Where the Apple Falls

Last night my oldest child (Seventeen) went to youth group at a friend's church. I will tell you beforehand that this child is very outgoing, headstrong and a bit bossy (think Lucy Van Pelt but less self-centered).

When she came home the first thing she asked me was, "It's Christ that accepts us, right?"

"Yes?" I replied, knowing this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Seventeen: The teacher at Friend's church said we need to accept Christ into our hearts.

Me: (eyebrows raised) Synergism?

Seventeen: Huh? (looks at me weird) No, she just said that God begins faith, but it is up to us to accept Christ into our hearts.

Me: What did you say?

Seventeen: I didn't say anything.

Me: Faith is the work of the Holy Spirit...

Seventeen: I know, I know. Anyway, she said we have to strive to be like Jesus.

Me: (jaw dropping) What did you say?

Seventeen: I said, but aren't we the sheep and Jesus the shepherd. The sheep can't become the shepherd. The shepherd does everything for the sheep - finds them when they're lost and stuff like that. Sheep can't do anything.

Me: What did she say?

Seventeen: She said that yes, Jesus is the shepherd, but He is also the rabbi and we are His disciples and as disciples our job is to become rabbis.

Me: What did you say?

Seventeen: I told her there was no way possible for me to become God, no matter how hard I try. I'm just a sinner.

Me: Did anyone agree with you?

Seventeen: No. They just argued with me.

Me: Did they change your mind?

Seventeen: No! I know I'm right.

Me: (Smiling so big my face hurts) Good.

Indeed it is a smorgasbord out there (thanks, Sara, for the analogy). There are a lot of differing views, theologies, doctrines and ideas. Many are biblical, many are not. It seems, from my humble perspective, that the ideas we find most appealing (appetizing) are those that agree with our human reasoning (easy to digest).

But as we survey what lays before us on the buffet, remember that God's way is not man's way.

Oh, I almost forgot, the denomination of the church Seventeen visited last night : ELCA.

Hebrew 13:20-21, 25 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen....Grace be with all of you.