Q: What's worse than facing day after week after month after year of poor health, with no answer in sight? A: Having your church friends tell you, "The reason you're not healed yet is because you don't have enough faith." Has anyone ever said as much to you? Or, have you heard those words come spilling out of your own mouth? The place of faith in healing is a subject worthy of a separate post, but for now, let's acknowledge most of us have been guilty of insensitivity toward those with long-term health problems. We act like Job's comforters, offering theological Continue Reading
How “Just Kidding” Is Far More Harmful Than You Think
My brother Wil has trouble hearing. As health problems will do, his condition sometimes causes him to feel frustrated, depressed and isolated. One day, he made plans to meet a good friend of his -- we'll call him John -- in a public parking lot. As Wil waited near his car, John approached him from out of his line of sight. Wil didn't notice him until John was almost right next to him. "You are hilarious!" grinned John. "I was right there and you didn't notice me!" On the outside, Wil managed a smile. On the inside, he was crushed. John was just being funny -- but by making light Continue Reading
Why Can’t I Give Advice if I Know Good Stuff?
So, embarrassing story ... I'm at Bible study, and the leader is explaining that when we share our prayer requests at the end of the evening, it's not a time to give advice. "Women love to jump in and try to help each other," she explains, "but let's just pray for each other." Right, I'm thinking. Got it. Yet an hour later, after we've prayed, I lean over to the woman who had shared a health concern and ask if she's heard of this one nutritional supplement I've had some success with. Oops! Apparently, I couldn't just leave it at prayer. Timing isn't my only issue when it Continue Reading
Why a Pastor’s Failure Doesn’t Undo the Truth He Spoke
I'd been wondering how things are going with the churches that were once called Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Lo and behold, Relevant covered the topic this month: relevantmagazine.com. I'm heartened by the news of what is happening with these churches since the time of Mark Driscoll's resignation. I'm also reminded of a principle: When a spiritual leader speaks truth into our lives, and later his/her flawed and sinful human nature is revealed, the truth he/she taught does not change one iota. I've been around the church block enough times to witness moral failures, control, Continue Reading