Putting On Christ
Stories
Object:
Contents
"Putting on Christ" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Options" by C. David McKirachan
"Wise Guys" by C. David McKirachan
"Memories" by C. David McKirachan
* * * * * * *
br>Putting on Christ
by Peter Andrew Smith
Colossians 3:1-11
"Well?" John asked as they walked out of the church.
"I just don't know," Joanna said. "There are so many good candidates for the position."
John nodded. "Anyone stand out for you?"
"One person. What about you?"
"We talked to some great people," John said. "Yet I think of all of them Susanna stands out. I'm not sure if it will work out though."
"I agree. Even though she was by far the most promising applicant to be our youth minister, I am not certain she is the person to work with us."
"Her skills and education are exactly what we need." John stopped next to Joanna's car. "Her enthusiasm and personality are without question. What bothers you about her?"
Joanna took out her keys. "My problem is that I don't know if she is a good fit with us."
"Why? She certainly has the experience."
"Oh, she has the skills and background but in church work there is more than simply doing the job -- there is always a matter of the person's faith."
"You didn't agree with her faith statement and her answers in the interview?" John asked. "She seemed quite capable and comfortable talking about her beliefs and her walk with Jesus."
"She was very articulate."
"Her references said she was excellent in leading youth programs within an inner city congregation." John paused. "I don't think I have ever heard a senior pastor give such a glowing recommendation."
Joanna nodded. "All her references were very specific and positive about her working with troubled youth. But you were there too, don't you wonder about her?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, her past. Her brushes with the law, growing up in the rough part of the city, and to be blunt her immoral lifestyle as a teenager."
"It certainly was colourful."
"Honestly, I don't know if we want someone who had the troubles she had working with the youth in our community."
"The youth who are at risk in our community," John added.
"Exactly, I think young people need a great role model, someone who can show them the way to Christ."
"That was exactly why I think she would be the perfect person to lead our at-risk youth program," John said.
"What? You want someone like that representing the church and going out to the kids on the streets?"
"Who better than someone who has faced their temptations and come to know that real life rests in knowing God, not in being in a gang, making money, or the other sins they encounter on the streets."
"But she hasn't lived what I would call a Christian life," Joanna said. "I don't know if she is a good example for those youth given her past."
"If she was still into those things I wouldn't even consider her working with our church," John said. "Yet she has put away all those things since coming to know Christ and is living a life beyond reproach. Her pastor and other churches speak so highly of her character that I believe she has changed."
"I'm not concerned about her now but how she was before."
"The gospel is about forgiveness and new life." John shrugged. "Besides, she could have hidden her past from us but she was honest. I think that speaks about her Christian values."
Joanna rubbed her chin. "I still would prefer someone who has never lived her life."
"I think someone who knows what it is like to be broken like these kids have been broken and someone who knows what it is like to be tempted like these kids are tempted can witness to them better than you or I ever could," John said. "Susanna knows the power of grace and the importance of the new life she has found. I think she would be the perfect person to work for us in reaching the at-risk youth in our community."
"Maybe," Joanna said slowly. "From the sounds of what you are saying you think we should hire her without question."
"I think we should."
"Then why did you say you had doubts about her?"
"My doubts have nothing to do with her ability to do the job or if she is the right person for the position."
Joanna tilted her head to one side "Then what could you possibility have doubts about?"
"Given her gifts, her skills, education, and personality," John said. "I doubt she will be available for us to hire unless we act quickly."
With those words, John walked over to his car leaving Joanna with many things to think and pray about before tomorrow's hiring committee meeting.
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada who currently serves at St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things Are Ready (CSS), a book of lectionary-based communion prayers, as well as many stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
Options
by C. David McKirachan
Luke 12:13-21
Until a few years ago, I never considered putting anything away for my retirement. I think I was so busy just getting by emotionally and logistically that I didn't consider an end to this trapeze act. That's called stupid. It's lousy stewardship. Since my wife became my wife, I started to see something more than now. I started to see options in each day, options that didn't have to do with getting the job in front of me done. No, she doesn't have a sister.
Throughout my ministry, I've confronted materialism that demands we make piles of our wealth, put up barbed wire around them, and install machine gun nests to protect the perimeters. Other versions of this attitude see the world as threatening and our means not sufficient to get to the ends. We are poor, too poor to be generous, too poor to pay attention to those in need, too poor to invest in anything that doesn't yield a measureable return. Too poor...
I preached, I taught, I tried to persuade people out of their fortresses of perceived poverty. And I heard a list of excuses and insults, depending on how dug in the folks were. I tried to tell them that the Lord was inviting them to see the world in a new way. I told them that we were being invited to a new adventure, using the equipment God had given us, using it to lead us into a partnership of proclaiming the good news.
Yup, I worked at it. I read this parable and saw it as another indictment of their unwillingness to grow beyond our cultural limitations. I missed it.
I've noticed lately that Jesus wasn't stupid. Please be patient, I'm slow. I realized that he wasn't talking about being a fool for some philosophy that removes us from this world. He loved this world and us. And he understood us, as we are. He doesn't want us to be poor, he wants us to realize how rich we are. He wants us to see our options, not options of investment strategies, but options of new life, new clarity, new joy.
Because of her, I realized how rich I am. I saw my options. Now I've got a future. We're saving, but we've also quadrupled our pledge. And we're having a blast.
The guy with the barns didn't see beyond the end of his nose. He didn't see the possibilities of his wealth, what he could do with it, how grateful he could be each day. Each of us has blind spots. They prevent us from seeing our options. Take a look around, we've all got 'em, options I mean.
Wise Guys
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
When I was in third grade, I was afraid to go out for recess. There was a fifth grader out there who knew words that hurt. He pushed kids around. I was one of his targets. He was the first one of a few I encountered who were brutal. Bullies we call them. They frighten with violence, but they intimidate with an attitude of arrogance. The wise ones learn to push the right buttons of insecurity, of the desire to be part of the bunch, of shame. They do it with laughter, scorn, and a confidence that trumps anyone's sense of goodness, hope, let alone faith.
The smart ones learn to make their way with success. We silly small folk emulate their confidence and authority. We see them as experts, celebrities, even role models. Few of them darken the doors of church, unless they're running them. Faith demands humility. It demands giving up a focus on winning or domination and offers faithfulness.
It is so strange to see this phrase, "Whoever is wise, let them give heed to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord."
It is a commandment for them and us. It is a reminder for them and us.
Why don't we learn? Bullies build their domination on insecurity. They push others because they don't believe in themselves, and their power ends with the cross. It demonstrates the horrible cost and price of such futility. But it also demonstrates that it cannot break us if we hold fast to those silly bits of fluff, goodness, hope, and faith. And even more, those words are to us. They remind us that we are not silly or small or powerless in the face of such pressure or scorn. The steadfast love of the Lord defines us and let's us stand even in the face of such arrogance.
So who's are the wise guys? In the words of Robert DeNiro, "Fugetaboudit!"
Memories
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Someone who was chronologically gifted once told me that we should make sure we live full lives full of love and beauty and fun because later on, in our old age, memories are all we’ve got left. I didn’t agree with him then, and now from my advanced perspective, I still don’t. One phrase that gives me hives is, “I’m too old to do…” If we’re breathing, we have the gift of life. Gifts are made to be unwrapped and played with, used or worn. Today is another day to live lives full of love, beauty, and fun, no matter how chronologically gifted we may be.
But I do think memories are important building blocks to what we are. Gratitude is so important to how we see life. Our harvest of the fruit of God’s gifts and a consideration of the glory that fills each day creates a sense of wealth and security that makes life an adventure that never quits.
I remember finding a duck’s nest along the river near our house and hiding in the bushes watching the female mallard warming her children. I remember a dark church, with a choir up somewhere above singing Randal Thompson’s “Alleluia.” I remember falling in love in 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and so on. I remember my father’s sermon when I was ordained. I remember Indian wrestling my brother until we fell on a table in my parents’ hallway and smashed it, laughing like idiots. I remember....
If we are to be wise, if we are to see the world from a perspective that allows us to be open to the gift of mown grass on a summer’s day or proclaim the good news of love and justice, then we must allow the memories of God’s goodness in history and in our lives to guide us and lead us, to teach us and to remind us of the faithfulness of the one.
So let us claim the deeds of our Lord, the gifts given down through the ages, so that we may be wise and live each day in gratitude. And let us live this day as the gift it is, today may be a song to be sung, a source of glory and gratitude for us and those who follow. Alleluia!
C. David McKirachan is pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury in central New Jersey. He also teaches at Monmouth University. McKirachan is the author of I Happened Upon a Miracle and A Year of Wonder (Westminster John Knox).
*****************************************
StoryShare, August 4, 2013, issue.
Copyright 2013 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
"Putting on Christ" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Options" by C. David McKirachan
"Wise Guys" by C. David McKirachan
"Memories" by C. David McKirachan
* * * * * * *
br>Putting on Christ
by Peter Andrew Smith
Colossians 3:1-11
"Well?" John asked as they walked out of the church.
"I just don't know," Joanna said. "There are so many good candidates for the position."
John nodded. "Anyone stand out for you?"
"One person. What about you?"
"We talked to some great people," John said. "Yet I think of all of them Susanna stands out. I'm not sure if it will work out though."
"I agree. Even though she was by far the most promising applicant to be our youth minister, I am not certain she is the person to work with us."
"Her skills and education are exactly what we need." John stopped next to Joanna's car. "Her enthusiasm and personality are without question. What bothers you about her?"
Joanna took out her keys. "My problem is that I don't know if she is a good fit with us."
"Why? She certainly has the experience."
"Oh, she has the skills and background but in church work there is more than simply doing the job -- there is always a matter of the person's faith."
"You didn't agree with her faith statement and her answers in the interview?" John asked. "She seemed quite capable and comfortable talking about her beliefs and her walk with Jesus."
"She was very articulate."
"Her references said she was excellent in leading youth programs within an inner city congregation." John paused. "I don't think I have ever heard a senior pastor give such a glowing recommendation."
Joanna nodded. "All her references were very specific and positive about her working with troubled youth. But you were there too, don't you wonder about her?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, her past. Her brushes with the law, growing up in the rough part of the city, and to be blunt her immoral lifestyle as a teenager."
"It certainly was colourful."
"Honestly, I don't know if we want someone who had the troubles she had working with the youth in our community."
"The youth who are at risk in our community," John added.
"Exactly, I think young people need a great role model, someone who can show them the way to Christ."
"That was exactly why I think she would be the perfect person to lead our at-risk youth program," John said.
"What? You want someone like that representing the church and going out to the kids on the streets?"
"Who better than someone who has faced their temptations and come to know that real life rests in knowing God, not in being in a gang, making money, or the other sins they encounter on the streets."
"But she hasn't lived what I would call a Christian life," Joanna said. "I don't know if she is a good example for those youth given her past."
"If she was still into those things I wouldn't even consider her working with our church," John said. "Yet she has put away all those things since coming to know Christ and is living a life beyond reproach. Her pastor and other churches speak so highly of her character that I believe she has changed."
"I'm not concerned about her now but how she was before."
"The gospel is about forgiveness and new life." John shrugged. "Besides, she could have hidden her past from us but she was honest. I think that speaks about her Christian values."
Joanna rubbed her chin. "I still would prefer someone who has never lived her life."
"I think someone who knows what it is like to be broken like these kids have been broken and someone who knows what it is like to be tempted like these kids are tempted can witness to them better than you or I ever could," John said. "Susanna knows the power of grace and the importance of the new life she has found. I think she would be the perfect person to work for us in reaching the at-risk youth in our community."
"Maybe," Joanna said slowly. "From the sounds of what you are saying you think we should hire her without question."
"I think we should."
"Then why did you say you had doubts about her?"
"My doubts have nothing to do with her ability to do the job or if she is the right person for the position."
Joanna tilted her head to one side "Then what could you possibility have doubts about?"
"Given her gifts, her skills, education, and personality," John said. "I doubt she will be available for us to hire unless we act quickly."
With those words, John walked over to his car leaving Joanna with many things to think and pray about before tomorrow's hiring committee meeting.
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada who currently serves at St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things Are Ready (CSS), a book of lectionary-based communion prayers, as well as many stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
Options
by C. David McKirachan
Luke 12:13-21
Until a few years ago, I never considered putting anything away for my retirement. I think I was so busy just getting by emotionally and logistically that I didn't consider an end to this trapeze act. That's called stupid. It's lousy stewardship. Since my wife became my wife, I started to see something more than now. I started to see options in each day, options that didn't have to do with getting the job in front of me done. No, she doesn't have a sister.
Throughout my ministry, I've confronted materialism that demands we make piles of our wealth, put up barbed wire around them, and install machine gun nests to protect the perimeters. Other versions of this attitude see the world as threatening and our means not sufficient to get to the ends. We are poor, too poor to be generous, too poor to pay attention to those in need, too poor to invest in anything that doesn't yield a measureable return. Too poor...
I preached, I taught, I tried to persuade people out of their fortresses of perceived poverty. And I heard a list of excuses and insults, depending on how dug in the folks were. I tried to tell them that the Lord was inviting them to see the world in a new way. I told them that we were being invited to a new adventure, using the equipment God had given us, using it to lead us into a partnership of proclaiming the good news.
Yup, I worked at it. I read this parable and saw it as another indictment of their unwillingness to grow beyond our cultural limitations. I missed it.
I've noticed lately that Jesus wasn't stupid. Please be patient, I'm slow. I realized that he wasn't talking about being a fool for some philosophy that removes us from this world. He loved this world and us. And he understood us, as we are. He doesn't want us to be poor, he wants us to realize how rich we are. He wants us to see our options, not options of investment strategies, but options of new life, new clarity, new joy.
Because of her, I realized how rich I am. I saw my options. Now I've got a future. We're saving, but we've also quadrupled our pledge. And we're having a blast.
The guy with the barns didn't see beyond the end of his nose. He didn't see the possibilities of his wealth, what he could do with it, how grateful he could be each day. Each of us has blind spots. They prevent us from seeing our options. Take a look around, we've all got 'em, options I mean.
Wise Guys
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
When I was in third grade, I was afraid to go out for recess. There was a fifth grader out there who knew words that hurt. He pushed kids around. I was one of his targets. He was the first one of a few I encountered who were brutal. Bullies we call them. They frighten with violence, but they intimidate with an attitude of arrogance. The wise ones learn to push the right buttons of insecurity, of the desire to be part of the bunch, of shame. They do it with laughter, scorn, and a confidence that trumps anyone's sense of goodness, hope, let alone faith.
The smart ones learn to make their way with success. We silly small folk emulate their confidence and authority. We see them as experts, celebrities, even role models. Few of them darken the doors of church, unless they're running them. Faith demands humility. It demands giving up a focus on winning or domination and offers faithfulness.
It is so strange to see this phrase, "Whoever is wise, let them give heed to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord."
It is a commandment for them and us. It is a reminder for them and us.
Why don't we learn? Bullies build their domination on insecurity. They push others because they don't believe in themselves, and their power ends with the cross. It demonstrates the horrible cost and price of such futility. But it also demonstrates that it cannot break us if we hold fast to those silly bits of fluff, goodness, hope, and faith. And even more, those words are to us. They remind us that we are not silly or small or powerless in the face of such pressure or scorn. The steadfast love of the Lord defines us and let's us stand even in the face of such arrogance.
So who's are the wise guys? In the words of Robert DeNiro, "Fugetaboudit!"
Memories
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Someone who was chronologically gifted once told me that we should make sure we live full lives full of love and beauty and fun because later on, in our old age, memories are all we’ve got left. I didn’t agree with him then, and now from my advanced perspective, I still don’t. One phrase that gives me hives is, “I’m too old to do…” If we’re breathing, we have the gift of life. Gifts are made to be unwrapped and played with, used or worn. Today is another day to live lives full of love, beauty, and fun, no matter how chronologically gifted we may be.
But I do think memories are important building blocks to what we are. Gratitude is so important to how we see life. Our harvest of the fruit of God’s gifts and a consideration of the glory that fills each day creates a sense of wealth and security that makes life an adventure that never quits.
I remember finding a duck’s nest along the river near our house and hiding in the bushes watching the female mallard warming her children. I remember a dark church, with a choir up somewhere above singing Randal Thompson’s “Alleluia.” I remember falling in love in 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and so on. I remember my father’s sermon when I was ordained. I remember Indian wrestling my brother until we fell on a table in my parents’ hallway and smashed it, laughing like idiots. I remember....
If we are to be wise, if we are to see the world from a perspective that allows us to be open to the gift of mown grass on a summer’s day or proclaim the good news of love and justice, then we must allow the memories of God’s goodness in history and in our lives to guide us and lead us, to teach us and to remind us of the faithfulness of the one.
So let us claim the deeds of our Lord, the gifts given down through the ages, so that we may be wise and live each day in gratitude. And let us live this day as the gift it is, today may be a song to be sung, a source of glory and gratitude for us and those who follow. Alleluia!
C. David McKirachan is pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury in central New Jersey. He also teaches at Monmouth University. McKirachan is the author of I Happened Upon a Miracle and A Year of Wonder (Westminster John Knox).
*****************************************
StoryShare, August 4, 2013, issue.
Copyright 2013 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
