I stopped in
to say hello at the pastor’s office. Thirty minutes later I left having heard
another chapter in the life of a minister trying to lead God’s people to
practice the gospel of God’s love, but instead he spent his time dealing with
people who wanted to look pious without having to live out the love. He had
heard the songs of God’s love, but actions he saw said only our kind of people
are welcome here.
The prophet
Isaiah was forced to deliver the message of God’s condemnation to a people who
acted just such a way. They could do a good job of “talking the talk”, but they
failed when it came to walking in a way that reflected that talk.
Isa
1:11-17 He says, "Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep
offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices
and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep
and goats. Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who
asked you to do all this tramping around in my Temple? It's useless to bring
your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot
stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings;
they are all corrupted by your sins. I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy
days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing. When you lift your hands in
prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen,
for your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this
evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil and learn to do right. See that
justice is done---help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and
defend widows."
We use the
statement, “If you are going to talk the talk, then walk the walk”, to emphasize
the need to speak with integrity so that what we say reflects what we believe.
No one wants that more than God. He wants those who worship him and call
themselves his disciples to be honest in their practice.
That pastor
had heard one of his parishioners complain that people of color were now in the
congregation. A gospel that was revealed on a cross through the Crucified God
was meant to be shared with everyone. Too many individuals who call themselves
Christians have placed themselves in the position of judge to decide who ought
to receive this gospel of love and forgiveness. The result is a world that sees
no difference in those who say they are followers of Christ and those who are
not. In response those in the world turn away believing there is no reason to
seek the One who is the Author of life itself.
The Church
is a force that is not bounded by the walls of a building or the perimeter of a
piece of land. The Church is the people of God at work in the world in the Name
of the Son of God and carrying his likeness in both word and deed. The Church
sees human need and acts to meet that need. The Gospel has been placed in the
hands of the Church to share with the world, and judgment is left in the hands
of God. The Church is to exercise love, mercy, and grace with discernment so as
to bring the world to God. What happens then is up to God.
Until God is
ready to exercise judgment, the Church must talk the talk of the gospel to the
world, and then walk the walk of gospel integrity before the world. Unless the
world sees the talk in action, it has no reason to believe there is any
substance to the talk. Belief will follow practice with integrity.
