March 6, 2009

Dear [FIRSTNAME],

God who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. (Luke 1:49)

The first question we ask when we gather as a Life Transformation group is:

1. How have you given witness to the greatness of Jesus in your words and actions?

The question is not: Whom have you bashed over the head with a Bible this week? Nor: On whom did you dump the truckload of all the Christian doctrine you’ve ever learned? Nor: To whom did you preach Christ crucified?

I’m sure all those things are important (especially the last one, and not the first two).

But what we’re really asking is: Does following Jesus make a difference in your life? Does God make a positive, transforming impact in who you are and what you do? Is God alive and active and still engaged in this world? If so, how did you share that impact with someone this week, in both your words and actions?

To be honest, no one in our LTG’s really likes this question. A lot of times we’re kind of embarrassed and don’t have much to say. (My favorite response is, “Well, I didn’t hit anyone this week.” I’m always impressed.) It would be easier and a lot less painful just to skip the silly question.

But….

Does your God give you peace? Does He give you joy? Does He bring wholeness and healing in your life, marriage, and friendships? Does He answer prayer? Is He making you into a different person of true character? Does He help you endure suffering? Does He make you more compassionate and loving? (Are not these things the fruit of Jesus’ death and resurrection?) If so, how can you not share this with the people God has placed in your life (whether they follow Jesus or not)?

If not, it makes me wonder why we bother. In reading Philip Pullman’s Golden Compass (His Dark Materials) Trilogy, what struck me was his perception of Christianity’s God. He perceives Christians as believing in a god who is weak and powerless except in being judgmental and vindictive. I would rather be an atheist, too, than that type of Christian.

And so, I have a few friends ask me each week about who my God is. How have I shown that God is great this week, in my words and actions? I’m sure to think of it during the week, because my buddies are going to ask.

In Christ,
Pastor Steve
swillweber@trinitylutheranpaso.org

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