12:06 AM Advent Conspiracy or Christian Con?
I've been thinking a lot about a video that was shared Sunday night at the Stirring. Advent Conspiracy made a video that presented it's opinion with a very creative message telling us we are spending gluttons and we should be ashamed., But of course masked in a very gleeful manner for the sake of the Christmas spirit. These kinds of things bug me. I'll be honest, and I'll probably get the stink eye, even though I'm not making any personal attack towards anyone. In the video they go two directions.. one about giving presence and the other involving giving towards a clean water fund.. My problem is with the clean water fund..
I think to often the Church and/or Christian organizations spend too much time brainstorming for the next big thing and not enough time praying and listening to God. They prance around like a mad scientist overly excited and consumed by their poorly created frankenstein. They enjoy flexing their religious muscles with creative and innovative ways for us to board their bandwagons. And who is the pawn to prove their points... no, it's not the Christians... never us.. It is however the "world" AKA unbelievers, non-saved, heathens even... Why do we do this? Why do we put the follies of the worlds unrepentant acts on full blast to motivate us? Shouldn't we be motivated by Jesus? Who cares if the world spends 450 billion dollars on Christmas? Do Christians alone spend 450 billion on Christmas? No... So why should we concern ourselves with how the world wastes money. I know Christians waste money... but lets be fair and use our own wasteful spending habits. Rather than use the unprovable tallying of a worldly statistic created for a good guilt trip and a quick passport aboard another bandwagon. Even Shane Claiborne misses it and uses the example of the world to motivate belivers. I'm not sure that's what Jesus has in mind. Why don't we observe what we as Christians spend on Apple products or our sickly addiction with the coffee bean? And of course it isn't called the Santa Conspiracy, it's called the Advent Conspiracy. I doubt most could tell you what Advent means, but they can easily tell you who Santa is... So, by the example of the world but titled for and spoken to the Christian? huh? Why don't we try to first take Christmas back? Why don't we posture ourselves and give Jesus His birthday back. The world will know us by our faith, not because we use them for a reminder on what not to be. We should be looking to Jesus on how to be. Something is wrong and in this case I wont be pointing at what obviously always looks wrong. I think it's time to pull the plank out of our own eyes...
These video attractions do have a purpose, in the name of Jesus of course.... Once their done making you feel like a piece of trash, they pitch you with their outstanding discovery. Almost like they're Columbus. And like Columbus, they want you to ignore what has already been a discovered and just go with it. So what is this troubling effort? Well, although their are many ugly strategies out there this one particularly deals with unclean water. It involves helping provide clean water to those the same naive Christian would mistake for chocolate milk. However, some either not knowing at all, or quickly forget there is a reason why some don't have clean water buy into these masked wasteful spending machines. Obviously, It isn't because of American spending addictions that there isn't clean water abroad. But thankfully someone finally found a reason to use their algebra skills to mathematically prove the cost it would take to provide clean water to those that don't have it. But strangely and conveniently it's brought to our attention around one of the busy spending times of the year. It's either genius or selfish. And I'm gonna go with selfish... and here's why. It's because in most 3rd world countries people are being dictated by gun happy, child trafficking, drug addicted gangs. These gangs oppress their own people. And at every effort of those oversea, whether it be full of gleeful giving, these gangs find a way to trample and strip these efforts away from those in need. They fill wells with dirt or concrete. They threaten the lives of those who receive the aid. And sometimes even capture those that have come to help and kill them too. People die in the name of clean water? There is something wrong with that picture... I understand that God created water.... so God can provide clean water... why don't we pray and fast for those in need of clean water... God set forth a flood, God healed the sick, God says we can move mountains, Jesus says we will do even greater things then He did... But of course by His power. So why don't we stop with the foolish strategies and start praying and fasting that God would move in, destroy the enemies plot and redeem those that are shackled and oppressed.. The only other way is giving the materials to Rambo so he can go in and build the wells... But nobody wants to fight nowadays... Except for Jesus, and I'll gladly board that bandwagon.
Using Guilt as a means to bring people to give is always the enemy trying to look like an angel of light.
God loves a cheerful giver.
Why do we always do that? Honestly, I'm just shaking my head on this one.
We do it because we are impatient. Guilt and fear work much quicker than grace. Unfortunately, they don't change the person.
It is essentially works without faith. As long as the objective is met, we feel justified in our approach.
I honestly feel bad for congregations when their leaders aren't able to see the motives behind things like this. It makes me question the very foundations of why they do what they do.
I felt the sermon Sunday was far better than the video though... The video blemished the what was spoken, in my opinion..
wow Juan. good words. and I'm totally not giving you the stink eye. The thing that bums me out about Advent Conspiracy is that Christians only pay attention to this idea once a year. But what are we doing with our money the rest of the year? I totally agree that we need to be praying and fasting WAY more for the people in the 3rd world countries. God CAN and WILL provide them with clean water if we take on the posture of complete trust and faith. I think it's great that people are giving their money to such a cause but we have to realize-it's not US as humans that provide clean water to these people, it's totally God. It always has and it always will be.
And I've always struggled with the whole missions overseas thing, now don't get me wrong-I think it's great that God uses people in such ways, but I always look at our country-all the homeless living on the streets, the girls caught up in prostitution, the guys caught up in drugs... and yet-we focus our attention to a different country because they're needs are more visible and seem like an easy fix. After helping Chris Cable at the Manor a few weeks ago, feeding those people, God really opened up my heart to the people that live in this city.......
hhhmm, you got my mind rolling and I think this may be the longest comment I've left..and I could continue but I better stop before I get the stink eye :)
Amy,
Good word. You always have great things to say.
Dude. Great thoughts from a different approach. I got caught up in the video and loved it, still do. I think you make a very valid point. Honestly for me, the video simply fuels the fire that is already within. For me, I love supporting missionaries over seas. I value their efforts. I wish I could do what they are doing, but I don't have that calling, so instead I offer monetary support, prayers and encouragement. One of the organizations we give to is called Samaritans Purse. Right around this time of year they put out a catalog that says choose what to give to: new bibles, shelter, clothes, chickens, WATER. etc. It breaks my heart. How dare I choose what to give towards! I don't know the situation. I leave it in the hands of God's people, they'll know best, I hope. Lately I've been able to step out in faith and actually serve the needs of those living on the streets. I admit, I lose faith once in awhile in my ministry, but I find that strength eventually. Recently, I found it when I watched that video. It just reassured me to continue with what God's put on my heart. I filtered it in a way that it would apply to me. Without feeling guilty about spending. Honestly, Cassie and I already decided to make gifts for our family rather than buy them. Only because it's what we can afford to do, not because of influence from the video. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm bragging about myself. I didn't mean it that way at all.
Also, I showed the video to a few friends and later asked, "what did you think?" One replied "Man, it made me thirsty, think I'll grab a glass of water!" Taunting a nod to the silliness of it.
Chris
Great thoughts. Although I will assure you that God calls us all to the mission including you. Not meaning at all that it always involves a plane ticket to Africa or some other country beyond our own. You're totally doing the work of Jesus not far from your door step. And to be honest, what you're doing is far more admirable to the Father than an expensive adventure to another country disguised as the Lords work. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of good things God is doing overseas. I just have a hard time believing it involves anyone from here. Considering if you ask anyone why they feel called to go overseas it always involves them rather than God and they always have to let everyone know about it. Then, the ironic thing that happens is they return changed not from anything they did, but changed from those they thought were the ones that needed help. The people that we so confidently claim need help from us should be coming here. Not the other way around. It seems these days, especially with my generation, We have a lot to learn about the true work of Christ and it starts with constant Biblical study with the approach that it is God's breathed word, rather than a template for us to do what we want. We have no business going anywhere but the places that need us the most. Our home.
Although,
The video isn't a parable or some hidden secret that those that are strong in the faith will hear the hidden message. It's awesome you saw something different in the video. And I'm sure all across the country people are feeling the same thing. But it doesn't excuse the sinful tactic used to create the original tool for motivation, guilt. And like I said... it of course comes at this time of the year and involves exploiting the worlds sins rather than our sins.
You have interesting thoughts on the mission field over seas. I never ever looked at it that way and here's why. I grew up in a nosebleed Baptist church in southern California. We never did anything to reach out to the community. It was all about pot lucks, baptisms, Billy Graham videos, youth group...always a celebration of ourselves. We had missionaries the church supported that we would hear from every so often. I was raised to support those doing Gods work overseas and I still have it in my heart to do so today and we teach it to our children as well. It's even more fun showing them the blogs of such missionaries as the Lains.
I truly believe they have been called by God to teach the word in Mongolia. Who are they to argue with what God puts so strongly in their hearts. So strongly to drop everything and answer their blatant call. I can say with certainty, if they had the financial resources not from any church, but just a free ride that stated 'you have a free pass to Mongolia and free living quarters' all they would ask for is prayer for safety, maybe. I doubt it would be a cry out to the congregation or peers of 'look at me and what I am doing.' This may be a bad example. I get what you mean. Maybe it's the single college student traveling abroad that returns 'changed' when they were going to 'make a change.'
Back to my point.
After living in Redding and out of the nest, I found my own church to call home. A church that would fit me. Years later, we found Valley Christian on Rancho Road. A lady there really got to me, silently. I had the chance to join about 60 men at her ranch and we WORKED for the day for free for her, doing EVERYTHING....because her husband had passed away months earlier. I got to know her a little. I found out later while at church that she volunteers herself every Sunday to prepare lunch for homeless people in the park. Like it's no big deal. The church chips in. They buy the groceries. She has a standing menu. She brings new socks every month, jackets, tarps, shoes, boots, gloves, hats....crap, I could go on and on. It's then that I realized. SHE is a true missionary. So anxious to do God's work, quietly, never makes a stink about look at me, look at what I am doing. I don't even remember her name! But I remember her actions. Her servant heart, rain or shine. I wanted to do what she was doing and never before thought I could until I saw how simple it was. And now it's just addicting. I probably should have emailed this rather than post it on your blog. Sorry dude.
Bottom line. God has us right where He wants us for a reason.
Chris,
Good example. I'm somewhat familiar with the Lains.I also want to be careful here, as to not be taken the wrong way. Ultimately, there isn't anything wrong with serving overseas, but I do have a hard time believing God would cause anyone to ignore their own stomping grounds. As a matter of fact, I'd put everything I have to say He absolutely doesn't.
The interesting thing about the Lains is they truly hold the unique roll I believe God calls us all to. Larry and his family aren't at all unfamiliar with what takes place within their own borders. And because they have spent a considerable amount of time here doing God's work, I know God has blessed them and led them into beautiful countries such as Mongolia. With that however, I will say confidently, I believe no one has any business going beyond their own borders before they have learned to serve those around them, within their own cities. I guess if I were a Pastor I would require and strongly encourage those that wish to serve overseas by the support of my Church, be required to serve locally for a good 6 months to a year. I believe this format would really go after the heart of someone who wants to serve. If they object, it proves that it is more about them. If they approve, it not only bares the fruits that we should test for but also shows that they truthfully carry a servants heart. We are no different than any other follower of Christ. We constantly have a strange perspective that Jesus is a U.S citizen. No one should ever start with an overseas mission. Whether they live here, Europe, Africa or Watts. To be confident enough that you should start your calling beyond your own home is a good indication that you're probably focused on the wrong things. That's really what I'm getting at. It seems hypocritical to focus beyond where God has placed you in the first place.