Monday, April 25, 2011

Being an Easter Christian

We lived in Dundee, Illinois prior to moving to Dallas twentry-three years ago. Our neighbors across the street were Dan and Wanda. Dan and I connected immediately because we had many things in common. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor and a serious sports fan. He was very active in his church, teaching a Bible class and serving as the church trumpter for all festivals. Dan had a very gregarious personality, allowing him to instantly connect with strangers. Dundee still had a small town atmosphere and everyone knew Dan. Dan worked out of his house and it wasn't uncommon to see a police car parked out front. The officers knew Dan always had the coffee pot on and everyone was welcome to stop by. Wanda had MS and, while it was in remission, she and Dan decided not to have children. But Dan loved kids, especially teenagers. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and Sundays in the fall he would host the neighborhood boys. They would snack and watch the game together.

Dan celebrated life. He was also open about his faith. His pastor told me that on his first Easter as the church he was shocked to find a colored Easter Egg in the pulpit when he got ready to preach his sermon. As he scanned the congregation Dan's giggling gave his secret away. It was a tradition that continued every year.

Dan was a successful business man. He worked for non-profits, helping them generate funds. His outgoing nature made him a natural at hosting golf outings, auctions and other events. Dan was friends with many pro athletes and local celebrities. He lived a fast lifestyle, but those of us who knew him accepted it as part of his job.

It all came crashing down one January afternoon. One of the organizations Dan worked for discovered he had been embessling funds. Dan caught wind of it so instead of attending the meeting where he would be confront, Dan killed himself. Prior to that he stopped by Wanda's office with a dozen roses and a love letter. Our dinner that evening was interrupted by a pounding at the door. Wanda was hysterical. She had found his body in the garage next to his favorite shotgun.

Yesterday was Easter and I once again thought of Dan. In many ways he was the antithesis of the Christmas and Easter Christians we professional church workers talk about. They surfaced again yesterday. A quick poll around the dinner table revealed all three church represented had seen attendance double what is normal. Dan, on the other hand, was the opposite. He was visible around his church every Sunday, but something had gone wrong. When faced with his sin, he chose to bail out. Jesus words from the cross, "Father forgive them..." (Luke 23:34) were forgotten. The Good News of the empty tomb did not apply.

We are Easter people. You most likely attended worship yesterday as a family, but today is when "the rubber meets the road." Jesus' victory rings hallow if we don't live everyday fearlessly for him. We are still sinners, but the barrier between our sins and Our God has been destroyed. No sin is greater than Jesus' love for us. That's a lesson we need to pass on to our children, and the best way to do that is to live it. Everyday.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Some Thoughts on Rob Bell and Hell

Pastor Rob Bell is in the news these days. This week's Time Magazine bears the cover, "What if There is No Hell?" That is an issue raised because of some things Rob Bell says in his new book, Love Wins. For those who are not familiar with Rob Bell, he is pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is best known for his provocative Nooma video series.

Let me say upfront that I have not read Love Wins. It is on my "must read" list, but I have done enough digging to think I know where Rob Bell is coming from. I am not so sure that he is questioning the existence of hell, as he is theological rigidity, and a faith that excludes anyone. In the words of St. Paul in Colossians 1:20, "an through him (Jesus) to reconcile to himself all things, things on earth and things in heaven, by making peace through the cross." If there is a hell, and I do believe that there is, it is up to God to determine who is condemned to punishment. For those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as our hope, the focus needs to be on heaven and the eternal victory.

I do a lot of reading, and some of my reading is of a spiritual nature. When I want to be challenged in my faith I usually read Philip Yancey or Mark Buchanan. I don't agree with everything they write, but then that true of most non-fiction authors. Faith is a very personal thing. I am a Lutheran because it comes closest to what I personally believe. I hope that I have passed on my faith to my children. I truly believe that each of them in their own way has established their own personal faith.

That is what I would encourage all parents to do. Develop a personal relationship with God. In the process, come to know yourself as his child. Share your faith story with your kids. Then, place them in the right environment and give them the tools to develop their own personal faith.

This is what I do know. Jesus died for me and in the process defeated sin, death and the devil. His Resurrection Victory is my victory, and I can't wait to get to heaven to celebrate that victory with him.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Alcohol and Parental Responsibility

I became familiar with the routine during my years as a high school counselor. Our school had a zero tolerance policy when it came to drugs and alcohol, both on and off campus. First offense: there would be consequences, but we would work to help the student. Second time offenders were told they had to withdraw as students. Still students regularly flirted with the policy. This time of year it was especially rampant. Seniors, anticipating the end of their high school career, were especially susceptible. Kids and alcohol: It's always been a dance with death.

A recent report by the Parentship at Drugfree.org (www.drugfree.org)confirms that teens continue to show a casual,even carefree, attitude when it comes to alcohol. Researchers surveyed 2,544 random teens nation-wide. When questioned about the risk of drinking, 45% said they, "didn't see it to be a big deal." 68% of teens polled reported that they had consumed alcohol. The average age for the first experience was 14. Furthermore, 25% admitted that they had smoked marijuana within the last month, indicating that use of that illegal substance is common as well. Parents who think it's not a problem and that their kids are not vulnerable are naive. It's a sure bet, your kids are going to be exposed to marijuana and drinking among their peers before they graduate from high school.

Alcohol and marijuana are both gateway drugs. Gateway drugs are habit forming substances whose use could lead to abuse of drugs that are more addictive and dangerous. My experience is that kids who consume alcohol are susceptible to making poor decisions. Coupled with the fact that the adolescent brain is poorly equipped to make good decisions and you can see the potential risk. When it comes to marijuana, it exposes kids to a culture whose singular goal is to get them addicted. Remember, marijuana is still illegal and the people who want to sell them marijuana will be happy to sell them something that will provide "just a little bigger high,"

Parents play a significant role when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Mom and dad are both consultants and role models. They are consultants when they discuss the issue with their teens and help them establish ground rules. The importance of being a role model is just as vital. Kids are watching. That means monitoring your own alcohol consumption and making sure that if alcohol is involved there is a designated driver.

During my time at Lutheran High School of Dallas I often used Jerry Rhoades, a Dallas Police narcotics detective, as a resource. Jerry was especially good at challenging kids to "step up to the plate" when it came to their parent's drinking. He would pointedly tell them, "If you are out to dinner with your parents and they consume alcohol, ask for the car keys." If they are telling you to not get into a car with someone who has been drinking, that should include mom and dad.