Christians Must Make Real Today What Christ Did
Eighteen women have been murdered and several others are reported missing. What these women have in common is that they carry a social stigma: prostitutes, drug addicts, impoverished. They are those we so often exclude from our friendship.
We do not see them sitting next to us on Sunday morning in church. They are not guests in our homes. They are not who we call when we need counsel and wisdom. They are, for most of us, nameless, faceless, unimportant, insignificant creatures.
But in the eyes of a Biblical God they are of great worth. They are daughters of Eve, possessors of beauty, carriers of the image of God. They are those whom Jesus befriended, for whom he was executed and for whom he was raised with the promises of new life.
And yet, what church in Spokane has been the presence of Jesus in the lives of these women God loves? What churches are actively out on the streets, walking, talking and befriending these daughters of Eve? Or, for that matter, befriending anyone at all who is on the streets? What churches in Spokane actively train, equip and motivate its members to be the presence of Jesus among the poor, excluded and outcast? What churches have as their “church growth plan” the goal of filling the building with those who can’t afford to pay for the heat and lights?
I write this appeal out of a broken and weary heart. We in the church have grown so wealthy in the assets of money, buildings and spiritual teachings, but we are close to bankruptcy in the areas of courage, compassion and willingness to sacrifice ourselves for others. The message of the church was to be an invitation for hospitality, not a proclamation of damnation toward those outside its walls.
The church’s purpose was to be Jesus in the midst of the sorrows of life. But we have become like clowns with happy faces, hiding from reality, playing at carnival, seeking not the lost but only that which concerns our immediate desires.
The blood that flows on our streets, as well as the continued despair of those who live in our slumlord apartment buildings, is proof that we in the church are asleep in a time of crisis. What is at stake here is the very credibility of God.
We can no longer simply say that “God loves you,” as if such verbiage actually meant something of significance. We live in a time that we must “show” our words, not so much that others may awaken and believe but so we ourselves may awaken and truly live a life of hope and promise.
Buried underneath these tragedies is the reality that isolated individuals live lives of broken connection. Is it not the job of the church to bridge the gap between all that divides us? Is it not the job of the church to befriend those whom others exclude?
It is not the job of a few paid staff but of all who say they follow Jesus. Where would one find Jesus these days? Would he be playing golf up at Manito or would he be on the streets, gathering community? Would he be content with a Bible study, praise songs and a goodnatured preacher or would he be restless, moving among the unemployed and the prostitutes?
To the church in Spokane, I say: Stop proclaiming answers to these questions. Instead, show your answers through the power of a living example. Show your answers because your words have grown heavy with 2,000 years of empty promises and your deeds have come up 2,000 years light.
The blood of our sisters cries out from the grave: “Redeem, restore, renew!”
Body of Christ, are we listening?
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This sidebar appeared with the story: MEMORIAL SERVICE A memorial service for the 18 women will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 518 W. Third, on Monday at 6:30 p.m. The service will be followed by a candlelight vigil down East Sprague Avenue. All are welcome to participate.