Authentic Living

Well, we’re in roughly Week 10 of this lockdown.  I’d like to share about a few connected strands in my life lately.  One is a simple Facebook post I shared on May 5^th.   I don’t tend to think deeply about stuff like that, nor do I agonize for any length of time.  (Sometimes, Shoot, Ready, Aim doesn’t work well, though!).  That morning, I had been moved by Psalm 57:7-8 in my morning personal worship (devotional) time, and thought I should overflow some of that Gospel Grace to anyone who wanted to listen/read.  The simple post started with “I’ve had a mild case of the spiritual blues…,” (read more) which then prompted a number of responses, both within Facebook and directly to me. I found them all deeply encouraging, but I think I also detected a thread of surprise in some of the encouragement.  Maybe I read too much into some comments, but there’s no down-side in sharing this.

 

It’s one reason I say, “Just call me Peter,” when you ask.  (Some of you just can’t help but say “Pastor” and I’m totally fine with that).   A title can sometimes create distance between two people.  I’m not better than you.  It’s the same reason I’m very attuned to any discomfort some of you have in real conversation with me.  As if you need to prove yourself before the “expert” or the “moral exemplar.”  To put it bluntly:  that’s pure trash.  It’s unhealthy for you, and it’s unfair to any spiritual leader. 

Two more experiences this week connected with this first theme:  in my men’s group on Tuesday, one guy shared his struggle with laziness, mental fatigue, physical, and spiritual sluggishness, and the rest of us admitted we each felt some of the same.  This morning I joined a ministry webinar at the invitation of a friend and trusted ministry leader.  The focus was on vulnerability as leaders in the midst of crisis.  Two different testimonies included a spiritual struggle with a variation on “Why, Lord?,  Why me?,  and Why now?”  We had breakout room discussions about the testimonies, and I honestly shared with my group that I don’t tend to struggle with that question.  On one hand, maybe it’s consistent faith in God’s sovereignty and love.  He’s in control, his purposes are the best for me, and I can’t see what he’s doing, but I’m ok with that.  On the other hand, maybe there’s a part of me that feels like asking that question isn’t ok, or would reveal a gap between my theology and my practice.  Maybe it’s something I haven’t made enough space for in my heart.  Maybe that Facebook post, and the vulnerability that some of you remarked at, was God’s grace to me, to enable a more-honest-than-usual moment that needs to be cultivated.  Maybe that little flame needs a little fresh air to really “catch on fire”!    

I’m still chewing on these things, and I don’t have great clarity, but I will say this: next time you ask me how I’m doing, don’t settle for the first answer.  It’s possible that I don’t really know the answer myself.  When I ask you the same question, I’ll do the same.  

Grace,
Peter