn’t very clear, or perhaps just fueled by too much BBQ! My focus being the consumer-mindset of both nationals and people of faith, which can lead to a very self-centered mindset. Your addition, “think global, act local” would apply – yet that mindset itself has to see beyond itself to succeed.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate the perspective. – Sean
Comment by Sean — July 17, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Jody,
Thanks for writing. My illustration (BBQ) was only meant as an illustration, for comparison. I wasn’t speaking specifically of get-togethers or BBQ’s, but rather in how they related to a consumer-minded church experience. We were created for more than what we take in.
I hope all is well with you; it’s good to hear from you!
- Sean
Comment by Sean — July 17, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
Caught your worship at the Park by pure accident (or perhaps not?) Aug. 30th. Felt the Holy Spirit there and was refreshed by the open air, good music and lack of ritual. Just sat down to listen to some music and feel some fellowship and a guy brought me a lyrics sheet which was great cause I really needed to sing my heart to the Lord that day. Been ill for better part of two weeks & the service was just a balm…. keep following what you hear. Taking it out in the open and out to whoever comes by; a good reminder for me, an old and sometimes too tired Believer. God bless your ministry & flock, MAA
Comment by Michael — August 30, 2009 @ 10:20 pm