Telling The Truth
I remember a line Trapper John had in a long ago episode of MASH: “I don’t like a movie, I get up and leave. I don’t like a war, I’m outa here!”–or words to that effect. That same sentiment characterizes too many church-goers these days. They seem to think worship should entertain and the preacher should soothe. If he doesn’t–if he stops telling funny stories and starts preaching the demands of discipleship–they’re outa here. Believe me, I feel the pressure to conform to those expectations. But, as American life continues to change at a dizzying pace, as our culture continues to deteriorate, the demands of discipleship will increase, not decrease. Sooner or later, preachers, we’re all going to have to quit the games, e.g., “My church is bigger than yours,” “A man’s got to make a living,” “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” etc, and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. To put it in ol’ Trapper’s terms, this ain’t a movie we’re in, it’s a war–a war for the souls of men.
For more on the subject, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/opinion/08macdonald.html?_r=2
