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Autor: Chris Wright
Fecha: 01.07.2010
Category: Integridad y Anti Corrupción
Nota del Editor: El presente Texto Previo para Ciudad del Cabo 2010 fue escrito por Chris Wright como una reseña del tema a debatirse en la sesión plenaria matutina sobre “Un llamado a la iglesia de Cristo para volver a la humildad, la integridad y la simplicidad”. Los comentarios a este texto realizados a través de la Conversación Global de Lausana serán remitidos al autor y a otras personas para ayudar a dar forma a su presentación final en el Congreso.
El Pacto de Lausana está maravillosamente equilibrado en la forma en que une dos dimensiones de la confesión cristiana. Por una parte está la confesión de fe, es decir, la afirmación de las grandes verdades de nuestra fe bíblica. Por otra parte, está la confesión de fracaso, es decir, aceptar que, en muchos sentidos, los cristianos no viven a la altura del llamado de Dios. No nos comportamos como discípulos del Señor Jesucristo. De modo que hay tanto proclamación como penitencia: nos regocijamos por lo que creemos y además nos arrepentimos por la manera en que fracasamos vivirlo en la práctica.
Este es un equilibrio que refleja algunas grandes ocasiones de renovación del pacto en la Biblia. Por ejemplo: Deuteronomio 29-31, Josué 23-24, 2 Reyes 22-23, Nehemías 8-10; todos estos pasajes incluyen reconocimientos de fracaso y pecado. Todos llamaron a las personas al arrepentimiento y la reconsagración.
Es trágico que muchas cosas de las que el Pacto de Lausana nos llamaba a apartarnos allá por 1974, sean, aún, las mismas que afligen e infectan a la iglesia 36 años después. Pero esto no debe deprimirnos ni paralizarnos. Por el contrario, nos desafía a volver una vez más a nuestro Dios de gracia, con renovado arrepentimiento y reconsagración en nuestra propia generación.
Puntos de penitencia EN EL Pacto de Lausana
Vale la pena leer completo el Pacto de Lausana y tomar nota de los lugares en que expresa fracaso, o una sensación de vergüenza y dolor, o donde llama al arrepentimiento y el cambio. El Pacto continúa hablándonos con voz potente hoy. He aquí varios pasajes sobre los que vale la pena reflexionar con un espíritu de oración y humildad. Los números que se ven a la izquierda son la referencia a párrafos del Pacto de Lausana.
Párrafo - Cita y comentario
1. EL PROPÓSITO DE DIOS
Confesamos con vergüenza que a menudo hemos negado nuestro llamamiento y fallado en nuestra misión, conformándonos al mundo o separándonos de él.
4. NATURALEZA DE LA EVANGELIZACIÓN
Al hacer la invitación del Evangelio, no tenemos la libertad para ocultar o rebajar el costo del discipulado. Jesús todavía llama, a todos los que quieran seguirlo, a negarse a sí mismos, tomar su cruz e identificarse con su nueva comunidad. Los resultados de la evangelización incluyen la obediencia a Cristo, la incorporación en Su iglesia y el servicio responsable en el mundo.
Una obediencia costosa, la negación de uno mismo, la identificación con la cruz, el compromiso con la iglesia y el servicio práctico; todas estas cosas deben estar incluidas cuando nos involucramos en la evangelización. Si las evitamos, nuestro mensaje y nuestro método carecerán de integridad y se convertirán en manipulación.
6. LA IGLESIA Y LA EVANGELIZACIÓN
La Iglesia está en el corazón mismo del propósito cósmico de Dios y es el instrumento que El ha designado para la difusión del Evangelio. Pero una Iglesia que predica la cruz debe el misma estar marcada por la cruz. Se convierte en una piedra de tropiezo para la evangelización cuando traiciona al Evangelio o carece de una fe viva en Dios, un genuino amor a los hombres, o una escrupulosa honradez en todas las cosas, incluyendo la promoción y las finanzas.
Esta contundente declaración destaca el hecho de que la iglesia no es meramente el mecanismo de entrega de un mensaje verbal. En cambio, Dios desea que la iglesia sea un modelo del evangelio que predica; especialmente, un modelo del camino de la cruz. Tres cosas constituyen “piedras de tropiezo”, es decir, hacen fallar nuestra evangelización: la falta de fe, la falta de amor y la falta de honestidad. Debe haber integridad entre nuestras palabras y nuestra vida. Y debemos arrepentirnos si no la hay.
6. La Iglesia es la comunidad del Pueblo de Dios, mas bien que una institución, y no debe identificarse con una cultura, sistema social o político, o ideología humana particular.
El peligro al que aquí se hace referencia es una tentación constante. Podemos estar llenos de soberbia por nuestra propia cultura, algo que no es bíblico. O tener un sentido de superioridad nacional o racial. O poner una fe absoluta en nuestro sistema económico. Como consecuencia de esto, la iglesia queda cautiva de los ídolos y la ideología que nos rodean.
9. LA URGENCIA DE LA TAREA DE EVANGELIZACIÓN
No podemos esperar alcanzar esta meta [la meta de permitir que todos lleguen a escuchar el evangelio] sin sacrificio. Todos nos sentimos sacudidos por la pobreza de millones de personas y perturbados por las injusticias que la causan. Los que vivimos en situaciones de riqueza aceptamos nuestro deber de desarrollar un estilo de vida simple a fin de contribuir más generosamente tanto a la ayuda material como a la evangelización.
El llamado a la simplicidad de vida es parte del discipulado para la semejanza a Cristo. ¡Pero nos tienta sobremanera el poder seductor de la codicia y la autogratificación! El llamado al sacrificio y la simplicidad debe volver a escucharse, porque el deseo de prosperidad y éxito lo contradice constantemente.
Este fue un desafío que motivó toda una nueva consulta con su consiguiente declaración: “The International Consultation on Simple Lifestyle” (Consulta Internacional sobre un Estilo de Vida Sencillo), en Hoddesdon, 1980. La declaración se encuentra en elTexto Ocasional de Lausana No. 20, o en http://www.lausanne.org/hoddesdon-1980/hoddesdon-1980.html
11. EDUCACIÓN Y LIDERAZGO
Confesamos que, a veces, hemos buscado un crecimiento de la Iglesia a expensas de la profundidad, y hemos divorciado la evangelización del crecimiento cristiano.
Esta plaga del “crecimiento sin profundidad” se ha vuelto aun peor después de 1974. Hacia el final del milenio, surgieron muchas estrategias y organizaciones misioneras que estaban obsesionadas con la velocidad y con “terminar el trabajo”. “La superficialidad cristiana se ha convertido en un fenómeno mundial. Muchos convertidos nunca crecen en Cristo” (Texto Ocasional de Lausana No. 3, pág. 40). En algunas organizaciones, la educación y la capacitación teológica hasta fueron eliminadas de los planes y la inversión misionera, en una trágica falta de visión.
Pero si no obedecemos la tercera frase de la gran comisión (“enseñándoles que guarden todas las cosas que os he mandado”), en realidad, no estamos obedeciendo en nada el “hacer discípulos”. Y los resultados se ven en el nominalismo generalizado en los países que se dicen “alcanzados”.
11. …anhelamos que cada iglesia tenga líderes nacionales que manifiesten un estilo cristiano de liderazgo, no en términos de dominio, sino de servicio.
Esto es reforzado por la siguiente declaración:
“Los líderes nacionales no son más inmunes que los misioneros a los pecados de soberbia, hambre de poder y pomposidad. Así que anhelamos líderes nacionales que manifiesten un estilo cristiano de liderazgo, que se inspiren, no en el gobierno secular, sino en la enseñanza y el ejemplo de Cristo, un liderazgo en términos, no de dominio, sino de servicio” (Texto Ocasional de Lausana No. 3, pág. 39).
La tentación de buscar poder y estatus es muy fuerte, y lamentablemente, muchos líderes evangélicos ceden a ella y no siguen ni la enseñanza, ni el ejemplo de Cristo. El “dominio” por parte de líderes y pastores puede tomar muchas formas dentro de la iglesia misma, entre ellas, el abuso de confianza, la explotación para el beneficio personal, la relegación de la mujer, la manipulación de dinero o poder.
12. Conflicto Espiritual
…percibimos la actividad de nuestro enemigo, no sólo en las falsas ideologías fuera de la Iglesia, sino también dentro de ellas, en los evangelios falsos que tergiversan las Escrituras y colocan al hombre en el lugar de Dios. […].Otras veces, en el deseo de asegurar una respuesta al evangelio, hemos acomodado nuestro mensaje, hemos manipulado a nuestros oyentes por medio de técnicas de presión y nos hemos preocupado demasiado de las estadísticas y hasta hemos sido deshonestos en el uso que hemos hecho de ellas.
El engaño y la manipulación son las marcas distintivas del carácter y la obra de Satanás, y este párrafo nos advierte que debemos estar alertas a su presencia dentro de la iglesia, aun en lo que parece una misión entusiasta y exitosa. Una vez más, la exposición de John Stott es contundente y clara:
“El crecimiento numérico de la iglesia se ha convertido casi en una obsesión para nosotros. Por tanto, deseosos (aun, decididos) a asegurarnos de que haya respuesta al evangelio, hemos recurrido a métodos dudosos, que Pablo casi con seguridad hubiera incluido entre lo “oculto y vergonzoso” a lo que afirmaba haber renunciado (2 Corintios 4:2). O hemos comprometido nuestro mensaje (“adulterando la palabra de Dios”, 2 Corintios 4:2), eliminando elementos poco atractivos como la negación de uno mismo y el juzgarse a uno mismo, para hacerlo más agradable al hombre moderno; o hemos manipulado a nuestros oyentes por medio de técnicas de presión, lo cual implica tratar a los seres humanos como menos que humanos; o nos hemos preocupado indebidamente por las estadísticas (¡como si la obra del Santo Espíritu de Dios pudiera ser reducida a meras estadísticas!) o, aun, hemos sido deshonestos en nuestro uso de ellas (publicando informes que no son estrictamente veraces). Es una desagradable lista de fechorías (Texto Ocasional de Lausana No. 3, pág. 45)
El asunto principal aquí es el peligro de manipulación y deshonestidad. Debemos retornar a una rigurosa integridad en todos nuestros esfuerzos por promover el evangelio. Satanás está obrando en toda ocasión en que los cristianos rinden su integridad y siguen lo que es falaz y deshonesto (aunque crean que es por buenos motivos).
TRES DESAFÍOS CLAVES
La mayoría de los desafíos planteados a la iglesia en el Pacto de Lausana podrían agruparse en tres temas principales. Estos temas son, al mismo tiempo, cuestiones mayores en la Biblia. A lo largo de toda la Biblia, Dios llama constantemente a Su pueblo a apartarse de los ídolos del poder, el éxito y la avaricia, y a vivir según Sus exigencias de humildad, integridad y simplicidad.
La idolatría del poder y el llamado a la humildad
La tentación de buscar poder y estatus es muy fuerte. Refleja nuestra naturaleza caída, ya que, básicamente, la caída fue tratar de usurpar la autoridad de Dios exaltando nuestro propio estatus por encima de Él. Esta es, también, una de las huellas de Satanás. Por ello, es trágico que muchos líderes cristianos caigan en este pecado y se exalten a sí mismos. Necesitamos con urgencia reconocer y denunciar esto como el pecado que es.
En contraste, la humildad es una de las marcas esenciales de Jesucristo y, por tanto, debería caracterizar a sus seguidores, especialmente a aquellos que son llamados al liderazgo.
La idolatría del éxito y el llamado a la integridad
La tentación de impresionar a otros con nuestros logros, habilidades o milagrosos poderes también es muy fuerte. Ansiamos éxito y reconocimiento. Pero esto lleva fácilmente a distorsionar la verdad y manipular a las personas. Lleva a la deshonestidad en los informes, las finanzas, la vida personal y las relaciones. Necesitamos escuchar nuevamente el constante llamado de la Biblia a la integridad, en público y en privado, en cada rincón de nuestras vidas y ministerios. No hay misión bíblica sin ética bíblica.
La idolatría de la avaricia y el llamado a la simplicidad
“…avaricia, que es idolatría”, dijo Pablo (Colosenses 3:5). Quebrantar el décimo mandamiento es quebrantar el primero. La Biblia reconoce la riqueza legítima como un buen don de la generosidad de Dios. Pero la Biblia habla con mucha mayor frecuencia del ídolo en que puede fácilmente convertirse la riqueza. A lo largo de toda la Biblia hay advertencias contra la avaricia y los peligros de buscar riquezas; algunas de ellas, pronunciadas por Jesús mismo. Jesús y Pablo fueron modelos de una sencilla dependencia de Dios y el contentamiento con lo que es “suficiente”.
RECURSOS BÍBLICOS
Como preparación para la segunda sesión plenaria de la mañana del día 5, le sugerimos estudiar algunos pasajes bíblicos sobre cada uno de los temas mencionados anteriormente. Quizá pueda agregar otros.
Humildad vs. Poder: Isaías 2:12-17, Miqueas 6:8, Proverbios 11:2, Lucas 22:24-27, Mateo 5:1-12, Efesios 4:1-2, 2 Timoteo 3:1-5
Integridad vs. Éxito: Ezequiel 13:1-7,1 Crónicas 29:17, Salmos 15, 24, Proverbios 11:1, 3, Mateo 5:33-37, 2 Corintios 2:17; 4:1-2, Apocalipsis 22:15
Simplicidad vs. Avaricia: Miqueas 3:5,11, Jeremías 22:13-17, 1 Reyes 21, Mateo 7:21-23, Lucas 12:13-21, Efesios. 5:5, 1 Timoteo 6:5-10
Jesús enfrentó las tres tentaciones que hemos identificado.
Lamentablemente, parece que muchos líderes cristianos (incluidos líderes de misiones) fracasan estrepitosamente en estas pruebas, precisamente en los puntos en que Jesús las superó. No pueden resistir las tentaciones del poder abusivo, el éxito manipulado y la avaricia egoísta. La iglesia en conjunto paga el costo de su fracaso en la pérdida de integridad y de credibilidad.
PREOCUPACIONES ACTUALES
He aquí algunas de las cosas en las que debemos pensar como motivos de arrepentimiento, para “volver a Dios con humildad, integridad y simplicidad”.
Abuso de poder y estatus
Falta de integridad
Avaricia
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Palabras clave: Humildad, integridad, simplicidad, Pacto de Lausana, penitencia, arrepentimiento, reconsagración, soberbia, éxito, avaricia, prosperidad, discipulado, idolatría, tentación, confesión
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Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
What if the church really went back to focusing on humility, integrity and simplicity. Imagine how the church would be seen, and the impact the church could make if we really showed humility. What if we were seen as always having integrity? And simplicity...What if the church worked to simplify all the complex stuff we try to do?
If we got back to these three, much like the early church, we could have a profound impact on the world around us. Thanks for this paper, which follows up on the call given in 1974. This needs to be revisited in all our churches.
12.12.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ brucec:
I agree with you Brucec and believe that the church will get back to being what God designed to be and not looking so much like the world.
29.04.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ brucec:
I am very much in agreement if the Body of Christ would serve as the Body of Christ we would have such a huge impact, influence, and impression on the world. Humility, Integrity, and Simplicity are the three ingrediants that we need to get back to.
Donnie Thurman
05.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ DonnieLewisThurman: Yes! It makes me think about Jesus saying that He did not come to be served but to serve. You are right about us following His example; He said that He did not even have a home. We know He did not have a donkey or a camel. So what does that say about Christians making choices and purchases that are only self-serving and extravagant?
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ earnold:
Obviously we cannot be like Jesus fully, but we can try. I love your views on this. Thank you for bringing up Jesus not wanting to be served but rather to serve others. Sometimes we may feel like we should be served, especially on days like our birthday and other special days to us. I think that I m going to try and be a servant to others...especially on my birthday! haha.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
In the article by Chris Wright, Calling the Church Back to Humility, Integrity and Simplicity there is a profound allegiance that Christians should be who they say they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this article. As a freshman in Seminary, I received this article as advice for my future ministry. I agree with Wright when he states “… in so many ways we Christians do not live up to the calling of God.” I think we get tripped up over our trials and our own ambitions to be great. We seem to forget the promise God made to Abram, I will make your name great. If we just go where God tells us to go, He will make our name great; are we not covenant partners with Abram. We, as Christians, lose the mission because we are trying to do God’s job.
The points of Penitence in the Lausanne Covenant were very intriguing to say the least. I want to be the best ambassador of Christ I can be. As I endeavor to do this I can’t conform to the world or succumb to anything less then God’s will. At first contemplation of being a minister, I thought mostly about my ability to effectively preach the word of God. Now, I think about how my life preaches the word of God. A ministry life style is truly one of “costly obedience, self-denial, identification with the cross, commitment to the church and practical service,” proclaims Wright. Evading these postulates makes our cause for the kingdom of God fraudulent. The preaching aspect of calling the church back to its true mission is merely a bow on a complete package.
Wright’s comment “a church which preaches the cross must itself be marked by the cross” speaks profoundly to a fundamental foundation of an effective leadership of the church. A lot of ministers preach the cross, but few expose their sins that were forgiven on that same cross. Some ministers, in my opinion, forget that the gospel is still for them even though they are a mouthpiece for God. I believe the honesty of their own testimony evangelizes the realness of the gospel.
I do agree that there is danger in teaching racial superiority. I am on the line about teaching pride of one’s culture. Being a black woman, I think it is very important to teach pride in our culture which have been oppressed for years. Not a teaching of superiority, a pride that states blacks are not inferior which most are led to believe. The more I grow in my calling, the more I realize that as long as one’s blood is red, I can preach the pride in being forgiven on the cross.
Many ministers that prosper in mega churches and some that monopolizes small cities churches fall into the temptation of greed. I don’t necessary believe in the excessiveness of pastors but does being Christian mean one can not possess nice things? It is hard to accept that choosing Christ means I have to settle for less. Simplicity is challenging for me. I want nice things. I want the elegance of wealth, but with the humility that I know I am favored by God. I want to be in the position to bless others and let them know that it is only by the grace of God.
Wright’s synopsis of education and leadership is profound to me; “many converts never grow up in Christ.” That is something that has perplexed me for a long time. Seeing older people in the church and they never seem to know any better than when I was younger knowing them. I often wonder when will they get past the superficial confession and let their lifestyle mimic what they confess. I have a servant’s heart and I endeavor to have my life preach the gospel as God uses me as His unique mouthpiece and vessel for His will.
Spiritual conflict is always at hand when one does not subject one’s self to the Holy Spirit. It is a battle that ministers, leaders and missionaries do not let their own issues drive their convictions of the gospel as they portray them to the world.
The three key challenges identified with the Lausanne Covenant are vital in calling the church back to humility, integrity and simplicity. I think it starts with the leadership of the church and filters down for growth of the Kingdom of God. As we learn how to be effective ministers and ambassadors of Christ, we have to remember and purposely chose to be humble and simply and practice high levels of integrity in our daily living. In this mission, we draw closer to Christ while our lifestyle will witness the realness and truthfulness that Christ inspired to His followers. If the ones who preach the word are not living the word then Wright is correct, “the church as a whole pays the cost of their failure, in the loss of integrity and credibility.”
In conclusion, this article was great. It incited some meditation on my personal spiritual growth. That calling the church back to humility¸ integrity and simplicity starts with the leadership; it starts with me. Leadership being humble, simple and having integrity sets the example for the church. If we are the church, we set the example for each other; encouraging humility, integrity and simplicity in each other. I enjoyed the article.
15.03.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ JourneywithCHRISTie: Hey Christie!
I agree and think you made a good point about the rest of the Body of Christ paying for the mistakes of a few. We forget that we’re called to be God’s PEOPLE not just His person and we are all in this together! We will either work together towards the plan God has laid out for us or we will be convicted together.
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ JourneywithCHRISTie:
Living up to the call that God has on our lives takes humility, integrity, and simplicity. We need these attributes to do the work of the Lord. Often times we want to share some of God’s glory but humility, integrity, and simplicity keeps us grounded.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
There has been too many times where I have had to pray for humility. As a worship leader, it is difficult to not get caught up in the sound and coolness of things. Its tough to not want some of that self-glorification. But prayer for humility is something that I believe strongly in.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
Sadly, it only takes a few hyper-visible corrupted church leaders to turn off thousands of people to the gospel. The hundreds of thousands of decent, humble, godly leaders of the less visible churches then have a more difficult task on their hands - not only defending the gospel, but also often comforting a shattered and confused congregation.
The corrupt snakeoil salesmen of the prosperity gospel create a terribly diffucult conundrum. If the godly, humble leaders preach the truth to counter the prosperity lies, the good come across as being the dividers, and the world is once again turned off.
We need to simply ask God to protect us from the temptations of big buildings, big budgets, big parking lots and big auditoriums, and ask Him to give us a hunger for Him, no else.
11.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Scott_D_Sussex: Your comment made me think about the pervasive metaphor in books such as Zechariah and Jeremiah about the "refiner’s fire.". When the refiner is purifying the gold or silver, he is only after one thing: pure gold or silver. Everything and anything else is an impurity. For the Church, we need to be more like our God: after one thing,setting aside all that hinders us from that.
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Scott_D_Sussex:
Very well said we often times loose focus when we began to glorify ourselves or what we are doing. We must realize that we are only instruments that God works through. His grace and mercy lifts us up when we fall into a mess, then God somehow or another gives us a message for his people. When this transpires we should become humble.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Scott_D_Sussex:
Chris Wright mentioned, "identification with the cross" in the article. When we understand what Jesus death meant in dying on the cross we should be even more humble to think that he did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Isn’t it good to know that God loves us that much. Even when we fall short God still gives us grace.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
I agree our actions ought to pour forth from an awareness of God and what he has done for us through is son. Truly we forgiven because we have been forgiven by God. We love because out of the love we have been freely given as children of God.
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
I agree that we lose focus when we become self-obsorbed. But, couldnt it be the other way around also? We become self-obsorbed when we lose focus on God.
It works boths ways I think.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I hear you asking, are we distinct and ’holy’ as a people? Or are we driven by the same prideful lusts of the world cultures we live within? These are questions worth asking not just every 10 years for the Congress, but hour by hour for those of us who follow Christ.
Thank you for asking these questions, Chris.
18.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ OrdinaryCommunity: I agree that "State of the Union" type calls to repentece are a good idea, it you are right in that we need to individually and corporately examine ourselves and the validity of our witness. Sometimes it is hard for us to understand that we can only go forward. Y going back to the source.
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ OrdinaryCommunity:
Good question, we must realize that only what we do for God will last. As Christians we need to develop a hunger for God and the word of God verses things of the world.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ earnold:
Chris mentioned in the article "costly obediance" obediance is costly when we do it Yahweh and not Our Way. Obediance is doing it and thinking about it later. Often times we have to think about it and ponder over it then that is not obediance.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
Thats tough stuff. You’re right. So often we may hear God tell us to do something, but then we have to think about it to "make sure" it benefits us. When in reality...God wouldn’t ask us to do this thing if it wasn’t beneficial. And it may not be beneificial at the moment...or even for 5 years. But God is watching out for us. Always.
09.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
On p. 2, Wright acknowledges: “we confess that we have sometimes pursued church growth at the expense of church depth, and divorced evangelism from Christian nurture.” To walk alongside someone is to disciple them. This task is not glamorous but requires a lot of patience and effort. I am glad this article gave this reminder to humbly be faithful in all areas- evangelism and discipleship.
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Chels:
I love what you said about walking beside someone is tough and takes great patience. Its so hard to be consistent in this, and sometimes its easy to just give up and let the next person have their chance with someone. During this time of "geeze...this isnt benefiting either one of us anymore" is when we should go to the Lord in prayer. To pray for strength in loving a person and for patience. I think the power of prayer is something that goes un-noticed sometimes.
09.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I feel inspired by this paper. Christians are to give up striving for power and instead pursue humility while realizing that we have all we need in God. There are constantly new clothes, gadgets, and toys being produced. Media portrays the message that people need this “stuff” to be happy. McDonald’s slogan is “we love to see you smile” as if unethical unhealthy burgers produces endless bliss. It is easy to fall prey to greed and takes discipline to be content with what we have. Simplicity is a worthy goal and one that as Christians we are called to pursue.
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Chels:
I agree completely that simplicity is a calling that we are Christians should acknowledge and try our best to take seriously. It makes me think about the church being simplistic. If we as individuals are supposed to be simple, then shouldn’t the church be simple too? Which is tough because we live in a digital age, where lights, transition movies and things like that are popular in getting people into the church. To be honest, I enjoy a larger more contemporary service. But, this paper makes me feel kind of weird when going to a digitalized church. And even traditional churches (who may not be digitalized) have elaborate stained glass, large noticable steeples, and other things that are not considered simple. It makes me want to have church in a house, under a bridge or in a wearhouse with just people and voices. May an acoustic guitar too =)
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ CamMitch:
You bring up very interesting point regarding churches and stewardship. Careful consideration ought to be give to how money is used within the church. Are we investing in kingdom causes or earthly causes?
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Chels:
Its tough to not invest in earthly things. Especially with our digital culture. Even the powerpoints we use to show words on the screen is something of this world. So its tough to avoid earthly things. However, I think we can invest in earthly things as long as we use them for the kingdoms cause. Which is tough to discern what actually is for us and what is for God. I guess a lot of prayer is one way to get somewhat closer to an answer...
09.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ CamMitch:
I agree that material possessions can be used to further the kingdom of God. For example, a boat can be used to take people fishing. While fishing relationships are formed and conversations concerning Jesus and the truth he offers can be discussed. I believe it is how we use our resources. I agree careful consideration and prayer should be given to how we invest our resources- time & money.
09.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
The major way that Wright calls humanity to repent on p. 4 is to turn away from “idols of power, success and greed, and to live according to his demand for humility, integrity and simplicity.” I found it very insightful that Wright brought to light the idolatry of seeking power and success. In America the expectation is to go to college, get a good job, so you can get lots of money, get a good house, have a family, and pay for everything they need and want. The tragedy is that this goal is frivolous. There is no lasting fulfillment in it.
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Chels:
All of the things you listed are so easy to get caught up in. For a lot of people the main goal is to either take care of themselves, or take care of their family. How are they going to do that? Money.
I agree that taking care of my family is my number one priority. But I do not want a lack money to be a reason that causes me to fail at taking care of my family. I hope that my wife and I can live as simply as possible and teach our kids that simplicity and humility are two of the most important things in life. Now, obviously I want the best for my family. So the living simply thing can be tricky and I am sure that there will come a time in my life when I step back and say "we probably dont need these things." But the question is...Will I be able to, along with my family, get rid of the "wants" and help to provide the needs of others first?
09.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ CamMitch:
Thank you for your comment. I agree with the idea of financial stewardship that your presented. Discerning what is a want and what is a need is key. It is wonderful that you realize the influential role a parent has in helping their children understand what is truly valuable.
09.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
My prayer is that each of us would leave Cape Town having heard God speak to us of tangible, practical steps we can take as individuals to return to humility, integrity and simplicity. I would hpe that we would share those things with one another and with our constituents back home and ask them to hold us accountable.
17.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Prayman: Accountability is key for such a call. Acountability allows us to maintain trust and closeness to the way while providing a realistic example to others that this lifestyle of imitating Christ is not easy, it is not a one time decision, and it is not something we can do on our own. This is what I imagine Paul had in mind when he said for us to "urge one another on toward good deeds."
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Prayman:
Absoloutely it is a good thing to hold one another accountable as Christians. When we hold one another accountable and challenge one another to live up to God’s expectations it is awesome how God begins to work in our lives.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Prayman:
Self Denial is a term that is not too popular in Christianity today. Simply because we are driven by self. Self Denial seems impossible when we look out of the natural eye. But when we see things God’s way it is amazing how God gives us stamina and endurance.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ earnold:
I agree accountability is necessary in the Christian journey. We need one another to keep us in check as we pursue humility, integrity, and simplicity
24.11.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Chels:
I am a huge advocate for accountabilibuddies. Obvisouly I talk with my wife about everything, but I also have a best friend who I can talk with about certain things, and so does my wife. Like Chelsy said, it is important to have someone to bring us back to humility and to listen to us when we need to vent and other things.
25.11.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ CamMitch:
The term "accountability-buddies" is very interesting. How wonderful to have a consistent individual to confide in and help keep you in check. All people would benefit from having someone to support them in such an intimate and encouraging way.
08.12.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I found this sentence to be particuarly relevant: “there must be integrity between our words and our living.” We are to be a liing model of what we claim to believe. Perhaps our greatest messages are displayed by our actions rather than our words.
24.11.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Chels:
Agreed! Obviously I am not perfect and I let my words become stronger than my actions, but it makes me sad when pastors/leaders in the church say that certain things need to be done to reach others in the community but then no action is ever taken by the pastor/leaders. The church body will typically reflect the actions of the leaders in the church, and without action from the leaders, the body will most likely be "all talk with no walk." This is something that I want to work on, but also pray for the leaders in the church.
25.11.2012
Indonesia
Thank you Lord using Chris touching my heart with this paper. I’m even thinking that this calling must owned by us, put it deep in our heart, as Lausanne delegates before we go for congress. I will do by my self. I am confessing, that i am too many talk and less pray. Too many attend meeting without much significant effect in implementation. Too selfish . Not enough loving my neighbors and people around me. Too stingy. Too many reasons of unspoken about gospel. Really I am not deserve to attend such great congress. I really need humility, Integrity and Simplicity. May Lord mercy upon me.
08.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Ishak_Sukamto: I appreciate your honesty and sincerity. I too am more willing to offer my advice to someone than take them before the Throne of God. I too claim that I want to see the gospel reach the whole world and yet desire to see myself achieve more, at the expense of others. I am so glad you went to this congress and that you were sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in your heart. Thank you for being an example!
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Ishak_Sukamto:
What an awesome challenge. When we think about all that God has done for us that should really humble us, make us want to do more for the edification of the Kingdom of God and focus less on ourselves and the non sense of this world and be better stewards of what God has given us.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Tailandia
Wright’s paper points out that the Lausanne covenant balanced the confession of faith that we affirm from Scripture and also the confession of our failure to live up to God’s calling. He observes that “It is tragic that many of the things that the Lausanne Covenant called us to turn away from, back in 1974, are still the very things that afflict and infect the church 36 years on. However, this should not depress us or paralyse us. Rather, it challenges us to come back yet again to our gracious God in renewed repentance and recommitment in our own generation.” He then walks through points of penitence that we can glean from the covenant.
Rather than trying to review comprehensively what he has done, my suggestion is that the article be read, printed out and saved with our Bibles and prayer materials and periodically prayed through. He begins with specific sections from the covenant document, looks at three key challenges, biblical resources, and finally some contemporary concerns. The challenges-the idolatry of power and the call to humility, the idolatry of success and the call to integrity, the idolatry of greed and the call to simplicity-are then related to the contemporary concerns of the abuse of power and status, our lack of integrity where “success” and “speed” become more important than obedience to Jesus, and greed where some forms of a Gospel of prosperity crassly proclaim and model greed and ambition. This is hard hitting stuff.
I want to zero in here on an issue that I think is to the problems that Dr. Wright unpacks for us in his paper…it has to do with the way that we as Christians approach the task that God has given to us. I frame it like this: When we come to Scripture our worldview is shaped by our hope of an end that is rooted in our participation in the glory of God, and this includes all the tribes and tongues of the world. This means that Christians are a people of purpose, history has an end point; and thus we carry out our participation in God’s plan and purpose with a strong sense of the need for fruitfulness of effort and results.
This purposeful pursuit of fruitfulness is precisely the knife-edge that we face-the continual temptation to draw upon sources for fruitfulness and results that are at odds with the Gospel itself and the character of God. The papers by Wright and Guiness and Wells reveal to us our sin at the nexus of human methodology and achievement and the adopting of values that are part of the world system and a flat-out contradiction of the ways of the crucified Messiah. Our zeal for results makes us pragmatic, so that the ends we seek become the justification of the use of means that distort or deny our message.
John Seel in “Modernity and Evangelicals: American Evangelicalism as a Global Case Study” (in Philip Samson, Vinay Sameul and Chris Sugden eds., Faith and Modernity, Oxford: Regnum Books International, 1994, pp. 287-313) observes that evangelicals have been careful to preserve theological orthodoxy “while simultaneously uncritically accommodating to the tools of modernity whether in marketing the church or mending the soul” (295). He then shows how the cultural icons of Disney, McDonald’s and MTV have all found a home in American evangelicalism (296-308).
The challenge of being relevant while retaining the ability to prophetically critique culture is huge. It is natural that we look to our human part in the equation in terms of getting results. But an over-emphasis on that point makes it easy to slip into pride and to act as if we can come up with solutions. However, to withdraw from the world and rest only on the sovereignty of God and sit back and do nothing is also an error.
So where do we find balance? There are no easy answers here. In my own searching and wrestling on this subject I have come to believe that we need to push ourselves back into Scripture, ask the theological questions first, and commit ourselves to doing things that flow from the Scripture in terms of values and practices, even when it looks ludicrous in the eyes of the world system, and trust God for the results. This position requires human effort, but only in directions that are consonant with the Gospel and God’s character, and leaves ultimate results in the sovereign God’s hands.
The picture that I have often used to illustrate this position comes from the introduction to the 1992 edition of Victor Frankl’s “In Search of Meaning”. Frankl, who was 87 at the time, and a holocaust survivor, noted how we was often asked how he felt about the success of his book, which had almost one hundred printings in English and was published in 21 other languages. He notes how he when he originally wrote it in 1945 he intended it to be anonymous, but later friends persuaded him to publish it under his name. And oddly it became a great success. He then says, “Again and again I therefore admonish my students both in Europe and America: Don’t aim at success-the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.”
So I call this the “ensuing” strategy for fruitfulness…we surrender ourselves to Jesus and to his cause, and seek to do what he commands in the manner and spirit he models for us, and he will bring forth the fruit that will glorify his name. Many of the sins and challenges enumerated in these two papers arise out of pursuit strategies of success that pragmatically draw on the values of the world system, rather than abiding in Christ and letting the results ensue.
22.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ AlanJ: Thank you for addressing these points so articulately! This reminds me of the verse that says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these (other) things will be added to you." only is we let the victory and the success be God’s can we give Him the glory!
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ AlanJ:
I find it to be amazing how God works, those things that infected the church years ago are the same things that causes us to stumble to this day. I think God has so uniquely designed things to happen this way just to keep us humble. Humility causes us to recognize our failures and teaches us that we need God’s power to make a comeback through a setback.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
What a great article! It should make us realize that we need to look in the mirror and make sure we demonstrate the humility, intergrity, and the simplicity of Christ. We reach the world through Christ, not ourselves.
I did have one question: How do we live in simplicity?
22.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ jlovela1: Philippians 4 is a good place to start. I think we have to ask ourselves the question: is this what I want most or what I want now? What we all want most is to see the Kingdom of God increase and be cared for. What we want now may be a new $500 phone when our old one is working fine. We have to choose not sacrifice what our greater desire is for what our immediate desire is. We live-in the US-in a culture that glorifies instant gratification. As Christians living and sharing the gospel, we must decide to live counter the culture in this aspect. A great example is Michael Card’s song "The Things We Leave Behind."
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I love this:
The church is the community of God’s people rather than an institution, and must not be identified with any particular culture, social or political system, or human ideology.
As one who has a heart for Mslms to enter the Kingdom of God, I love the idea that the Church is not bound by Western culture. I strongly believe that Jesus wants the Body of Christ to include people of all colors and races and cultures - including those from Mslm backgrounds. And I look forward eagerly to the day we will see it!
13.10.2010
China
@ Mere_B:
I would agree with you if you mean that the church is not western, and Mslim background believers who trust in Isa as the Son of God are saved just as we are.
14.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Mere_B:
If you believe the scriptures and I do you will know that it will happen, every knee shall bow and every tounge confess that Jesus is indeed Lord.
29.04.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ Mere_B:
Yahweh is a missionary God, and he is a God of all nations. God teaches us the value of being a witness. When we fail we come to the realization that we have to have more of God’s power and we cannot do it on our own. It is all about HUMILTY. We have to be broken before God can actually use us.
Donnie Thurman Sr.
02.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ DonnieLewisThurman: I think in addition to that, we need to make it more acceptable for people to be broken before us. Our churches need to be a place where people can confront their sin and failure (both individually and corporately) in an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness. If we want people to be humble and broken, we must stop punishing people through gossip, disapproval, and rejection when they do drop the facade. We are all okay when someone comes to the altar to cry and pray, but what do we do if someone is having a breakdown before Sunday school or in the parking lot? The church needs to decide if it is going to be a community that welcomes sincerity and repentece or not.
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I enjoyed reading Calling the Church back to Humility, Integrity, and Simplicity. Yet while I felt it was good overview, I would have wanted to see specific issues that are facing Christians today being addressed. For instance, pornography and sexual sin among Christian men and women is reaching epidemic porportions, yet I feel that those sins can be glossed over by calling them "stumbling blocks," areas of "spiritual conflict," or a lack of integrity. Maybe this paper is not the place to specifically talk about the most troubling sins affecting the Christian Church today, but my concern is that without addressing them by name, there may just be a continuation of denial among those struggling with them in their lives.
11.10.2010
Kenia
@ MikeL:
Mikel, Although I don’t doubt you are right - where do you get your statistics about the ’epidemic propoertions’ you are talking of? Indeed - Christian ministry combined with pornography and sexual sins can easily be a farce. How to overcome this? Why is it worse than it has been in the past?
12.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ MikeL: I feel Wright did mention specific sins, but maybe not the ones we were hoping to be called out on. Sexual sins and pornography can easily be a category apart from many of us and they are "scandalous sins" that make some people feel superior to people engaging in them. But the sin of excess that most of us in western culture can be accused of is more widespread and deeply rooted--of true epidemic proportions. More Christians not only are guilty of this sin, but we have lied to ourselves with the belief that all this material abundance is from God. Jesus clearly said we were blessed if we were poor, persecuted, and humble. Yet we like to feel our possessions and lifestyles are examples of God’s favor, not our choice of things and comforts over truly increasing the Kingdom of God. Wright has done a bold thing to ask us where are treasure (our hearts) are.
08.07.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
Chris, thank you for reminding us of our calling as Christians to humility, integrity, and simplicity. Unfortunately, we as human beings tend to gravitate toward the power, success, and greed of life. Perhaps this is why even after so many years we must be reminded of the Lausanne Covenant of 1974. Christ instructed us to daily decide to follow Him... to daily take up our cross. Each follower of Christ must daily decide to embrace humility, practice integrity, and strive for simplicity. Though we have been saved through faith in Christ, we continue to strive with the old nature that lives within us. I believe that part of our Christian walk in this life is regular repentance for the power, success, and greed we have craved and regular commitment to the Christian ideals of humility, integrity, and simplicity that God has called us to follow. I believe this will be our pattern as Christians until the Lord’s second Advent.
06.12.2011
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
@ padre_todd:
Yes Todd we must remmeber this is the work of the tempter, to cause us to seek after what looks like power, and it will be that way until Christ comes back.
29.04.2012
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I applaud Chris for his bold plea to the church to recall our Lord’s command to live humble lives, full of love for others.
As Chris states, "God intends the church to be a model of the gospel it preaches, especially modeling the way of the cross."
The lives we live, and the message we speak, must be congruent. Most importantly, when the church lacks LOVE for people in deed, we are not capable of proclaiming the Good News in word.
Could it be that we, the church, are now experiencing the fruit of our own selfish and prideful labors? Chris asserts that we have neglected true discipleship (teaching the self-denying message of the cross) for the pursuit of numerical growth in the church. As a result, we have forfeited the true depth of spiritual maturity for a shallow faith, easily succumbing to the temptations of pride, arrogance and greed.
I agree, Chris... "the call to sacrifice and simplicity needs to be heard again." May your humble plea go deep into the heart of God’s people.
21.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I am once again convicted of my own lapses in humility in fully engaging with the gospel, with those around me who are crying out for the love of God through Christ. and who live with so little and need just a bit to be relieved of the anguish of their physical, emotional and spiritual poverty. My part as a chaplain is to listen compassionately and while being I see around me efforts of folks to live much more humbly and simply than in the past and my wife and I are striving to do likewise and share our abundance then with those agencies making a difference in a world full of needs for basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. I so appreciate the authors here who turn our attention again to the world of want for God who loves and His people who reach out with humility leaning on God to best use their abundant resources to meet the needs of the so many hungry, ill and without hope. The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about hope, and when I sit in my comfort while others suffer, I am not responding or sharing the love of Jesus Christ. I again repent seeking God and suffering peoples’ forgiveness and strive again to trust in God to lead me on His right path through Jesus and in the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
18.10.2010
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
I found this paper, like many of the other readers, convicting. However, I’m guessing that these points were equally convcting when they were first made 36 years ago. But yet the errors persist.
For example, the curriculum for an Intro to World Missions class at a local seminary is largely focused on statistics and how many "people groups" are left to be reached. The focus seems to remain on numbers.
I think that Wright’s best point is the idea that we seek conversions at the sacrificing of discipleship. And yet we wonder why so many Christians are transient and do not remain at one church very long.
It would be very interesting if our altar calls and invitations to "pray the prayer" included an honest assessment of whay Biblical discipleship really looks like. But after thinking about it, that might trend towards legalism.
Dan
17.10.2010
Noruega
I am sure you know the Lutheran/Reformed distinction between ’law’ and ’Gospel’ - the law guiding us through life, but also revealing our sinfullness; the Gospel offering us forgivesness and a new life with the risen Christ. Reading your paper there is quite a lot of law, but not so much Gospel. You write well about idolatries; could you also have lifted our eyes to hear afresh the good news about being raised with Christ to a new and different life?
14.10.2010
Mozambique
Thanks for an important article,
Working for an international Christian NGO I am wondering how the Christian NGO’s measure up to the Humility, Integrity and Simplicity tests?
We could probably do with a lot more of these also.
14.10.2010
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