Tuesday, November 21, 2006

snow, questions, and christmas lists

Yesterday morning, I left for work and to my surprise saw snow on the ground, trees, and covering all the automobiles. It wasn't much, and had melted away by about 9am at the latest, but it was pretty cool all the same. And, I couldn't help but imagine the reaction people in Georgia would be having if they had woken up to the same sight (it would probably sound something like Chicken Little- "the sky is falling...")! We Georgians have never handled bad weather well.

In my reading of Total Truth, I came across a question I've been pondering for about a week now: Are our sermons, church events, or witnessing just "recruiting devices," or are they about putting others in touch with the God of the Universe who can bring them peace, fulfillment, and salvation? This is not a general question for me, but a specific one that I need to bring up everytime one of the above items is occuring? I am beginning to think motivation is as important as outcomes.

I was asked by my parents and my in-laws to write out a wish-list for Christmas/Birthday. Does anyone else feel a little materialistic when it comes time to do something like this? Do I really need 3 cds, 2 video games, 1 board game, a book, spiritual discipline helps, digital camera, etc, etc? Or is this just feeding my materialistic self? Maybe I should just ask people to donate to a charity in my name. Maybe I should become a monk (of course, that won't go over well with Joanna)?

2 comments:

John said...

I heard it snowed in Wilmore. I am glad to hear you didn't freak out. It was the first time, but it probably won't be the last time it happens this winter.

josh said...

that's a good question, and one i've wrestled with, too. i think that may be one of the many frustrations so many people feel with the church in america. dwebb has a line (i think from long line of leavers) asking if it's no more than "harvest the young and give some comfort to the old." that line haunts me sometimes.

also, i think "motivation is as important as outcomes" in many things, and was glad to hear you say so. maybe you is learnin' something in yer skoolin!

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