Imperishable Inheritance

The watch is a symbol of our insatiability to know what time it is and where we are supposed to be. Some use it only as decoration, and some fore go them all together. There are some who buy cheap watches, and there are those who just as easily will pay thousands for one. There is a watch for every style and desire. With such evidence of a social symbol, what is it like to lose it? There was a summer that I lost my watch.

I left to go to Pasadena, California this summer only knowing that I was ready for a change. After the tireless pursuit of religions and worldly philosophies I was ready. How I was to be changed was out of my conception, but I was content with not knowing. Arriving the first night, and looking into the humble living conditions I was to have was a reminder of what was not important on this trip.

After many days of orientation, we started our journey through Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. The first speaker (Jeff Lewis, who was the best I heard all summer) walked through the first lesson on the Biblical basis for missions, and I for the first time I saw the Bible. Understanding doctrinally the ramifications of the Abrahamic covenant in terms of the redeemed in a soteriological sense was something very different from seeing the Abrahamic covenant as something that would spread to all nations. How odd was it to see Scripture in such a new light!

We proceeded to go through all fifteen lessons introducing us to many missiological concepts. The material questioned the way I perceived, not only the gospel, but shepherding a flock of believers outside of a western sphere of influence. It blew systematic ecclessiology (doctrine of the church) right out of the water. It was something to spend less time defining the gospel and more time refining how we help the recipients of the gospel grow.

During this time we did many things such as Jewish focus which we did a Messianic Seder which was an incredible cultural experience. We also learned of and visited the Mormons. How sad it was to see such deceived individuals. We continued to grow as a community during this early time. It takes a while, and which ironically culminated at the end, to become open toward a community. As I grew, the growth did not come the most from doctrinal studies but through the other believers on the project. It was seeing their hearts and minds set upon following their Messiah to the ends of the earth that inspired the most growth.

We heard many speakers during this time about issues such as discipleship, church planting, spiritual warfare, pluralism, discerning God's will (the best I've heard on the subject), and various worship nights with different speakers. We did many community nights with my small group visiting such places as downtown Pasadena and Hollywood. I also got the opportunity to visit with Christy, Simon, and my Dad. I also managed to spend 20 hours writing an opening statement on the compatibility of divine determinism and moral accountability for a formalized debate I'm having with Simon.

We had the opportunity to grow through small groups and individual discipleship. My small group was of much encouragement. I grew exponentially with four other men with genuine and open accountability, inductive study through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and time socializing. We went on a small group weekend to Tijuana, we climbed to the top of a mountain, and we got to spend much time just learning of our individual ambitions and struggles. I have never felt closer to a small group than during this trip.

After Perspectives, we spend time with focuses on various religions and visiting their respective temples. We studied Islam, Hare Krishnas, Buddhists, and Hindus. Hearing a speaker who specialized in the various religions followed by actually visiting those who practice the actual followers of the religion made the material come alive. It was seeing those who were far away that breaks you for them.

I got the opportunity to tackle various doctrinal issues personally and then have conversations with those on the project. I tackled issues such as Dispensationalism/Covenant Theology, Cessationism, Eschatology (the 4 views), apologetics, various soteriological concepts, political, and church issues (this is all in addition to the missiological concepts). Struggling through those issues while remaining open to those of dissenting opinions aided in the dialogue and search for truth.

I leave with a feeling of contentment, but I'm home not feeling as though I have returned home. For 50 days I felt full of purpose at every moment, at every prayer, through every thought. Being home is a challenge to remain in the same mode of seeking purpose in all I do when work, school, and relationships pull down on you.

So, why the watch analogy? I, much like many Christians, wore the faith as a cosmetic addition. I was eagerly seeking Christ during my last year of belief, but my heart wasn't quite there (in terms of God's redemptive purpose). I also did very literally lose my watch about 5 days before I left. I spent those 5 days thinking way to much about what that could mean. Did it mean I should spend less time worrying and more time doing (Matthew 6:33-34)? I saw it as a sign to renew my focus, and that I had started the process of shedding cultural identity.

But, on the way to the airport to leave, I literally did find my watch again in the cup holder of the van. I put it back on remembering why the watch was important. It isn't for me to worry needlessly about what I will do, but it is for me to worry about not procrastinating following and glorifying Christ in all that I do. So, I put the watch back on, got on the plane, and I decided that I'll never forget what it was like during the summer that I did lose my watch.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34