Posts

Date: February 6, 2011
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 5:13-20
Sermon: Briny and Bright
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

I can remember as a child we had a food crisis in our house. One morning, my brother and I sat down for our morning bowl of cereal and started eating only to notice that it didn’t taste right. We tried the milk. Was the milk sour? No. We didn’t know what the problem was, but we threw the cereal out and headed on to toasted bagels. Then at dinner, we had one of my favorites salads as a child – a wedge of iceberg lettuce with lemon juice and a dusting of sugar. It just didn’t taste right. I refused to eat it. The rest of the family ate their iceberg with Italian dressing, so they thought I was just being difficult. The next day, it was the iced tea. None of us could drink it. What was wrong? It wasn’t the refrigerator. It wasn’t the water. It wasn’t soap residue from the dishwasher. Why was our food tasting strange? We finally solved the mystery. Somehow, the sugar bowl had been refilled with salt! So we had put salt on our cereal, salt on the lettuce wedge instead of the expected sugar, salt in the iced tea. And one thing was clear – salt is powerful. Even a little salt can have an enormous effect!

Salt was a precious commodity in ancient times. It was used as a condiment. It was sprinkled on offerings to the gods. It was used as a preservative in the days before refrigeration. It was used to purify and cleanse. [Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 4, “salt”] In the ancient world, salt was so valuable that it was traded ounce for ounce for gold. In the Mediterranean area, salt cakes were used as currency. Taxes were paid in salt. [World Book Encyclopedia, vol. 17, “salt”]

Salt is necessary for the human body to live and for cells to function properly. So salt is an extremely important, powerful substance. It is a very valuable necessity. Salt sustains life. So when we read that Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” we want to make sure to see the power and significance of salt. Today we take salt for granted. It is cheap. And we concern ourselves with moderating our salt intake because too much salt contributes to high blood pressure. So given our contemporary associations with salt, we want to be sure that we see the significance of salt in the context in which Jesus lived. Salt was a vital, life-sustaining necessity and was highly valued as such.

Light also has significant, powerful associations. Imagine the difference light made in a world without electricity. In the days before light pollution, a single oil lamp illuminating the pitch black darkness had an enormous impact.

Maybe you remember that crime thriller movie from 1967 starring Audrey Hepburn, “Wait Until Dark.” Hepburn plays a blind woman who is the unwitting recipient of a heroin-stuffed doll. She is terrorized in her apartment by the man who wants the heroin back. To get the advantage, the blind woman disables all of the lights in the apartment because she is accustomed to functioning in the dark. She gets every light. Then the refrigerator opens and the light fills the apartment. You see the impact of just one small light in the pitch black darkness.

Salt and light are images of incredible power. And Jesus is remembered for saying, “You are the salt of the earth. . . . You are the light of the world.” And he is remembered as saying this to ordinary people. To the crowd gathered on the hillside to listen to his teaching. To a mix of people, perhaps. From those who didn’t feel good enough for traditional organized religion to those who were sincerely wanting to go deeper in their faith commitment. All are told: You are salt. You are light. This is saying: You are valuable. You are necessary. You sustain life. You are powerful. You make a difference. You change the game. You. You have the power of salt and light.

There are no conditions attached. You could be like salt if . . . You would shine like light if . . . You should have an impact if . . . No. What we are told is: You are salt. You are light. There are no conditions. This is not determined by training. Or economics. Or ethnicity. Or education. Or income. Or piety. Or gender. Or sexual orientation. Or anything else. To whosoever is listening, to whosoever is reading: You are salt. You are light.

The community of followers of Jesus is completely egalitarian. Everyone is salt and light. Despite the hierarchy and patriarchy that has become infused in the faith community, the original intention was egalitarian. Everyone endowed as salt and light. Everyone making a difference. Everyone necessary. Everyone valuable. Everyone sustaining life. No exceptions!

We see that sense of power, passion, and purpose in the stories of those early disciples and in the stories of the early faith community, especially in the book of Acts. But through the ages, there seem to be influences undermining that sense of knowing you have a life-changing, world-changing impact.

What are some of those influences and factors that seem to undermine the power of the faith community as salt and light? There are forces in society that want people to think they can’t make a difference so that they don’t interfere with the status quo, or with the agenda of a certain group. We are told that things are so big and complex now, it’s harder to make a difference. There is the cultivation of fear. All the reporting on crime and violence makes people afraid to involve themselves in the community. The recent crack down on peace activists in this country is meant to intimidate and instill fear in those who would speak out for peace and the end of the war in Afghanistan. We’re told that the people who make a difference, who have power, are the executives in large corporations. They control everything. They are running the government. Average people have no power. Columnist Nicholas Kristoff recently observed, “The U.S. military now has more people in its marching bands than the State Department has in its foreign service – and that’s preposterous.” [Columnist Nichoal D. Kristoff, cited in “The Christian Century,” 1/25/11, p. 9] And even if we did change things here in the US, the rest of the world is still contributing to problems like global warming and violent conflict and resource depletion and the violating of human rights. So what can we do?

So many messages assault us everyday that are disempowering. Then there is the flip side of the coin. The focus on status and prestige. You are special. You deserve the best. You should be recognized. So people expect to be extolled for any “good” that they do. And if there isn’t some pay off, some recognition, some status or publicity, then don’t bother. You should expect to be extolled and appreciated.

There was a growing congregation that needed to build a new building to accommodate its ministry. The leaders of the church decided to honor the New Testament spirit of egalitarianism, and Jesus’ teachings like don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing, and let your light shine so that people give glory to God. So it was determined that all contributions to the building fund would be kept secret. The concept was that giving was a pure act of selfless, Christian devotion. The fundraising for the building began and returns were disappointing. Some made sacrificial donations. Others, some of the wealthiest people in the congregation, were not fully supportive. The church leaders decided that in the interests of having the building and ministry fully funded, the contributors would be publicized. Many people increased their support, and the building was erected. But there were those in the congregation disturbed by the motives for giving. They were not donating to give glory to God, but to themselves. [The Sermon on the Mount: A Guide to Jesus’ Most Famous Sermon, Roger Shinn, p.30]

There are many influences that can undermine our being salt and light in the world. It can seem overwhelming. But let us remember that the same was true in Jesus’ day. The people were living under Roman rule. What could they do? They were living in an extremely stratified, hierarchichal society. They were mostly poor. Salt and light? Really? What could they possibly do to change the world? It is the issue of disempowerment that lies behind the comments about hiding the light under a bushel. Having the light is one thing. Hiding the light is another. And it was a temptation then, as it is now, or the business about the the bushel basket would not be in the Gospel.

In a recent Gallup poll which asked, “At the present time, do you think religion as a whole is increasing its influence on American life or losing its influence?” 70 percent of respondents said that religion is losing its influence on American life. [CC 1/25/11, p. 8] In some ways, that could be a good thing. But in thinking about light and salt, images pointing to common, humble, virtually unnoticed substances having a significant influence for peace, compassion, and goodwill, the US could use more salt and light. In the wake of the recent incidents of horrific violence that we have witnessed, I am wondering how things might be different if Christians, who are salt and light, were not hiding their light under a bushel. Would this have prevented the shootings in Arizona? Would this have changed the course of the life of Hydra Lacey who recently killed two St. Petersburg police officers? We can’t change the past, but we can look to the future. How are we needed as salt and light in the world?

I recently read about about a salt/light initiative in Bethlehem, as in “O LIttle Town of.” We’re told that “in Bethlehem . . . 70,000 Palestinians are walled in by Israeli military occupation and surrounded by illegal settlements on confiscated Palestinian land. Here Palestinian Lutherans have defied all odds by building a wellness center, a medical clinic, a first-rate cultural center hosting local and international events and a K-12 school for Muslim and Christian students. Two months ago, the first fine arts college in the Arab world was opened under their sponsorship. Dar Al Kalima . . .has 200 full-time students and a thousand more in part-time studies. Despite a dwindling number of Arab Christians, the inclusive organization called Diyar (“home”) serves women, children, youth and the elderly; it is the third largest employer in Bethlehem.” Mitri Raheb, the pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church and founding director of Diyar, was asked what keeps him from going crazy under relentless pressures. “I start a new project,” he said. This is his way of being salt and light, in spite of the challenges he faces. (“The Christian Century,” Reflections on the Lectionary, F. Dean Lueking, 1/11/11, p. 21] We can always make or find excuses. But that does not change that we are salt and light.

Recently in the life of this church, it has been suggested that as a follow up to the focus on peace of the Advent/Christmas season, we pursue an initiative specifically aimed at addressing gun violence. Plans are in the works to take action on this important issue since we are peacemakers and followers of the one who taught love of enemy. This is a way of being salt and light to the world.

Another recent initiative that has surfaced in our church is the Property Improvement Initiative which you will hear more about following the service this morning. The focus of this effort is to improve the visual presentation of the church to the public so that people know that we are here and that we are a vital, vibrant presence and not dilapidated or defunct. This is about shining our light and not hiding it under a bushel. So both seeking to end gun violence and sprucing up the property are part of the church being light and salt, and not hiding under a bushel.

We are salt. We are light. We have power. We have influence. We are needed. We sustain life. Each and every day, may we bring glory to God! Amen.

A reasonable effort has been made to appropriately cite materials referenced in this sermon. For additional information, please contact Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Date: January 23, 2011
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 4:12-25
Sermon: Motivation Matters
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

In a letter to the editor this past Friday, a woman addresses the health care reform bill. In the letter, we are told of the woman’s earnest desire to make sure that she has access to healthcare for herself and her young family. Apparently, she contacted Rep. Bill Young’s office to discuss the issue. Debra Sheldon tells us, “After listening to my nearly desperate plea to fix, not repeal, this law, Rep. C.W. Bill Young’s office then referred to the legislation as “Obamacare.” Personalizing this issue in such a way at that very moment made me realize that we have reached a point where our disdain and contempt for Democrats runs far deeper than our passion for family and respect for human dignity.” [Letter to the editor, from Debra Sheldon, Dunedin, St. Petersburg Times 1/21/11]

Here, we are faced with the matter of motivation. Ms. Sheldon points out her concern that the motivation for opposing health care reform is not a positive one because you’re going toward something good, but a negative one. She points up two alternatives. One negative, contempt and disdain, and one positive, related to values. Is the goal to be vindictive or is the goal to support families and people? She sees the motivation for the opposition to health care reform as negative, not positive. It is not moving toward something positive out of commitment to certain values. Sheldon reminds us that motivation matters.

Motivation matters are also prominent when it comes to the gospel Jesus Christ. We see a contrast in motivation between Jesus and John the Baptist. John the Baptist is crying out to people to repent for the realm of heaven has come near. People confess their sins and repent as John preaches about condemnation and wrath. The ax at the root of the tree and unquenchable fire. John preaches repentance. The motivation is fear. Repent so that you are not punished by God.

Jesus, too, begins his ministry preaching, “Repent, the realm of God has come near.” But there is no fear. No threat. No punishment. No proverbial fire and brimstone. Jesus is not calling people to repent so that they can avoid burning in hell. So what motivation does Jesus use? He calls people to repent, but why should they repent? Why should they turn their lives in a new direction?

In the lesson we heard this morning, we hear of the Peter and Andrew, James and John, leaving their fishing business and following Jesus. They literally repent. They turn their lives in a new direction. From all that we know, they leave a good life, family, a successful business, and they follow Jesus. What is their motivation? Why do they follow Jesus and turn their lives in a new direction?

I see their motivation revealed in the verses that follow. We are told that after the disciples leave their fishing and follow Jesus, they go throughout Galilee with Jesus teaching, proclaiming good news, curing people of every disease and sickness including those with afflicted with demons, epilepsy, and paralysis. All are healed and given new life. And their are no requirements for this healing. The people do not have to make a confession of faith. There are no conditions involved that we are told of. The call is to repent. The action that accompanies the call is healing for all.

For me, the account of the healings following the call tells us that Jesus was inviting people to repent, to turn their lives in a new direction, to be part of this wonderful life of healing and wholeness and community and justice. Jesus’ call to repentance was a call to a life lived in the reality of God’s dreams and intentions for humanity. Jesus’ invitation to repent is a call to a life of healing and hope and goodness. The motivation to respond to Jesus’ call to repent is positive. Turn and head your life toward this glorious vision of wellbeing for all people and all of creation. Jesus’ invitation to repent was not a call to avoid punishment. It was not based on fear. It was a call to turn your life toward something wonderful, and positive, and good. The focus was not on condemnation or judgment or threat. There was to be an intended contrast between Jesus and John the Baptist. Jesus was supposed to be the “new thing” God was doing. He was to inaugurate a new era of God’s love revealed. And we see this from the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry as we heard this morning. It is about turning toward something new and beautiful and good for yourself and for the whole world. It was a different motivation.

As we look at Christianity today, we see these the continuing traditions of both negative and positive motivation for the Christian life. Christianity is well known for calling people away from a life of sin. A life of moral degradation. Drinking. Smoking. Stealing. Whoring. And all the other morally objectionable behaviors that can be elaborated upon. Leave all that evil that leads to hell behind and take up the Christian faith. Get ready for the glories of heaven and the streets paved with gold for all eternity. Avoid eternal damnation in the fires of hell. Turn to Jesus. This is more of a negative motivation for responding to the call to repent. It is based on judgment and fear. Something is wrong with you and you need to be fixed and if you repent, God will fix it for you and you can avoid rotting in hell. This can lead to a Christianity that is extremely judgmental and condemning. That tradition of Christianity can be quite vocal as we often see in the media.

We also see the positive motivation for repenting and following the Christian way lived out in the church today. We see people invited to find new life and hope by becoming part of a community of healing and wholeness for the world. We see communities inviting others to turn their lives in a new direction of service and giving and other-centered living. Not because they are bad or immoral, but because there’s a beautiful life in store as part of a community of people focussed on God’s realm of healing and grace. Christianity can be a transforming journey that is based on going in a positive direction toward being part of creating God’s realm in the world.

When Robin Rogers and George Overholser called off their wedding, they could not get the $3,500 deposit back that they had put down for the reception. So, were they just out this $3,500? They decided to convert the reception into a $100 per person fund raiser for the the Greenpoint Reformed Church’s soup kitchen in New York City and they raised $10,000 for the hungry. The Greenpoint pastor reflected, “This is a great example of someone turning mourning into dancing.” [The Christian Century, 1/11/11, p. 8]

This couple could have been overwhelmed by judgment and a sense of failure and disappointment. Instead they chose to move ahead toward something positive and good that they both believed in. They were motivated by the good they could do. What a beautiful testimony to being part of God’s realm, here and now. “Repent for the realm of God is at hand.”

Positive motivation for repentance is open to everyone who is captivated by the dream of God’s realm of wellbeing and peace for all. The invitation to be part of a community seeking meaning and justice through service has an appeal for all.

This past week someone from our church was telling me about the ministry of a pastor in Minneapolis who feels called to invite people who are young and rich and successful to consider a new direction for their lives. It is a call to repentance, to turn in a new direction. This pastor recruits a small group of wealthy young adults and takes them on a three week intensive trip to the poorest parts of Africa. The travelers are to have no contact with family or the outside world during the trip. Each day involves Bible study and devotions. The loved ones at home are to pray each day for their traveler. The intent is not to condemn the rich people for their success. It is not to malign them for getting rich at the expense of others. It is not to instill guilt. The journey is intended as an invitation to repent. To turn in a new direction. To consider what they can do for others given their know how and resources. It is a call to turn their lives toward making God’s goodness and abundance and generosity real in the lives of people who have great need. And the pastor has seen numerous cases of people who have come back from this trip and then invested themselves in significant ways for the betterment of people who are suffering. To me, this is a positive call to repentance. It is a call to be part of something beautiful and wonderful and life changing for self and for others.

There are many people in our community, in our lives, and in our world today who are waiting to be called. They are ripe for repentance. Looking for a new life, whether they know it or not. There are many hungering to be part of a life changing, world changing community. Aching to be part of something that has passion and heart. Ready to move toward something good and inviting and exciting. But they may not have heard the positive call of Christ. They may have only heard the judgment and condemnation, the fear and punishment, the threat of damnation and hell, as motivation for repentance. They may not have heard the call to healing and hope. They may not have heard the positive message of being part of something beautiful and transforming. They are waiting to hear the call to repent – from us! Amen.

A reasonable effort has been made to appropriately cite materials referenced in this sermon. For additional information, please contact Lakewood United Church of Christ.