Getting Focused
Dr. Jim Wilson, July 4, 2010 Are you getting tired of the Blagojevich trial? I certainly am. I find the former Governor’s behavior despicable, disgusting and disgraceful. As I listen to the tapes, I am left wondering how much worse can things get. After all, our record for Governors in Illinois is hardly a shining example of quality leadership. A friend suggested that perhaps the state ought to simply reserve a wing at a federal prison to house our governors. A comment I find more sad that humorous. Last week as watched the news reports of the proceedings, while at the same time thinking about the 4th of July and the meaning of this Great American Experiment in freedom and democracy, I was reminded again that the greatest danger we face as a nation is from within, from our failure to measure up to our principles. At lunch a couple of weeks ago, the Blagojevich trial came up. Two of my colleagues went off that he was guilty, and should be locked up and the key thrown away. They were adamant. I replied, “While he is a jerk in my opinion that is not a crime. The jury has yet to decide whether he has committed a crime. Let the system work.” Well, that set off a stirring discussion to say the least. I was accused of defending the Blagojevich, which I was not. My point was that there is something much larger that the former Governor at stake here. And that is the fundamental right for a fair trial. I do not want that right compromised in any way. It is not a matter of whether we like or dislike him, whether we think he did wrong or not, how much he and his wife spent on clothes. It is a matter of what we are all about as a nation. That is what really counts in this matter. I am concerned that we at times are too focused on the parts and pieces and lose track of what is important. This is a concern in many areas today. I get concerned when we try people in the media or when we willingly give up freedoms in the name of security, or when we sell out to the immediate without a thought of long term implications. It is a matter of staying focused, keeping our eyes on what really counts, what really matters and not yielding to the diversions. I hear Paul addressing this same issue as he offers his concluding remarks in his letter. In offering these concluding remarks, Paul makes two moves, one characteristic, the other quite uncharacteristic. Following his usual pattern, Paul offers some final instructions, consisting of a couple of spiritual teachings, some proverbial wisdom, and a few moral exhortations. The main theme of these instructions is the call for the Galatians to live in the Spirit, a life characterized by a gentleness of spirit, especially toward to those who have stumbled, a cautiousness to avoid falling into temptation, a spirit of generosity, a wisdom that knows God is not mocked, a realization that what one sows one reaps in kind, and a commitment to do good whenever the opportunity presents itself. Such is life in this New Reality grounded in God’s Spirit Then Paul turns to the uncharacteristic. In fact, he takes the pen from his scribe and writes in large letters a postscript. The large letters, I believe, are meant for emphasis, a larger font and bold print so to speak to let the folks know this is important. He, then, takes a parting shot at his opponents, accusing them of “grandstanding,” trying to make a big impression by demanding the Gentiles be circumcised. It is all a show for their benefit, so they can boast. Yet, Paul says these people cannot obey the law themselves. Paul states he glories not in circumcision but only in the Cross of Christ Jesus, that is, the forgiving, liberating grace of God. Then he scores what seems to be his main point. He writes, “For neither circumcision, nor uncircumcision mean anything; but a new creation means everything!” His point is that rituals like circumcision are at best a minor, supporting key in the life of faith, one that fades in comparison with what really counts---lives changed by the freedom given in God’s liberating grace in Christ Jesus---a freedom that makes one a new creation. That is what really counts. Paul calls the Galatians to stay focused on this and not be diverted by lesser matters. He wants the Galatians to realize that the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Faith is being focused on life in the New Reality. I believe this is a message worth our hearing this morning. All too often our faith gets out of focus, pulled hither and yon by all sorts of diversions, this latest theological fad or that---should we be more spiritual or more committed to social justice, should we focus on bible studies or evangelism, should our emphasis be on healing or rethinking church??? Paul here calls us to focus on what counts, and for him that is the freedom we are given in Christ Jesus, a freedom lived out in a New Reality grounded in the Spirit. All else is a result of this new life. Our focus needs to be on this, the main thing. I hear this call to refocus coming in two specific ways. The first is the realization that our freedom is lived out in a New Reality, and this New Reality is ordered by God, not the culture, not our personal preferences, not some church bureaucrat, but by the Holy and Eternal, yet ever-gracious God. Paul reminds us that “God is not mocked,” a good reminder for all of us. God is the author of the moral order that governs the creation, one that tells us we have a choice as to where we sow the seeds of life, but that choice has consequences. If we sow in the field of the flesh, that is, according to the values and priorities of the old, unredeemed order; that is, in ways that pursue the path of self indulgence, we will reap a life that is curved in on itself, life held by the power of death. If, however, we sow in the field of the Spirit, that is, in the field of grace, we will reap a life in the Spirit, a life that is full and abundant. The choice is ours. The consequences are not. Freedom always involves choice. Faith is ever a choice. We need to focus on what really matters, on what ultimately counts. I am reminded of Ben Franklin’s words to the Constitutional Convention at a critical point in their deliberations. He said, “In the beginning of this contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and answered…” Examples abound of those who have sown in the flesh and have reaped the “whirlwind” of a life curved in on itself. Often it is not immediate but eventually it occurs. You, I am sure, can think of many. Let me offer just one. I read in the Tribune last week that Tiger Woods has to pay his estranged wife $750 million as part of the divorce settlement. He led a life that plunged into self-indulgence and is now reaping the result, not just in terms of millions of dollars, but poor play and lack of success as a golfer. Yet I wonder if he is learning anything. I hope he is for not only his own sake but for the sake of his children. How important it is for us to hear the call to get focused, to live a life consistent with our freedom in Christ Jesus, Paul calls us to get focused in a second way. He cautions us to be aware of the diversions of those things that demand our attention, that masquerade as being important. Paul warns the Galatians not to get so caught us in debates over circumcision that they loose sight of what is really at stake---the freedom the Gospel proclaims. I see such diversions daily and have to be on guard so as not to get caught up in them. When my schedule gets overwhelming I have to stop and ask myself whether I am still focused on what really matters or have I yielded to lesser matters. That lesson came home to me while I was a District Superintendent. A small rural congregation got into a major battle over what color to paint the sanctuary. Now there was no question---the sanctuary did need painting. And these were really good and faithful people. But nevertheless a war erupted. I was asked to mediate. As I drove to the meeting it occurred to me that this was a case of losing focus. This congregation was dying and if they did not attract some new members it really did not matter what color the sanctuary was. But how to move the congregation to this discussion, that was the issue. I listened, more or less patiently, as the two sides presented their case. I was about to suggest a reframing of the discussion when Ken, a well-respected, long-term members spoke up and said, “If we don’t attract some new members, it won’t really matter what color the sanctuary is. Let’s face it -- we have a bigger issue to face.” I quickly picked up on Ken’s statement and said, “What would you have to do, among other things, to make the sanctuary more inviting? I see there are some new homes on the east side of town. What can you do to invite these folks to church?” That sparked a good discussion. They decided to get a consultant from the Conference and work on a plan to grow---which would include painting the sanctuary. It is critical for God’s people, including you and me, to stay focused on what counts and not get lost in the weeds. As a result of my experience I still at times will ask myself, “Am I fussing about what color to paint the sanctuary?” It is enough to help me get focused. The life of faith is a daily challenge. There are all sorts of diversions and distraction. Our freedom in Christ Jesus lived in this New Reality of the Spirit is constantly being tested. We must keep focused on what really matters, constantly sowing in the field of the Spirit. May God in Christ keep us! Thanks be to God! Amen! |
