new framework

N.T. Wright in his study book "Paul for Everyone: Romans Part One" wrote these words in reference to Romans 6.15-19:

"The early Christians developed certain basic traditions, about the gospel itself (1 Corinthians 15: 3-8), about the eucharist (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26), about behaviour (1 Thessalonians 4:1), and probably about several other things as well. These rules of thumb set out a framework for belief and behaviour, a family code of practice. As a pastor, Paul had no doubt often observed that when people became members of the family something happened to them, deep down inside, which made them want to live in line with this community to which they now belonged. Of course it would take teaching and moral effort. But the will was there, and Paul thanks God for it. It is sobering to imagine what Paul might say if he were to look up for a moment from writing this letter and glance round the church at the start of the twenty-first century."

So, what does this mean for you and I?

Within my Americanized worldview - inundated and saturated with style-focused church - it's challenging to ask the question: are we continuing the Christian family tradition? More so, do we have a framework about the gospel, about communion, about behavior and other things? And I mean 'framework' not as a doctrine, but as a lifestyle. Are we willing to live this out with the trust that God will use our lives, not just our good intentions, ideals (or morals)?

Is this framework lived out in such a way that it is attractive to others? Not in and of itself, but by the Spirit of God which is engaging these people who are actively living out this framework.

While talking with a friend about this, she said to me that "when you walk into a room with people who are engaging in an informed, Spirit-led relationship both with each other and with Jesus - it's attractive because it's comfortable. Not because of any intention on their part, but their very lives."

So, why do we (American churches) seem to have to work so hard to create comfortable atmospheres for 'seekers' when those who are truly seeking (or better said - spiritually curious) are not looking for something that looks comfortable but IS comfortable?

Is a matter of focus? Meaning: do we focus on the inside and the outside will naturally come together?

"You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." (Matthew 23: 25-26 TNIV)

What made Jesus attractive to those who followed? Was it the free coffee before He delivered the Sermon on the Mount? (Which was not really a sermon...thank God.)

In hopes of making attractive churches, have we become less attractive as Christians?

What does the community N.T Wright is describing - via the words of Paul - look like in this century? My hope is that God - through His Spirit - will help us reframe our daily lives in such a way that neither methodology, nor style, nor denomination or anything superfluous will stand in the way of God's destiny for you and I to BE the community of change - the children of God. That our lives will speak volumes more than our words ever could. That our insides will shine and create a community of Light that creates a beacon for those who are in the distance.

Community: not attractive because of "how, what, where, or when" but "who". Who we are and who we are becoming.