I fully and completely agree that as followers of Christ, we are called into a lifetime of discipleship, of walking in the way with Jesus, seeking righteousness, holiness, Christ-likeness throughout our lifetime.
However, as far as discipleship goes I do not think that you can disciple to every person in the same way, which may be the problem with legalism.
When I used the example of the beach in response to this blog, it was a generalization of many things that Christians could see as causing another to stumble and to me seemed just as outrageous as the Superbowl discussion. (Not that I think that the discussion it's self was outrageous)
I think that if any one person feels like an event such as the Superbowl is not honoring to Christ, than he/she should absolutely not partake in the festivities. You should most certainly do what you believe God wants you to do in your life.
A little background: I am married, but spiritually single. In my life I am continually made fun of by my own husband for my beliefs and often what I take a stand on. One of the nicknames that Joe has given me is Flanders. (The Jesus freak on The Simpsons) I have been told that I am brainwashing my children simply because I take them to church and celebrate advent and things like that. I was not allowed to enroll my children in a Christian pre-school. In my situation, I have learned to pick my battles carefully while maintaining my core values and beliefs. Only God knows my struggles in this everyday situation and only those whom are in the same situation as I am can truly understand.
In my case, it would be more of a discipleship for me to sit down and enjoy the game despite whatever negativity there may be, than to refuse to watch it and have my husband look at me like a crazy person and think to himself that he doesn't want any part of my God that will not even allow me to watch a football game.
I guess my point is simply that you do what you believe God wants you to do. If you believe that God cannot use the Superbowl as a time of discipleship in your life, than by all means skip it! But if you can see how God could use even the Superbowl as a time to witness, even if it is just through a gentle and quiet spirit, than He will give you that opportunity. I don't think that this is a subject that you can generalize for all Christians. I have a tendency to look at things how Joe would see them, and spend my time doing studies on how to be the happy wife of an unsaved husband. So I guess my opinions are often from this perspective and the will of God through prayer in my own life and experience, which I am fully aware is different from many.
For those that are using Superbowl Sunday to help the homeless, that is an amazing ministry and I am glad that God is using those women in that ministry. One of my major ministries is Joe, and although it may not seem as important to some, I believe that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus in my own home.
And on a personal note to Dan. The George Knight comment was meant to be light hearted and funny. I hope you didn't take me seriously.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
In response to: A brief word on discipleship vs. legalism
Posted by Erin at 2:49 PM
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4 comments:
Aaah, good stuff. You take the missional approach, which is certainly appropriate. So my next question would be - does it make a difference sitting with your hubby in your living room watching the game vs. having The Church, The Bride of Christ hosting parties for the game, and thereby giving tacit approval to all that goes on during the showing of the game? Suppose we use a different issue - the issue of alcohol. I could easily make the case for the missional work of hanging out at the local pub, building relationships with the locals, sharing the love of Christ with them, but wouldn't it be inappropriate for the Church to gather together and host drinking parties at which consuming alcohol was the prime purpose? And I'm not talking about the church building, per se, but the gathered Body of Christ. Somehow, it seems to me, hosting the event seems to give approval to the game, whereas going into somebody else's territory only says "I care enough about you to spend this time doing what you find important."
And it's George Nite, not Knight.
:P
I get where you are comming from and what you are saying and I guess that you could have this same disscusion on any number of scenarios.
One final thought from me on the superbowl scenario:
If my church were hosting a superbowl party, it would be one of the few events that I might actually consider even mentioning and inviting Joe to. Something like a superbowl party would be an event that he could actually relate to and might enjoy in a Christian setting.
If I invited him to a great Christian concert at my church or even something as simple as a bbq , he would laugh in my face. knowing Joe as I do, he would feel that there wouldn't be a place for him in these types of settings, but football is universal. You can enjoy a game with anyone. It would be a rare oppertunity for Christans to disciple to Joe and for him to see what fellowship means.
okay, then. We'll keep the party next year, if you agree to bring Joe to it.
I wish we could take a trip to Washington, but sadly, probably not. I hope you still host a party in case anyone else like Joe shows up! LOL!
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