What is essential

Over the past few weeks I have listened to an argument online about the problems of evangelicalism. Two books that recently came out have seemed to arrive at different solutions because they perceive two different problems with evangelicalism.

The Holy Post Podcast weighed on the books, the authors, and more in this episode and it is worth the listen. One major reason it is worth the listen is Esau McCaulsey was on the show and he reminded all the white people that every time this issue comes up it is always framed in a white world. His commentary alone is worth the listen.

Then last night I came across another post and story about my former denomination that has put me in another tailspin. (My current denomination is also in a heap of trouble, so there is trouble everywhere.) All of it is infuriating.

And yet… I love Jesus. I love Jesus as I was brought up in fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, and evangelicalism. I love Jesus as I have embraced sacramental theology and fallen in love with a broader expression of the faith. We have to be able to critique our own house and call it to faithfulness without having to leave it all and simply toss out Jesus.

So… I am left with a question in my own mind: What is essential to me in following Jesus?

Through all the problems, all the mess, all the sin… what is essential? How am I still following Jesus?

One area I am convinced of is this: I need to care about the marginalized. That can only be sustained for a lifetime with a deeper motivation than a political platform. The love of Christ has compelled me.

James 1:27 (NRSVue)
²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

James won’t pull any punches. Faith is shown in works and works is manifested best in how we treat others.

I am to treat others well. The marginalized, those I don’t agree with, those close to me, all of them. I am to love each one. I am to bring Kingdom flourishing as best I can to them.

No one is beyond Kingdom blessing! This is the deepest motivation for me.

But it’s not about “me and Jesus.” There is a Body of Christ out there. This is what I seek, even in the mess. Maybe especially in the mess!

So, I seek out the basics. I set aside the culture wars and tune out the hyper ventilating online influencers who try to make each of us mad.

What I have essentially brought it down to is this: The Creed. The Nicene Creed gives room. There are essentials. This is where I stand. The rest? I have to walk in love. And I’ve decided I am willing to do that.

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

Here I stand. IN Christ. Loving him. Loving those around me. Uniting with any follower of Jesus that can follow the very basics of the faith.

It is all I have in these days.