Losing to Win I

My wife and I enjoy not having cable TV. In that way, when we go to a hotel, it is a treat to watch instead of the same-old-same-old. We really enjoy the program, What Not to Wear, because it has some deep spiritual truths. In fact, most of the makeover shows have a spiritual truth attached to them. I believe that is why these types of shows are so appealing for so many. It points to an intangible divine yearning we all have.

We all want to be made over. We know that there is more for us than what we see now, but often don't know what that is, nor how to achieve it. The makeover shows promise help from sources we don't readily have available to us. And we can watch with amazement at their successful results, and the very real struggles to get there.

In one episode we watched a woman who previously dressed like a raggedy little girl, but also looked beyond her years. The makeover team of Stacy London and Clinton Kelly came to her rescue. They provided style guidelines, education, selection criteria, and an assertive push. They began by throwing out her terrible wardrobe, and introducing her to a new wardrobe and new ways of thinking.

It is always fascinating to watch what happens. The person invariably is saddened to lose the old ways, even though they know it wasn't working for them. In this particular case, the woman knew she would never find a husband if she continued to operate the way she did. But she couldn't let go. And when the makeover team introduced her to new ways of thinking (and shopping) the woman became literally sick. She was way out of her element.

The episode concludes with her going ahead despite her angst (and maybe because cameras were rolling), and she subjects herself to the final indignity of getting her hair cut and restyled. She struggled greatly with the whole process. But at the end these superficial changes produced great results. She looked more attractive and more her age, and surprisingly, her attitudes begin to shift—especially when she received support from her closest friends and family.

As it turns out, she also discovered that what she wore reflected a deep truth inside her. She perceived herself as unworthy, and there also resided deep pain. She reflected her insecurity in what she wore, and how she acted. The forced outward changes, forced her to confront some of these inward issues. Later, she revealed a confidence in herself and future she didn't have before. What happened? Do clothes really make the (wo)man?

In some ways I would say "yes." The Scriptures implore Christians to consider their old way of life like an old wardrobe, and their new way of life like a new fashionable way of thinking. (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Colossians 3:5-12; 1 Peter 5:5-7) The old way of life had no real connection with God. But in Christ, we have a connection with God that is so close that we are family and intimate friends.

So, how now shall we live? That is the real question, and the real challenge. For it is hard to let go of the familiar to grasp the unfamiliar—even if it is the right thing to do. So, we need each other (in the church) for encouragement—to let go of the old, and put on the new. We need each other to demonstrate for each other how it's done. We need each other to embody what it looks like to live like the King of kings' family member. We need to push each other toward what is good, because it isn't about not doing our old life anymore as much as it is embracing our brand-new, blood-bought, life. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-11; Hebrews 10:19-25)

The Church's Reason for Being

The Church has a reason for being in existence. I am pulling mainly from Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and 1 & 2 Peter.

Existence

The Church exists to exists. It is a testimony to the world and heavenly beings that God is fulfilling his plan on earth as it is in heaven.

Witness

The Church has been appointed to suffer for the sake of the gospel. This will be proof that God's judgment is right, when he is revealed. It is also an example of God's message about his Son. The lifestyles and unity of this universal entity on earth is to reveal that God is real and he is right.

Good News

The Church is the fulfillment of Christ's message, the message, and proclaimers of the message.

The Vehicle

The Church is the very vehicle that God will use to save the world, like Noah's Ark. Through Christ, we are members of his body (the Church) and we are saved by faith in Christ. Christ plans to come back for his Church and be united with his Church forever.

God's

The Church belongs to God. Jesus is the Head of the Church. God's plan was that Jesus would enter the world to build the Church—God's kingdom on earth.

The Most Important Question

It was one of those discussions. Sam, my co-worker at McDonald's in 1985, was talking to me about Christianity. He talked to me about his experiences. And I was half-way listening. I was a little embarrassed because I really was an agnostic. I also believed that religion was a private matter.

I was an agnostic because I didn't have enough faith and arrogance to be an atheist. But I also wasn't convinced that any particular religion answered many questions either.

He asked me if I was a Christian. I said an obligatory, "yes." But I knew that I really wasn't a believer. I was more of a social believer. I said "yes" as a social kindness. I wanted him not to try to evangelize me. He said he was glad that he could share his joy in our shared faith. (If only he knew.) He talked about his faith like it was the most precious thing he came across. I couldn't relate.

After that summer had passed, I had moved into a small apartment with my buddy, and I had graduated from college. I had to come to terms with the rest of my life. I've talked about this pivotal moment before. But it was that one question that began the journey, sustains me during difficult times, and is the question I use with those who don't believe that Jesus is who he said he is.

This question led me to become a believer. Believe me, it wasn't because I found that God was good. It wasn't because I found that Christians were really loving. It wasn't because it made me feel good. It wasn't because it made my life better. It was the possibility that the coming of Jesus as the Son of God could be true.

The question that changed my perspective and started me on my journey to find the answer was, "What if it's true? What if this stuff I hear about Jesus is true?" The next question is the natural consideration: "If I find that this is true, then what?" The only other question I had to consider—but only briefly, since the answer was obvious—was, "Is it worth my effort finding out?"

As long as I wasn't open to the possibility, I couldn't be convinced. But, logically, that would be foolish; to not believe something because I didn't want to, rather than because it isn't true. I'd better find out for myself.

Is it worth it? The answer is, "yes."