I have for the past few days been thinking about the theology of suffering. Actually, the thought of suffering has come out of my appreciation for God’s goodness and blessing on my life. The philosophy and theology of the Western church, as I have argued before, is a by-product of our capitalistic market culture, which has had its affect on the church worldwide through globalization. Whether it’s business, family or church growth, the measuring rod of blessing is predicated on things going right, expanding and happiness. A business that is small, a church that is struggling and a family who are tested are never models of the way things ought to be. While most evangelicals criticize those who preach “prosperity gospel,” the influence of capitalism on our collective psyche that might equals right is profound. “God is good…all the time. All the time…God is good” is a common Christian cliché, but do we believe it? Has the philosophy of the Protestant work ethic become so out of balance that our pursuit of material success has overshadowed God’s perspective of His blessings? Indeed, would I recognize God’s blessing if things were not going well?
Mike Wells tells the story of receiving two Christmas cards. The first one goes like this.
Dear Friends,
This past year Bob received a big promotion. We were finally able to build that dream house we’ve always wanted. I must admit, it’s challenging to clean six bathrooms. Our son has a successful law practice, our daughter was granted a full scholarship at Stanford. Our grandson, who is four, is reading like a six year old and the doctor says he is a genius. It was a hot summer and we were able to take vacation to the French Riviera to escape the heat. Isn’t God good.
The other Christmas card...
Dear Friends,
In our little town the plant shut down this past year. Many people have lost their jobs and it has greatly affected our income, but we are managing. We went through a difficult time with sickness recently, but we are grateful that our health is being restored. Our Down’s Syndrome daughter, who they said would never read, is now learning a few words. This morning there was a terrible storm came through, but after it passed the birds began to sing. The Lord reminded me that the storms of our life would pass too. Isn’t God good.
Well, of course, both letters can be a testimony of God’s goodness. The challenge to my soul is, if my life were more like the second card, would I recognize His blessings? And, if I am not careful, will I only see the testimony of the first as a measure of His goodness?
5 comments:
Wow, Dad--what a great post. It reminded me of what we learned in our Daniel study last night--that for things to really become priceless to us, they need to cost us something. I have been doing deep breathing and tentatively
saying, "Um. Lord? I would like to . . . er . . . give to you until it hurts enough to matter . . . but can you make it not hurt TOO much?"
But as you said, he is GOOD--and worth whatever it costs.
I have been enjoying your post for some time now, and never have written to say that I appreciate you wisdom and insight. We do struggle as westerners with a "theology of convenience" for sure. Our abundance too often keeps us from God's best.
Barikiwe,
Bill G
Bill G - Thanks for the note. I know there are many people throughout the world who visit and read Blue Passport and it's always nice to hear from those who do. May Mungu Akubariki as well.
Beck, as usual, thanks for the words of encouragement and sharing how He is leading you. One full week left in India and then on to Kenya.
Dear Richard,
Thanks for putting in print your experiences and what God has placed in your heart on how to do ministry, sharing with us the wisdom you have accumulated from His database He provided for you in your learning. Isn't it so true that, although we like thing to be comfortable and easy, it is in the challenges and trials that our character is tested and developed, and we are refined as more mature christians. I thank God for those challenges, and also for the breaks in between.
Blessings,
Alexia de Sylvio-Fall
Dr. Lewis,
I always struggle to feel I have something to offer one who has experienced a lifetime working in missions. It is like a new guy entering the cable business trying to say something to me, a veteran of cable for 28 years, about how cable works on his first day...pretty hard to do effectively.
I agree the American culture is all about stuff...that is why we are so worried about the economy right now...it is looking like some of us won't get to have the things we want, or just go deeper into debt, rather than accept the fact we cannot have it.
Related to churches, who knows how many millions of dollars have been spent on new facilities proclaiming the reason is to reach "Jerusalem and Samaria" and that they don't feel "blessed" or successful if they don't have that new facility. But, I wonder how much more effective those millions might have been if those churches had considered other ways of spending those funds, perhaps investing in programs and efforts like yours, or other ways that were not part of that capitalistic market culture? Sure, there is risk that some folks or organizations will take advantage of funds, but doesn't the same possibility exist for those of us who contribute to the offering plate?
Well, I guess God only knows and I am sure we all will be surprised when our number is called or Jesus returns. Thanks for your willingness to serve and the fresh, non-western cultural and non-political view. Keep up the good work.
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