02-06-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 6, 2026
So yesterday, I received an email from a local dermatologist offering Valentine’s Specials. For just $1,900, I can get a skin tightening session. Happy Valentine’s Day, my wrinkly friend… or at least that’s the way I read it. Or how about giving that to someone you love? I don’t see that going over well. 

I have many favorite church signs, but one of my favorites is:

WHAT WILL WE NEVER DO?
PRAY FOR DOUG
WORSHIP AT 9AM & 11AM

Of course, the top line was the sermon title for the coming Sunday, and I guess there had been a request to pray for Doug. Those are both legitimate items to include on a sign, but there are times when it is good to pause, take a step back, and then ask ourselves, “Is this really what I want to communicate?”

I can’t tell you how many times I have thought to myself, “I think the sermon is done. Let me just read over my notes one more time.” And it is that additional read-through where something screams, “Wow! That does not sound good.”

As followers of Jesus, and more specifically, those who are still far from perfect, it is good to pause and review. There will be plenty of times when the review won’t occur until after we have said or done something, yet in that review, there might be something we need to critique and seek to change. Other times, we can catch ourselves before we say something or do something. Let me give you an example. I was visiting a young man in the hospital who had received a bad diagnosis. A friend came by to visit him, and immediately he says, “I thought I was the screw-up, but you must have done something really bad to deserve this.” He was trying to be funny, but his attempt at humor failed miserably in that moment. 

Let me be clear, I do not believe illness or disease is a sign of God’s punishment. I just don’t believe that’s the way a loving God works. Yet in the friend’s attempt at lightening the moment, he introduced a very unhealthy theological idea that can create tremendous guilt that hinders the healthy and intimate relationship with God that someone is desperately needing in a time of fear and uncertainty. 

Again, no one is perfect, but it is good to reflect—hopefully before we say or do something—and learn.

You remain merciful, Good and Gracious God, even when we forcibly thrust a foot into our mouth. Teach us humility that can provide the space to learn, ask forgiveness if necessary, and to do the best job possible when it comes to sharing the Good News of your immeasurable and unconditional love. Amen.