If this annoys you, I’ve got an idea
It’s working for me
Not that believers needed any reminder that this world is not our home, but it was sure nice of The Sun to confirm what we already knew with this spectacular cover story on the death of comedian and actor Bob Saget:
Just to make sure you’re seeing it, the magazine lists all the difficult, depraved, and deadly behavior that has plagued the star alumni of Saget’s hit television show “Full House.”
Eating disorders
Drug addiction
Drunk driving
Troubled relationships
Mail fraud arrests
Untimely deaths
…and Christianity-based conservative viewpoints
Having a Christian worldview like Candace Cameron Bure is, in the eyes of the author of this piece, the graphic artists, editors, and publisher of The Sun, part of the unfortunate curse that struck Saget’s former co-stars. That probably wouldn’t be worth mentioning if I thought it was just a political or religious jab intentionally leveled by some progressive millennial putting the piece together. But I don’t think that’s what this was.
I think the real story here is that no one at The Sun, from ground-floor reporters to upper-level oversight, caught that and said, “Wait, that doesn’t make sense and is pretty offensive to a large portion of the population.” To them, it does make sense – holding Christian-based views is akin to being addicted to mind-altering drugs or caught up in a mail fraud bribery scandal.
What’s funny isn’t so much that pop culture feels that way about us Christians, it’s how much we often get worked up about it when in actuality, we (1) shouldn’t be surprised, and (2) don’t have to worry about it. And by “we,” I guess I can only speak for myself.
Admittedly, I’ve always had a bit of a quick tongue and a tendency to want to snap back at those who treat me, my friends, or my beliefs shabbily. So much so, that Cousin Eddie would undoubtedly diagnose me as having just a bit of Mississippi Leg Hound in me…
Thankfully though, through the years, the Holy Spirit has dulled some of those sharp edges, and I find myself to be much less combative and much more contemplative about my approach to dealing with those who oppose the way and will of God. I’m learning to stop expecting the godless to act in godly ways, expecting allegiance to biblical morality from those who don’t know the word or the Word.
I’m not suggesting that I’ve somehow given up on the Great Commission to “teach them to obey everything I’ve commanded you (Matthew 28:20).” I’ve just learned to order it properly and understand that until I’ve “baptized them” and “made disciples of them (19),” they aren’t going to respond to the commands of Christ in any positive, obedient way.
I also don’t mean to suggest that any of this is easy or that I’ve mastered it by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve found that I echo the words of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 almost daily now: “Lord, help me (25).” When I see headlines like The Sun’s or hear vile comments and condescension towards my Father and my faith, it still churns up feelings of resentment and anger. But I’ve found relief and release from that bitterness by reminding myself of the promises that await the faithful.
A few weeks ago, I challenged the congregation where I preach to spend just a few fleeting moments each day this year thinking briefly but intently on the heaven that awaits them. I’m taking that challenge seriously myself, and I can’t tell you what it has done for my outlook to this point in the year.
It helps me understand why worldly people continue turn to places like The Sun, or TMZ, or the New York Times – those sources tell about the kingdom (of man) that they serve. That’s precisely why I need to spend less time doing the same, and more time turning to places like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, that tell about the Kingdom I serve.
It may not alleviate all the frustrations you’re dealing with right now as a believer in 2022 America, but I bet you’ll be surprised if you give it a shot too.
ICYMI
Is God a friend? How can such an all-powerful, incomprehensibly almighty God, take notice of me personally? That was the question we looked at this week in our effort to “Think Like Jesus.” You can watch it here if you’re interested…
I also wrote a couple articles that leaned on my own experience as a teacher that you might find useful:
Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven is an excellent resource for understanding what awaits believers after this life is done.
Yeah, "Lord help me" has been taking residence in my thoughts a lot more often lately. Thank you for always reminding me to bring my focus back to Jesus.