I found a new blog.
...I believe that to avoid hypocrisy and sanctimoniousness one should not try over-hard to look saintly (the great saints rarely do), nor am I being facetious in saying that while we should attempt for the glory and the dread fear of God to be good, we should never try to appear so damn good that anyone who, as a result of coming to know us better, is put in danger of losing his faith.
This distinction between being and seeming is invaluable, I think. Image-mongering is especially destructive among those who claim to follow Christ; at the same time, the church needs exemplary leaders worthy of emulation. Is there tension here? What do you think?
2 comments:
This is a toughie.
On the one hand, acting like a complete screw-up isn't exactly going to be a compelling way to evangelize. On the other, spiritual pride and a holier than thou attitude are poison.
I try and strike a balance by being willing to admit mistakes and sins, doing good because it is what brings me peace and joy, and striving to be a loving person.
Making confession regularly has been helpful in keeping me humble, too! LOL.
This idea really rubs against the flow of our fascination/obsession with celebrity. The church can be rather syncretic in this area: celebrity pastors, speakers, authors, musicians. The success in each of these areas is directly tied to how one "looks."
Yet. Pause. Is this desire we have to put people on pedestals have any root in some good, God-given desire? Is there something in our createdness that longs for heroism, and therefore invents cheap heroes that are more image than substance?
Post a Comment