The Fourth

I have a unique collection of friends. One of my circles is summed up by three of my closest male friends, Matt, Myles, and Tiller. Each one has a different perspective of the world and Christian thought. One thing I like to brag about when speaking of my friends is their great intellect and vast stores of theological knowledge-each one containing a piece of puzzle.

Tiller-caught up in the beauty of historical theology and tradition-can talk for hours on the thoughts and practices of early church fathers, who are often neglected and forgotten by mainstream Protestantism and small Christian circles.

Matt-lover of systematic theology-searches for weaknesses in Theological paradigms and seeks to construct a theology that is logical, flows, and is consistent.

Myles-prodigy of the biblical languages-doesn't come to conclusion without first consulting the semantics of the ancient speakers of Greek and Hebrew. His theology is greatly shaped by wording and format of the ancient text that most of us miss because of our limitation to English.

Where do I fall into all this?

Me. It has often been pointed out to me that I live, move, and breathe within the realm of practical theology. I have often tried to be good at the other three forms that my friends bear, but this is a terrible injustice to them, to the world, and to myself. In trying to be the highly logical, historical, or philosophical theologian, I have neglect that which I am gifted in naturally.

I'm not saying that I cannot engage in the other three forms or that I am not good at them. I am logical and philosophical, but I have lost my focus and have been someone other than myself in an attempt to sound intelligent and to imitate others. I could think about the deep things of God, I can have all the best theological arguments, and I can teach every theological construct with clarity and simplicity, but if I don't have love and if I do not take action to push back the growing darkness then I am nothing and only making noise. If my studies don't lead to charity, compassion, excellence, and service I have ultimately failed and my thinking and reading have been in vain.

In terms of theology, logic, and knowledge I am the least among my three friends. I am the fourth. In terms of necessity and purpose I am in equality with them, and it is vital that I act upon my gifting and live out the person God has wired me to be, not letting fear, pride, and insecurity prevent me from honoring God in this way.

Grace and Peace. 

Made of Iron

The other night I watched the movie The Iron Lady, a movie commemorating the life and achievements of the late Margaret Thatcher. Towards the beginning of the movie, the character of Thatcher is met with praise from a young woman stated Mrs. Thatcher had a significant impact on her life and that she was inspired to "be somebody", to which the elderly Thatcher replied, "In my day, it was about 'doing' something. Now it has become 'being' something."

Throughout the movie, there is a theme of "doing". The Iron Lady of good ole Britain did not strive to "be someone". No, she strived to DO something.  There is a significant difference between the two, and the latter often produces better results. There is a notable difference between the man that strives to be the leader of the free world and the man that strives to do something to make the world a better place. Comparatively speaking, it is the difference between President Washington and President...Clinton (I'll refrain from speaking about our current president out of respect. For though I am not a fan, I will respect the position that God has allowed him to be in).

So in my own life, I must begin to question my heart and ask myself "what is your goal, to be or to do?" I have a dear friend who's desire is to start an organization that reaches our to prostitutes and pimps; to make a difference in their lives and bring truth and healing to both the offended and the offender. She is not striving to "be" but to "do". She does not desire fame and power, but instead to make a difference in the lives of the hurting and the broken.

For too long I have reflected and contemplated the concept of "being someone" and it now I realize that my focus is in the wrong place. Let me not be, instead let me do. I am a Christian, let me do Christianity. Let me act and make a difference rather than try to make a reputation or a name for myself. I will become what I do--the action comes first.

Grace and Peace,

Stephen.