The green grass thing is something my former pastor used to talk about regularly. I think it's true, AND I've also experienced while trying to apply it that it's missing something: first you have to live in reality about how bad the weeds really are.
In many Christian communities, it can be very easy to look at a "lawn" overtaken by weeds and say, "You know, we all struggle with weeds. Just grow green grass!" But there's a point where you *must* deal directly with the weeds first because there's so many, they'll choke out the grass instead.
I resonate with the idea you mentioned of emphasizing depravity to an unhelpful point. Statements like "but for the grace of God, there go I" or "we shouldn't be surprised when genuine Christians sin grievously because we all have sin living in us still," were also ideas talked about regularly, and it had the effect of leveling out all sins to the same severity—of seeing every lawn as basically the same, and in need of the same things no matter the weed count. And if every lawn is basically the same, then if someone raises their hand to say "hey, I've got a weed problem" then it's not a big priority to insist on an accurate count.
That’s a great point, Ben. Well said. I’ve had to do that with my own lawn. Almost killed the whole thing ato try and start over. Also a good metaphor there, for sure.
I resonate with so much of this having lived in Nashville in the '90s, worked for an artist I respected (and still do!) while being turned off CCM in general, and made the move from the PCA to ACNA eight years ago. In my 50 years of following Christ, there is inestimable value of being convinced that there's no sin that we can't fall into held alongside the deep knowing belief that we are loved immeasurably by Christ.
This is wonderful and insightful, and speaks powerfully to me. Virtually my entire life has been lived with secrets, hiding, and deceitfulness. Having been a Christian for many years – 50 or more – the spirit has been increasingly convicted of my deceitfulness and secrecy as I seek to draw closer to him. It is fear that drives secrecy – ultimately coming down to shame. The answer, which I learned the most about in recovery from addiction, is honesty and transparency. I have recently posted several things here on the importance of these as we grow in grace: https://drisin.substack.com/p/the-road-to-grace-v-transparency?r=598tu7 and https://drisin.substack.com/p/the-road-to-grace-honesty?r=598tu7. Thank you for blessing me today.
This is probably one of the best and healthiest takes I have seen on this situation so far. And I love the addendum on CCM.
Thanks Autumn
Great insights. Just the other day was listening to Swing Wide the Glimmering Gates:
I caught myself
Looking in the mirror ...
I told myself
the habits and secrets
were just to get me through
to get me through the nights
Well, ha. Looky there. That song surprises me over and over. Who knew?
Yes, a great song in every way---evocative, multi-layered, heartfelt.
The green grass thing is something my former pastor used to talk about regularly. I think it's true, AND I've also experienced while trying to apply it that it's missing something: first you have to live in reality about how bad the weeds really are.
In many Christian communities, it can be very easy to look at a "lawn" overtaken by weeds and say, "You know, we all struggle with weeds. Just grow green grass!" But there's a point where you *must* deal directly with the weeds first because there's so many, they'll choke out the grass instead.
I resonate with the idea you mentioned of emphasizing depravity to an unhelpful point. Statements like "but for the grace of God, there go I" or "we shouldn't be surprised when genuine Christians sin grievously because we all have sin living in us still," were also ideas talked about regularly, and it had the effect of leveling out all sins to the same severity—of seeing every lawn as basically the same, and in need of the same things no matter the weed count. And if every lawn is basically the same, then if someone raises their hand to say "hey, I've got a weed problem" then it's not a big priority to insist on an accurate count.
That’s a great point, Ben. Well said. I’ve had to do that with my own lawn. Almost killed the whole thing ato try and start over. Also a good metaphor there, for sure.
Yeah, same. Where I used the royal "you" I *really* meant "I." :)
I resonate with so much of this having lived in Nashville in the '90s, worked for an artist I respected (and still do!) while being turned off CCM in general, and made the move from the PCA to ACNA eight years ago. In my 50 years of following Christ, there is inestimable value of being convinced that there's no sin that we can't fall into held alongside the deep knowing belief that we are loved immeasurably by Christ.
This is so good, Andrew!
Amen and amen. And especially good reminder for me too in that addendum
Amen, Andrew. Thank you for writing this.
Good, good words, Andrew. Thank you.
Your final photo with the tree by water made me think of Psalm 1, which seems to fit what you’re talking about here. Good thoughts.
Wonderful
This is like a sucker bunch; I can't even imagine how the victims feel.
This is wonderful and insightful, and speaks powerfully to me. Virtually my entire life has been lived with secrets, hiding, and deceitfulness. Having been a Christian for many years – 50 or more – the spirit has been increasingly convicted of my deceitfulness and secrecy as I seek to draw closer to him. It is fear that drives secrecy – ultimately coming down to shame. The answer, which I learned the most about in recovery from addiction, is honesty and transparency. I have recently posted several things here on the importance of these as we grow in grace: https://drisin.substack.com/p/the-road-to-grace-v-transparency?r=598tu7 and https://drisin.substack.com/p/the-road-to-grace-honesty?r=598tu7. Thank you for blessing me today.
This was sharp and compassionate and humble all at the same time. Thank you for writing this.
I am relieved to hear that SCC is who he seems to be. I somehow missed the news on Tait. Bleh.
Yes sir. Thanks, Andy. I’m grateful for all of this.
Andrew, this is a beautiful reflection. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Rick