I was talking with a friend recently about issues of denominations, interdenominational fellowships, non-denominational congregations and the like. We were discussing the benefits and possible detriments of each. This conversation took place on the heels of a project that I’ve been working on in 1 and 2 Corinthians.
Throughout the Corinthian correspondence, the author, Paul, has been dealing with various in-your-face, nitty-gritty pastoral issues, which require a firm yet tactful approach. The Christlike heart of the apostle bleeds through his exhortations, admonitions and rhetorical prowess, thereby calling the Corinthian believers to reevaluate their relations with God, others in the faith family, as well as unbelievers. One thing that stood out to me during this study is how oftentimes we miss the big picture of following Jesus as part of a larger community. It’s easier uncritically to subscribe to popular labels by which we derive a sense of belongingness and then to allow such identity-markers (be it theological labels, denominational affiliations, patriotic platforms, etc.) to trump the dynamic call to follow Jesus in every area of one’s life. Yet, with Jesus as our Lord, where else should we derive our ultimate sense of idenity other than Him?
Granted, it would be much easier if personal piety were the only requirement in Kingdom living. And this isn’t to knock personal, pietistic commitments which we have adopted as essential in our lives. The problem arises when our understanding of “Christian spirituality” becomes weighed down with inwardly focused, performance-driven, non-Christlike lifestyles. And I’m speaking of myself more than any other.
It reminds me of a movie we recently watched called Forever Strong. The main character in the movie grew to realize how life is directly connected to the well-being of others. It’s not about being the star of the show (he was a strong rugby player who was the one who scored most of the points). It’s about winning as a team. If we embrace a similar mindset in the church (which is actually the NT witness of being the people of God), then we grow to realize that at the heart of following Jesus is the well-being of others (“saved” or “unsaved”).
As I was studying 1 and 2 Corinthians, I was greatly impressed with how Paul, who had every right to demand the privileges of an apostle (e.g. not having to work another job for money), laid down his rights for the well-being of the community. And this community included many people who were obviously influenced by those who opposed Paul and his ministry. Yet, the apostle’s “spirituality” was outwardly focused, Spirit empowered and Christ-centered. His ministry was characterized by selflessness and suffering love.
And in a society where the label “Pentecostal” is oftentimes loosely connected with such selfless and love-infused ministry like Paul’s, I wonder what would happen if we truly grabbed hold of “Pentecostal fire” and were filled with the Spirit of Christ. Would there be room for hero worship, individualism, and narcissism in our local assemblies? Would it redefine our understanding of “missions” and possibly critique our certainties regarding spirituality and grace?
Late night musings, 
Shannon
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Like the Corinthians of old, the modern-day Pentecostal has all too often majored in the Gifts of the Spirit and for the most part ignored the Fruit of the Spirit. The Gifts, without the Fruit, lead to a total power failure (a spiritual GONG–sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal) because the Fruit are the natural outgrowth of the character of God being built within an individual’s life. Without that “God-likeness” there will be no conduit for the Spirit’s power–we quench the Spirit and thereby hinder the flow of His power. Quenching the Spirit is more than not allowing the Spirit to use us in the operation of the Gifts–it is also the grieving of the Spirit which takes place when we hinder the Spirit’s work in building the character of God in our lives.
It is the presence of God’s character within the individuals life that eliminates all of these competing idols such as individualism, narcissism, and hero worship. Wednesday, I ministered on the subject of Christian Perfection as found in Matthew 5:48. Earlier in that chapter Jesus told the people that unless their righteousness exceeded that of the Scribes and Pharisees they would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Imagine how astonished they were when they had always thought that these two groups (especially the Pharisees) were the standard (the measuring rod) by which to measure their own spirituality. If the Scribes and the Pharisees weren’t going to make it in, what possible chance do they have?
Then Jesus says an even more astonishing statement when He says that they are to be “perfect even as their Father in Heaven is perfect.” As the great philosopher, Tim-the-Toolman Taylor, once said “Back up the truck!” First, Jesus says we have to be holier than the Pharisees and now He’s saying our true standard is to measure ourselves against the perfection of God. I think if Lisa and I had been in the crowd that day I would have leaned over and whispered in her ear, “lets pack our bags and go home.” Of course, what Jesus was talking about is not some self-generated sinless perfection. He was, however, making them to understand that their lives are to mirror the “completeness” of the character of God– not that of other human beings.
This completeness in Christ is what Paul, after he came to Christ, spent the rest of his life “striving” for–the prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus. What is our calling? To be like Him. I like Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:13 “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a PERFECT (teleios) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
God Bless,
Mike
p.s. though I originally intended a short response to your post–it obviously didn’t turn out that way. Just chalk it up to my late night musings too.:sleeping:
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Thanks bro. Mike for the comment. You’re insightful response(s) confirms, once again, that your presence is very much needed in the blogosphere.
I’m still chewing on our discussion that we had the other day on the phone regarding the centrality of character transformation (individually and communally) and how our ecclesiology impacts such.
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How did things go down in Georgia?
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I think things went rather well. Cornerstone has grown significantly in numerous ways. The homecoming service marked the 8th year since the planting of the church. At the beginning of the message, I shared with the congregation how wonderful it was to see such a diversity of people. Also, I shared your exhortation regarding the necessity of the fruit of the Spirit when a congregation celebrates the gifts.
Dee’s still working on her computer program, and we should know some possible dates to visit either tomorrow or Friday (at the latest). The schedule has been crazy here lately.
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