A House Divided

It's unclear, but it seems that those in politics and the conservative and liberal media are fostering a divided house. For some reason, they are intent on driving a wedge between people. The political parties impose their agendas on the country, projecting an image that they alone understand what's best for all of us. They resemble a father laying down rules, ensuring they are obeyed, and punishing those who stray too far, often neglecting the nurturing and love that might be perceived as weakness or laziness. Or, they are like mothers who strive to create a welcoming and loving atmosphere in the house, often sidestepping the harsh realities of the world that we must face, whether we like it or not.

‍ Then there are those in the media who purposefully create division and schedule opposing sides so that there is yelling, talking, and hostility to ensure the ratings go up and more people will watch their programs. Sound bites are more important than getting the whole story, and the commercials are more important than the news; after all, they help the economy prosper, and with all the drug advertisements, hopefully, we will feel better…..artificially. There are the screechers (the combination of screamers and political preachers) looking to be talked about by other screechers who promote each other's ratings. From all of this, there is no ordinary word, productive debate, or national consensus, just self-centered promotion of old, worn-out ideas and rhetoric.

‍ This results in a house, a nation, and a people divided. We have forgotten that whether right, left or in the middle, we are all kin; we are all citizens of the same country. We have given away our rights and ability to speak freely, offer new ideas, and care for those who disagree or are different from us. It feels that some would want a civil war, at least with words and ideas. The ratings would soar, polarization would help political party promotion, and commercials would be worth more during prime time. Lincoln, among others, knew that a house divided could not stand. But then he didn't realize that rating is the game's name; right or left was more important than the common good. From my understanding, he felt that justice was more critical than Prozac and that a united nation was more important than which party was in power. Perhaps that is one reason he placed those who disagreed with him and were from the opposing party into his cabinet. Whether we agree with them was more important to do what was best for all than for one.

Whom Does the Church Serve?

Leading a church is a difficult task, mainly because of the expectations now placed upon the clergy and church members.

In our consumer culture, the pressure and emphasis is on providing a commodity that people will want. In order for this to happen, the church must acquiesce to the consumer. In megachurches that I know of, there are coffee shops and bookstores, a gymnasium, and all kinds of programs to promote family unity, yoga, and a band for Sunday morning so people can tap their feet to the gospel.

In smaller churches, where it is difficult to compete with the drop-down menu of larger churches, they attempt to offer a friendly place, programs to meet selected needs, a well-kept building, and the good old songs (yet there is pressure by some to follow Christian radio and the “new songs”), but they cannot compete nor should they.

With all these options, we have decided what God wants—obviously, more numbers, more bodies, and more dollars to pay for the extras. Advertising is not out of the question; if we have a good product, others should know. If the value of the stock is to arise and if there will be dividends to long-time members, then commercials, slogans, and new carpets are on the agenda. Small church, large church, mega-church, it doesn’t matter. The purpose is all the same. Worship the Church and those within as having the best presentation.

Lost in our modern drive to make the church like other good organizations is what we have to offer that is uniquely the good news—not in its conservative, nailed-down, and sifted form or in its liberal social justice emphasis but in its old dusty and now moldy meaning.

The message was that of being called out to be different than the culture. To eat together, to study and discuss together, to be a community that stood for something more than the latest Christian or cultural trinket or cliche. It was a belief that nothing was impossible; change is the norm, not the exception, but a change in hearts, not the latest Christian CD. Justice issues were believed to be more important than how the building looked on TV. It was a movement that set the empire or government on its heels, not promoting the sanctuary flags and rhetoric of God Bless America, as if God, or worship, wouldn't exist without the Government.

When was the last time the church stood and said, we won’t stand for racism or sexism or separating anyone to be culled by the powers of the empire? When was the last time the voice in the nave said we are a greedy, self-centered culture and live counter to the gospel? Not anyone who wants to stay in their present church or not call down the wrath of Bishops or denominational leaders.

Whom does the church serve? The members, to ensure the doors are open until the new fade disappears? The culture as we purchase belly button, ear, and nose rings to pierce the body to match the crosses we hang around our necks and put on belt buckles? The powers of darkness when we refuse to speak of negative truths, complex directions, or the call to sacrifice ourselves and wealth? The false gods we sacrifice our children to so that we can be good soccer moms and hockey dads?

Is it the living and loving God who says, behold, I do a new thing; do you not see it? Is it the God who demands a sacrifice, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, to determine whom we serve? The poor are still hungry. Is it the God who says you will not use my name to promote your wars, your team, or your political party? To do so is blasphemy. But corporations are people, too! Is it the God who says to give up what you have so that I might provide something better? But we can have it our way; ask anyone who is anyone. Is it the God who sends us messages day and night to attempt to develop us individually and as a people? But the TV said we need to spend money to help the rich get richer.

Maybe the church does serve a god, just not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Whom does the church serve? We may not want to face it, but let’s hope and pray it’s not us.