Theology Blog

Often in my life I have thoughts that while I am deeply passionate about, I have a hard time explaining. As I ponder and share these thoughts, it is often those around me (the many who are much smarter than I) who help me find words for these thoughts. This has been the case recently as I continue to wrestle with the complex world in which we live while thinking about the nature, state of and role of the church in the world. While the world is dramatically different than it has been, there are no new things under the sun. While the world has grown increasingly complex, most things are much more simple than we realize.

That said, the answers to the complex problems of the world and the church are very simple. Simple to explain, simple to name, simple to understand. While these things are incredibly simple to understand, they are very difficult to live out and apply. In fact, as one friend and colleague pointed out, its easy stuff, but it will take you a lifetime to live out. This is the nature of discipleship and following Jesus. Its all very simple. Love God, others and yourself with all that you have and all that you are. Go and make disciples. Go after Jesus, take up suffering and follow him. All these things are very simple to understand and explain. The difficult part is to live them out. Loving and following Jesus while loving yourself and serving others, being a disciple who makes disciples is a difficult call. It is going to take my lifetime for me to live out these short instructions, but its where life is found and it’s the answer to all the challenges we face.