Sermon for 02/03/08

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Sermon for 02/03/08
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GRACISM: I Will Cover You... Share With You,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN

Bottom Line: When people deal with color, class, or culture in a negative way, that’s racism. But the answer is not to ignore differences as if they don’t matter. This sermon is the 3rd in a series on how to we can focus on diversity in a positive way, showing God’s favor to others! That’s GRACISM! Today we discuss Paul’s 2^nd and 3^rd Gracist concepts; “Special Modesty” (I will cover you) and “No Special Treatment” (I will share with you). Special Modesty means not judging or exposing the blemishes or faults of others. Gracism demands that the marginalized, minorities, powerless are covered and protected from embarrassment where possible. It means always being sensitive – preserving their dignity and reputations. No Special Treatment means choosing community over comfort and privilege – refusing to accept favor and perks that hurt others. It means being stronger, having privileges, power and opportunities but choosing to give them up as a result of valuing community, fellowship, and unity – being inclusive of all those around you. Jesus was the perfect example. (Source: “Gracism – The Art of Inclusion” by David A. Anderson) Praise God AMEN

1) GRACISM REVIEW! Gracism: we’ve defined it as the positive extension of favor on other human beings based on color, class, and culture. Gracists believe in doing good to all people because God loves and cherishes all people. Because Christ loves diversity and is 100% inclusive, that should be our goal too! Gracists in the world recognize the beauty of diversityand will go to any length, and work as diligently as possible to ensure such beauty is seen and celebrated. A Gracist truly believes that everyone matters and should be included, and with God’s help are intentional bridge builders of reconciliation! Last week, we began exploring the seven characteristics or sayings of a Gracist, (we only had time to talk about the first found in verse 23 where the Apostle Paul refers to treating others with “Special honor”; which we discovered means saying that I will not exclude you because you are different, or on the fringe of society, in the minority, or in need of extra attention, but in fact - “I will lift you up!” And Christ called us to imagine and become an inclusive church where the whole people of God are busy worshipping and honoring God by lifting up and honoring one another!

2) MODESTY! Today we focus on the next portion of the Apostle Paul’s “body analogy” where he compares the family of God to the human body – consisting of different parts but belonging to one body! The second characteristic of a Gracist is “modesty” and is the cause of the saying “I will cover you!” It comes from verse 23-24, in 1^st Corinthians 12 where we read “And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.” Now there’s a word you don’t hear very often: modesty! Today we hear, “If you got – flaunt it!” But modesty was a word in Paul’s day used to encourage women not to dress in a way that caused men to be tempted toward unhealthy longing or lustful thoughts. He encouraged women to wear their hair or clothing in ways that did not draw attention to certain areas of their beauty that were to be preserved for their husband only. Obviously the culture of the day dictates what is modest and what is immodest, but still the overall concept or principle of modesty transcends time and culture. Some things are appropriate for the public eye, and some things need to stay behind closed doors.

3) KEEP PRIVATE! I’ll never forget one male pastor being asked by his wife to comment on a tight dress she was trying on at a store. Now we men know this usually not a win-win situation for a guy – but we can all take some lessons from this fellow! He responded to the inquiry as to how the dress looked by saying “That dress looks so good that I believe it is a stay-at-home dress.” He was saying in the kindest way he could that it wasn’t appropriate for others to see. He was tactfully suggesting that certain of her attributes should be keep private. Let’s face it, those of us who are getting older and rounder, realize there are certain clothes that don’t fit certain body types. But the right clothes can cover the areas we are least proud of. And let’s face it, many of us have vulnerabilities, embarrassing weak spots, and weaker assets as well as areas of beauty that should be kept private!

4) CLOTHING OF GRACE! Likewise, the body of Christ needs to learn to cover it’s “vulnerabilities” with the clothing of grace! Paul told the Colossian church that they were to clothe themselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Col 3:12) And not just towards some, but towards all people – across all racial, ethnic, and class lines. How do I know that’s what he meant? Because of the verse that lead up to that: verse 11 “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” He mentions race, religious practice, ethnicity, and class! Then he begins the next verse with a key word “Therefore” – (which means “Based on what I have just stated in the previous verses…”), “…as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Regardless of our differences, our weaknesses, and our imperfections, we are not to expose one another to public ridicule, embarrassing correction, or humiliating or hurtful display. That’s not the way of Grace! It’s not the way of Christ. A Gracist covers his neighbor’s vulnerabilities with the clothing of grace!

5) SINNERS! Let’s remember: the church, (that is, the body of Christ) is made up of sinners! Naturally there are portions of the body of Christ that are more blemished or unseemly, so Paul calls us to Christ-like attitudes that do not judge, condemn, or expose one another, nor put others down in embarrassing and hurtful ways! We are to modestly and lovingly deal with certain broken or sinful parts of the body behind closed doors in a healthy way! I’m not saying we are to sweep sinful issues under the rug, ...but to air the dirty laundry of others who are different from ourselves is far from Christ’s will! Whether our diversity is based on race, gender, culture, or anything else, we must never blast a particular group in the body of Christ because we disagree with their theology, methodology, politics, or philosophy of ministry. When we talk, we must always wear the clothing of grace and modestly cover the parts of our church body that are vulnerable and blemished. Because the church IS made up of sinners, and because you and I have the power to criticize another denomination, ministry, class, group, or member – Paul begs us not to take aim and fire! He says we need to power down and cover the body of Christ with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It’s the only way unity and reconciliation can occur.

6) UNPRESENTABLE! The apostle also said that those who are “unpresentable” should be covered with a special modesty; meaning there are at times when those who are not the popular race in the church, members of the “right” denomination, or belonging to the powerful class, ...these folks need to be covered, shielded, or advocated for. I’ve known a few who thought anyone not a Scanda-hoovian Lutheran were “unpresentable”, but Christ says it’s still our job to see to it that all people are protected and covered where needed. The worst thing we can say is “I don’t care!” “I don’t care about Methodists, or the Baptists”, “I don’t care about the addicted using the 12 Step programs in our building”, “I don’t care about the poverty that clings to certain racial groups”. “I don’t care about the Christian immigrants from Latin America, Asia, or the Ukraine.” I saddens me to hear some in the church today who are suppose to represent the heart, love, and grace of Christ blasting the parts of the body that differ from themselves, or just as harmful – declaring they don’t care about those who some deem “unpresentable”. Those are words that never came from Christ’s lips! But friends, if we don’t care, then we will never cover one another! If we don’t care, then we can’t be Gracists. Because Gracism demands we take those who are different from ourselves, marginalized as minorities, or those thought of as “unpresentable”, and cover and protect them from embarrassment whenever possible!

7) SENSITIVITY! Sometimes, being in a minority means you carry a lot of weight on your shoulders. And if you should trip under that weight or fall out of the boat, you don’t need the rest of the body pointing and laughing and telling everyone what they saw! What is needed is a special sensitivity towards minorities –whether that group or person is white, black, a visitor, foreigner, religious, marginalized, nonassertive, etc, …a sensitivity that ensures that their reputations and dignity are taken into account before (if ever) exposing their weaknesses, blemishes, or vulnerabilities. Those who actually have (or feel they have) a lower status than others always seem to have a higher embarrassment factor. Gracists intentionally take on the job of caring for the marginalized regardless of their class, culture, or color. They reach out to minorities, and when they falter, Gracism displays a special sensitivity that covers others in a way that their dignity is protected and their faults are not exploited.

8) COVER! Friends, in a world of backbiting, slander, and gossip, can you imagine the appeal of a church where believers help each other look and feel their best? Can you imagine the drawing power a congregation would have if they created an environment where I seek to help you succeed, and you seek to encourage me? …a place where, if I fall or fail, you will not exploit or embarrass me because you can, but instead cover me? ..a place where IF I ask the wrong question, use the wrong racial language, or hold an unpopular view, you will still cover me while inspiring me to new levels of education and growth? We are called to cover people in order to give them the time, space, and resources to grow towards spiritual health and full participation in God’s multicultural mission. Despite the temptations and ease at which we might gossip, slander, put down, or expose the weaknesses and faults of others, a Gracist lobbies for care, compassion, and concern for the reputation and dignity of the weaker and more vulnerable portions of the church body. With Christ’s help we treat those people and groups with special modesty, declaring to them through our words and actions, “I will cover you up!”

9) NO SPECIAL TREATMNT! The next characteristic mentioned in that same verse is “No Special Treatment” – which means “I will share with you”. Let me present a hypothetical situation. You meet a friend at the airport who is going to the same destination you are. He has an economy seat, and you have 1^st class. But at the desk you discover they made a mistake and the seat you paid for is not available. If you wait for the next flight, which is a direct flight and will get you there at the same time, you can have that 1^st class seat you purchased and the luxury and pampering that comes with it. OR… you can have the seat next to your friend crammed into economy. The choice is between comfort or community. Which will you choose? When Paul says “And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment”, the words “no special treatment” mean that “I will accept no special favors or perks that may hurt you or sever the bonds of community. I will accept no privileges or luxuries if it makes you feel less dignified or put down. I will pass on those favors, and choose instead to share in your experience.” In light of a grace-filled relationship, I (who access to special treatment) will refuse it if it in doing so we can grow closer together in Christ.

10) COMMUNITY! See, when a Gracist has a choice to either share in community, or enjoy special treatment that would leave others out, they refuse the special treatment that was offered. Those who have the power and/or those in the majority will refuse perks and honors that are unnecessary in the face of those who do not have the perks and privileges. After joining the church at Grace Lutheran many years ago, we had a barbeque at our house and we invited the young associate pastor and his wife to join us. “David” I asked, “Can I offer you a beer or a glass of wine?” His answer caught me off guard. “Well, Chuck, you know your friends better than I do – look around and tell me if my being a pastor drinking alcohol would be a problem for any of them”. Carefully I studied the faces of each guest, and ran across a strict Baptist tea-totaling couple, and one person who attended an AA program. Though David never said it, what he was telling me was that even though he had the right and privilege to drink a glass of alcohol, he did not want to do anything that might put some distance between him and any of the other guests. Despite a theology that supported the use of alcohol in moderation, he refused to have an “in your face” attitude towards my Baptist friends, nor would he flaunt his ability to handle alcohol in front of my friend who could not. David was sensitive to their burdens and was choosing community over comforts, rights, or desires. As I handed him a soda, his Gracist choice for community above all else made a big impression on me as a new Christian.

11) INSIDER/OUTSIDER! Paul wanted Christians to think about this: though it may at times feel good to be special or above the rest, power and prestige can be an addictive drug that robs others of life’s basics. I’ll never forget attending a small church in Gold Beach, Oregon, where I had just moved to start teaching High School Metal Shop. The church was having a potluck meal, and two other teachers belonging to this church took me under their wing and shuffled me to a particular spot in the fellowship hall just as the meal was to begin. After the prayers, I discovered we just so happened to be standing at the start of the food line! This was no accident, but a carefully planned out move by those insiders who were “In the know”. One teacher whispered, “There’s never enough dessert, so get some now, no matter how full your plate is!” At the next potluck, I noticed that while he was still at the head of the line, the other held back and was last in line. When I teased him about messing up and not being in the right place when the prayers was done, he said, “Oh, I only do that when there is a guest visiting and I want to make sure they don’t get left out”. And sure enough, I watched these two teachers over the next three years, and one ALWAYS ended up going first, having the privilege of experience and years of insider information, while the second teacher only did when a guest or visitor was present. One used their insider knowledge to selfishly get special treatment and benefits, (namely dessert), while the other was a Gracist, more concerned with the outsiders needs than their own.

12) GRACIST INCLUSION! The art of Gracist inclusion means that “I”, as a stronger or privileged person, have the power and opportunity to give up my privileges around those who do not have those privileges, so that they may join with me, and me with them, in community. Valuing community and fellowship over comfort is a practical way to process Paul’s statement about special treatment. It’s discovering that sharing the pie is what brings true community, joy, and fellowship to others! So, does Gracist Inclusion mean that “special treatment” is always wrong? No. Not always. It’s only wrong when it damages community, companionship, or social unity. When my perks cause you pain or loss, or exclude you, then as Paul says, “our presentable parts need no special treatment.” Now that’s not what my selfish desires want – for my flesh loves the world and all its goodies! But when my body is directed by the Holy Spirit and not the flesh, I realize that there is a big difference between what I “Want” and what I “Need”. Do I NEED special treatment? No. In fact, it is the visitor, the outsider, the lost, the hungry, the forgotten, and the abused who need the “special treatment” so they can partake in what we, the family of God, commonly enjoy! This is Gracist inclusion!

13) JESUS! Now I know that refusing special favors for the sake of others flies in the face of everything our secular culture teaches us; and this task is not easy! There are always different classes of people and various levels of status in the church and in our community – but Gracism is the great equalizer that will allow those of one status to relate to those of another status. It’s willing to give up perks and favors to share in a common experience. Like Jesus did. Imagine, God Himself, giving up the power and perks of divine privilege – empting Himself to come down and live as one of us – a mere mortal! …to share in the commonality of our human experience! Didn’t have to! But as a Gracist, Jesus chose community over privilege – and now we are so much more than blessed!

14) CHRIST! Christ is here this morning to empower you to experience the joy that only Gracists can. … to enable you to intentionally take on the job of caring for the marginalized regardless of their class, culture, or color. …to guide you so that when they falter, you will be sensitive and cover that person in a way that their dignity is protected and their faults are not exploited. Christ offers you His Spirit to live in your heart that you may refuse special treatment or favors as an act of grace if it results in inclusion. There will always be people on the fringes of society that do not have the education, networks, acceptance, or breaks in life that some of us have had. Christ calls you and I to do whatever it takes to see that everyone, all of God’s beloved children, are invited in to enjoy the fruits of God’s world! After all, wasn’t gracious inclusion Christ’s gift for us? Praise God, AMEN

Confessional Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that the temptation to put others down or point out their faults and failures is always with us! Rather than covering their vulnerabilities with the clothing of grace… we have exposed their weakness and frailties and opened others to embarrassing scrutiny. Forgive us, and develop within us a special sensitivity to the burdens of others and empower us to cover them with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Lord, we confess that we have not always chosen community over comfort and special treatment. We often want and desire to be special even if it means others are excluded. Forgive us, and enable us to see that it is the visitor, the outsider, the lost, the hungry, the forgotten, and the abused who need the “special treatment” we so often have! Empower us to graciously give up special treatment if it will allow us to care for and include all people in a common and joy-filled experience of your love!

And now, although you know us better than we know ourselves, listen as we share in a moment of silence, those other parts of our lives that need to be forgiven, washed clean, and made anew.

(Silence)

Lord, you chose to clothe our weaknesses and failures in the clothing of grace! And you gave up the privileges of divinity to come and share in our common experience and to bring us your amazing and sacrificial love! Teach us to be sensitive so as to preserve the dignity of all people and see that their faults are not exploited, and empower us to choose community over comfort and special treatment – as Jesus did for us! AMEN

Assurance of Forgiveness:

Friends, listen to the good news: the Lord who covers you and shares with you His life-giving grace, …that Lord has heard your confession and lovingly forgives you all your sins. Go, and let Him empower you to become a sensitive Gracist who 1) covers the vulnerabilities of others and 2) desires no special treatment if it hinders the goal of inclusive community! AMEN

Opening Prayer:

Dear Lord, we have come here this morning from a world that seems to be changing at a staggering rate. People change, our community changes, the challenges and struggles change. But you Lord, and your love for us never changes. And so we return once again to this Holy Place to be embraced in your arms, and to find our security in our rock; our Lord and Savior! Your burning desire to “fix us” never changes and so we come to present our broken lives and relationships to you. Your longing to heal us never changes so we present our frail bodies, minds, and souls to you – the great and divine doctor. Your gracious desire to wash away our sins never changes, and so we lay them at your feet and await the cleansing and forgiveness that only you can give! Your desire to mold and transform us into faithful and joy-filled disciples never changes, and so we come to hear your Holy Word that empowers us to be more Christ-like each and every day! And because your heart never changes as it still aches to bring us into a deeper relationship with you and with one another, we offer ourselves once again that you may draw us ever closer to you and this church family! Give us your protection, power, and purpose, that we may be reflections of your never-changing love to an ever-changing world! In Jesus Name We pray, AMEN

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