What I was Taught, Pt 3
I think this is the final post in the “What I was Taught” category, but I reserve the right to come back with others :).
Yes, I learned baptist principles and how we function together as part of the family of faith. But, I spent a lot of time in church classrooms, in the sanctuary, and out serving. What did Jesus actually say and do when it comes to living? My family, Sunday school and Bible study teachers, Youth Minister, Pastor, and adult volunteers all consistently pointed me to scripture, prayer, study, worship, and sharing in meaningful relationships as ways to learn how to authentically, imperfectly but sincerely, practice what I believe.
In worship & elsewhere, Bible stories were told about who Jesus touched, ministered to, called to follow, used in ministry… and they were about all sorts of people. There were men, women, children, religious types, hated tax collectors, sick & broken people, mentally ill or demon-posessed—the reach was wide. The stories weren’t changed if they made someone look bad—because they were life lessons, able to help us understand our own inclusion as those who are imperfect. There was Nicodemus came seeking in the dark so others couldn’t see him. Peter was impetuous and full of faith and vehemently denied Christ not once, but three times. Against all cultural sensibilities, the woman at the well had a face-to-face talk with Jesus in a public space in the middle of the day. It was a child who offered up their meager sack lunch, only to find that Jesus could feed 5000+ people with leftovers. The d isciples argued about who was the most important and could hardly understand the things Jesus was teaching them. And it was a woman or women who ran from the tomb on Easter morning, first proclaiming the good news that Jesus had risen. All sorts—called, chosen, forgiven, healed, useful.
And, so, many catching phrases were offered to try to capture the truths in the stories.
Jesus doesn’t call the equipped, but equips the called.
If God calls you to something, God will make the way and is bigger than any obstacles you’ll face.
Whereever God calls you, God is already there to meet you, provide, and guide.
God uses the unlikely to do the unimaginable.
God chooses the foolish and the weak to shame the wise and put the powerful to shame. (1 Cor. 1:27)
As an individual who was trying to find their way as a follower of Jesus, I took church teachings, examples and practices to heart. I’ve always known I am unlikely and imperfect as a leader—it fosters some humility which is a good thing. And, I’ve known it is God who shines through when I am able to love well, meet needs, speak truth, create beauty. It seems that my Southern Baptist church taught me well enough to instill a set of beliefs and a desire to live into them.
May the church of today keep teaching young people these beautiful truths, so that EVERY child might know how beloved, chosen, and called they are as part of Jesus’ big family—If not in one part of the church, then many others. And may all children find connection points to know God’s call.
