My Two Bits Worth

My Two Bits Worth

February 2012

Dear Friends,

Steven L. McKinley, in The Clergy Journal, shared some thoughts that resonated with me and I want to share them with you:

“God hates religion.  That does not fit with the way we usually think of things.  Most people think of religion as God’s thing.  Let’s back up a minute.  What is this religion God hates?  It is religion to make a good impression, religion to look good, religion to make yourself feel good, religion as public spectacle, religion that is an external practice that might not have anything to do with what is going on inside a person, or how a person lives.  That’s what God is into…what’s going on inside a person, not what’s on the outside.”

Jesus was also much more interested in what was going on in people’s lives rather than fancy religious shows.  In Matthew 6 in the Sermon on the Mount, he says there are three things we need to focus on:  (1) “When you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do…”  Notice Jesus does not say if you give alms – a modern translation would be – sharing with the poor.  According to Jesus the place to start having a close relationship with God is giving to the poor.  (2)  “Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites.”  Again it is not if you pray but when you pray.  Jesus suggests both community and private prayer.  (3)  “Whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites…”  Again, it is not if you fast but when you fast.  A current day expression for fasting could be seen as living under control with self-discipline.  Interestingly, with these three foci, Jesus stops and adds no additional steps.

Jesus offers these three guidelines for living faithfully in the world; three steps toward the powerful presence of God’s Holy Spirit.  Share with the poor. Pray. Live under control, and as you do, let God’s power flow through you.  Sounds like a pretty good plan for the upcoming Lenten season.

Yes, God hates religion…but God loves people, and God loves you.  And God’s love changes lives.

May it be true for you this Lenten Season.

Pastor Roger