Organic Christianity: Costly and Dirty

October 28, 2008
Text: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Title: Organic Christianity: Costly and Dirty

Thoughts:

There are many words to describe organic farming. For the sake of this discussion, I will choose two: costly and dirty.

According to an MSNBC article, health conscience consumers will usually spend 50-100% more for organic produce than for conventionally farmed produce. That is a rather steep price increase. However, these prices generally reflect the cost of production by the farmer. Without the use of pesticides more time is spent scanning the plants for pests and more produce is destroyed by pests. Such costs, among many others, increase the price of the produce.

In addition to the cost, organic farming is generally dirtier than conventional farming. Because chemical fertilizers are avoided farmers must turn to alternative sources for vital soil nutrients. At times this includes manure and other wastes. If you have ever been near the application process, you understand what the word “dirty” truly means. It stinks and has no neat and sanitary method of application.

When I cross-reference these thoughts with Organic Christianity and Peter’s words to those believers scattered across Asia Minor, I find striking resemblances. In 1 Pet. 3:18 we find the very core of Organic Christianity: Jesus (the just) died for sinners (the unjust) so that He might present to God whole and undefiled believers. It’s costly. And, it’s dirty. Jesus died (cost) on a cross (dirty).

Organic Christianity is a call to return to a simplistic and holistic faith in Jesus Christ. Such a return rejects the convenience and sanitary methods of conventional religion. It involves a total life commitment that is not deterred by costs and cleanliness. It embraces a Savior who bled and died so that He might present to God a holy people. It is more concerned with a pure product than mass production and cost-efficiency.

Application:

What would Organic Christianity change about your current lifestyle?

How much would it cost you? (time, friends, pleasures, etc.)

Organic Christianity is a call to resist Sunday Christianity conveniences and return to a total life commitment of going organic. It’s risky, but it’s right!

Prayer:

Father,

Oh, how I need Your help. The conveniences of conventional faith are so tempting. They lure me to believe that one or two meetings a week is enough. Organic faith calls me to live like Jesus. Abandoning easy for the experience of the Cross. Through Your grace, may I embrace it for everything its meant to be in my life. May I live to die to the flesh and to be made alive to the spirit.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Organic Christianity: Destination, Determination, Indoctrination

October 27, 2008
Text: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Title: Organic Christianity: Destination, Determination, Indoctrination

Thoughts:

Organic is marketable at the moment. From organic cotton to organic produce, health conscience buyers are multiplying. Consequently, their voices are being heard and demands are being addressed. But it isn’t only in the grocery store where organic is in, it’s all of life. And, Christianity is a part of the list. People desire real, pure, and whole.

Getting to an organic Christianity (free of fakes, cover ups, and poisons) takes a commitment on behalf of the believer. It’s not an easy transition from conventional church to organic church. Thus, Peter gives three essential elements to organic Christianity: Destination, Determination, and Indoctrination.

- Destination: Keep the end in mind. Peter continually reminds the believers to keep their focus on their homeland in this first letter. Everything is contrary in their kingdom. Death = Life (2 Cor. 5:17). To be absent from the body = to be present with God (2 Cor. 5:8). An organic farmer will always find it easier to revert back to conventional pesticides, fertilizers, and measures. However, as he keeps the end in mind, he knows it will be worth it. Keeping our appearance before Christ at the forefront, makes the journey worth it.

- Determination: Keep your heart at attention. The Message translation takes a sterile term, “sanctify”, and breaks it down to everyday language: “keep your hearts at attention.” Literally, Peter is reminding the believers to sell out to Jesus. Regardless of the hard knocks, persecution, or hardships, sell out to Jesus. He’s worth it. What a reminder to a world such as ours. We change passions as quickly as a nursery worker changes dirty diapers. Pick Jesus and determine to follow Him to the end.

- Indoctrination: Keep truth at the center. Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s more than a fad. Trusting in Jesus is the center of our hope. Peter instructed the believers to never let truth escape from their purpose. They were always to be ready to give the reason for the hope that was in them. Hope is more than theory; it is truth. Immerse yourself in the truth of why you’re living organic.

I must admit, I get a bit peeved at all of the hyper-eco-friendly living at times. However, there’s a desperate cry taking place in the hearts of people. It’s deeper than food and more than saving trees. Hear the cry of a lost world longing for an Organic Christianity…full of life and free of man-made synthetics.

Let’s go Organic on them!

Application:

When you hear the term “Organic Christianity” what our your immediate thoughts?

Of the three organic essentials (Destination, Determination, Indoctrination), which do you find to be most difficult?

What would organic Christianity look like in your life today?

Prayer:

Father,

I want to have organic faith. A faith that is free of man-made religion, synthetic emotions, and corrupted doctrine. I want You. I want the purity of everything You have for me. Showing up at church on Sunday is not enough. I want a real faith that has a real end. I want a faith that is solid, unwavering, and committed to You. And, I want to be immersed with truth. Jesus, You are all of these. Help me to live organically today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Organic Christianity

My mind is consumed with this idea of Organic Christianity. Organic is in. From the produce aisle to the milk cooler, consumers are shopping for organic-rich products. It is no different with the Church. An outside world is tired of synthetically-altered faith. It’s not trustworthy, real, or fulfilling. It’s like rolling through the produce aisle amongst a bunch of waxed apples and gassed tomatoes. They look good on the outside but lack the consistency, flavor, and authenticity of “farm fresh” produce.

What happens when faith returns to it’s organic roots? Sure, it’s not always as externally-pleasing. But it certainly leaves the “consumer” with a yearning for more of it. It’s like eating the lovely oranges from the tree in the backyard. They’ll never be shipped commercially, but they’re sweeter and trusted more than any orange produced for mass production.

Likewise, organic Christianity is tangible, palpable, and trusted. It occurs when followers of Christ become less concerned about performance and mass-production and more focused on growing in Christ naturally in a “real” community. Organic fruit has bumps and bruises that are rejected by the produce managers concerned with stock rotation. But to the consumer searching for authenticity it is the “real” sign. It means local and genuine.

In summary, I am officially on my journey to Organic Christianity. I desire local, real, and unaltered fruit that reveals the character of the One who has called us. I’m not exactly sure how that happens. It takes the understanding of a perfection-driven consumer community, but certainly has a “fulfilling” future for those who are willing to embrace it.

Living Life with a List

October 24, 2008
Text: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Title: Living Life with a List

Thoughts:

My step-father was the ultimate list maker. Every morning his routine included: a cup of coffee, his chair positioned sideways at the kitchen table, a yellow legal pad, and his favorite black pen. While keeping an eye on what was going on at the farm, he would make a list for everything he wanted to accomplish that day, week, or for the future.

On several occasions he and my family would leave town overnight or for the week. When he headed out, it usually meant that I was left in charge of the farm. But never fear. Before he left, he had taken several morning sessions to make sure I had my list of things to do. Each day I had a map for what needed to be accomplished and a summary for everything that should be done before he returned.

In 1 Peter 3:8-12, Peter offers a summary of what a believer’s conduct should look like. He has given specific relationships and how they should be handled (cf. 1 Peter 2:11-3:17). Now he lists the characteristics:
~ be…harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit
~ don’t return evil for evil, but give a blessing
~ keep your tongue from evil and do good
~ seek peace and pursue it.
The reward is that God attends to the prayers of those who live in this manner.

Here’s the beauty and curse of lists. Lists are great because they give us specific things that we need to do. The curse is that it’s not just about what’s on the list. When the storm knocked out the electric fence and the cows scattered in the highway and the neighbor’s yard, it wasn’t on my list. Had I only been concerned with checking a list, I would have not concerned myself with the problem. Yet, because I lived in relationship with my father and knew the list was only a guideline, I naturally gathered the cows, fixed the fence, and restored order.

If in the Christian life we only focus our attention on a list, we miss the point. The summary Peter has given us is a perfect summary, but it’s not the total list. The list finds it’s purpose and significance in the relationship we have with the One who left it for us. Fulfill the list and live in fellowship with the One who left it for us.

The Israelites tried to live according to a “list” and failed.
Jesus has shown us that relationship works.

Application:

Have you ever left something undone, that needed to be done, because it wasn’t on “your list”?

Recall a time when you did something that wasn’t on “your list”. Why did you do what needed to be done?

Have you ever tried to live your life of faith as a list of do’s and don’ts? How exhausting is it?

Prayer:

Father,

How often I have tried to live my life according to the “list.” It is have left me unfulfilled and has served as my taskmaster. However, living in relationship with You gives meaning and purpose to the list. Now I want to do the things on it because I know it pleases You. Today, when the temptation comes to just check off my list, remind me that we are in a relationship and that You have a purpose and meaning for it.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.