Are You Kidding Me?
I’m reflecting upon an issue that I imagine is not distinctly an American problem, but a troubling one none the less. The matter at hand is the role that our cultural and national identities play in the character of our local church. Having recently attended a gospel conference, I heard a speaker say that “the Church is multi ethnic but NOT multi cultural…we have one culture, and that is Christ”. Someone might immediately point out that it is impossible not to observe cultural distinctives in our local bodies. Some would argue that our language is a cultural norm. What about the wearing of suits? That conversation is all well and good but I’m thinking about another practice all together. That being the military parade that takes place in most Sunday morning services on this Memorial Day weekend.
I’m not going to waste your time attempting to prove to you that I’m a loyal American that loves his country. What I would like for you to consider is why every Memorial Day and July 4th weekend a fair number of our churches feel compelled to abandon the worship of our Sovereign and King in order that we might pay homage to our country’s military forces. This brings me to the place of my reflection. There are a couple questions I’m considering and wondering if you do as well. Namely,
- Is it right for a local body of believers to ‘honor’ someone or something other than God?
- What criteria do we use to determine whether that someone or something is worthy of receiving honor from us corporately. As opposed to me thanking a soldier individually. Remember that the Church is a distinct and unique enterprise, most notably because of it’s creator and owner.
- What form does that recognition or honor take? A plaque? A 30 minute slideshow? Or maybe 20 minutes of patriotic songs that we normally ascribe to Jesus Christ?
- Where/when do we bestow this honor? Do we use the singular time that we as a body of believers have set aside to assemble together for this purpose?
You might ask, “what’s the big deal Bo?” Here’s the big deal. So much of my life is so distracted with the cares and concerns of this world that I have become very protective over certain things of my life. Things are distinctly separate from this world. Gathering corporately on the Lord’s Day to commemorate His resurrection is, for me, the epitome of that separation. And to drag my favorite national holiday into that assembly is not only out of place, it’s vile.
If I’m missing the boat on this one, please correct me.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from EVERY tribe and tongue and people and nation.
Rev 5:9 NASB