Self Centered Faith Won't Work

Reflections
July 5, 2009

Here we are with a year half gone. For some this is a time to pause and reflect on the long lists made in January. For others a time to access the work done thus far, and for others still there remains a need to rethink, even perhaps regroup in light of the time.

In spiritual matters this process is no less complicated. People who strive to improve in the ways and means of faith move on a path fraught with the frailty of human existence. Paul in his letter to the Romans then expresses his own struggle in the midst of theirs. I know that all of God’s commands are spiritual, but I am not always. Is this not your experience as well? I decide to act one way then, I act another doing things I absolutely despise...this is why the love and command of God is necessary.” vv12-13 The Message

Like so many of us Paul struggled with personal limitations. Most of the chapter deals with his deep sharing of regret over, in his words, doing those things he did not want to do, and doing the very things he wanted not to do. There is an old Communion liturgy based in part on the Anglican Book of Common Prayer which uses similar language, “We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” At the end of the chapter the Apostle, nearly beside himself with frustration over his limitations, says, “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I am at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions...” The Message

Any of us who move thorough life with a plan deliberate or otherwise stop from time to time to get our bearings and evaluate. The danger in this behavior rests between the areas of profound critical thinking and deep self criticism. While there is great value in critical thinking, for it can correct flawed thought and action, self criticism taken too far can paralyze the heart, mind, and soul. A couple of years ago, I was relating a frustration to one of my adult sons about a personal failure of some import at the time. After listening for a bit my son looked at me and said pop it’s time to turn the page. I said, “What? I don’t understand.” To which my progeny licked his index finger and turned an imaginary page. After a fashion this is what Paul is saying. In Christ we are given a fresh start from whatever blocks our path spiritually or impedes our progress as we endeavor to be and do good. In the days, weeks and months ahead of what is left of this year may we keep our wetted index fingers poised and ready.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601