Day 25, Timely or Timeless.

A couple of years ago, I went to a conference and the subject centered around the missionary dilemma, which is: How do I reach a culture that I am not necessarily a part of? How much of the culture do I take on, without compromising the elements of the message that I preach and teach? Methods vs. Message? On one hand you have a young pastor, Mark Driscoll reaching thousands in Seattle, on the other you have a conservative PCA Minister, Ligon Duncan or RC Sproul. All three I greatly respect...YET. The question arises in my heart even as I blog in my world.

It seems it runs against a simple observation for me. To be personal with people you must give them 'YOU', which is timely information. I.e....this is my life. I use Itunes, Ipods, Xbox 360, shop at European Country Living, eat at Ramstein on Saturday, and also run 6 to 10 miles a week, ...etc...and of course the FALL Football schedule.

Yet, on the opposing end of this, people also seem to desire to hear..timeless truths, which do not necessarily come from my personal experience this week. To understand the message of the Trinity, or why Christ came to earth to die for the church? These truths aren't revolving around the local chatter on the front cover of "Men's Health" or "Economist" or "DrudgeReport". These timeless truths, are just that, they are timeless, what I write today regarding my trip to Worms is very up to date, but my life is not merely a constant Twitter update or Facebook edition,...it must be more.

Therefore, I challenge not only to myself but to all who read,...in the midst of our timely updates and conversations, intertwine those things that are timeless. I believe that conversations that are most meaningful, may not be the trends of the local weather in your area, but the depths of the oceans that hold the same water that rains on your crops. Not all of us are sages, but I do believe that the wisdom of Scripture is a great start for conversations like these.

Who knows, you may be sitting at the Sunday Table today, and move from Matt Ryan's ability as QB of the Atlanta Falcons, to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in your communion service? Just a thought.

Being Timely,
John

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