The Well Church OKC

The early church encountered virtually all of the challenges we face today. Nothing new under the sun, after all. One of the essential questions asked by all Christians from the first century until now is, “Is it worth it to follow Jesus?” This question is asked in direct and indirect ways. It is similar, in some ways, to the question that people ask when they consider changing careers, or to start or end a marriage, or moving to a new community, or have children, etc. Is it worth it.

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We take as simply for granted, the incredible provision and opportunity we have been afforded. This is especially true as an American believer. We have wealth, opportunity and security. We have healthcare and freedom. We have infrastructure and safety. We have freedoms to worship and speak without fear of retribution.

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The issues of inequity and racism have been a part of many of my waking moments for

many years. As I came back to the US from living in the Philippines, this was a

surprising reality of the land I was returning to as an adult. In particular, seeing the

evidence of this in churches and denominations has been something I have struggle

with.

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Be nice. This is one of the essential messages of parenting and one of the most important traits of an adult. Seems like it ought not be so difficult for humans to be kind to one another. And yet, after thousands of years of co-existence, we are still miserable at this simple skill.

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Let’s be explicit from the outset. There should be no doubt or debate. We are not here to consume resources for a time and then return to dust. We are not here to serve self. We are not here to “succeed” by the world’s standards. We are created for purpose, meaning and for impact. All of our time is to be spent being about the work of the Father. Jesus was absolutely consistent in this teaching.

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It is an undeniable truth that much of how we choose to treat others stems from how we perceive our own value and position in this world. Much of the work that needs to be done to improve race relations should begin with deep, honest introspection. If we are unwilling to look into our own hearts, we will be unable to move our world into a better place for all people.

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One of the issues that has become a current hot-button is what we will teach our children about race and its sordid history in our country. A convenient talking point is centered around the academic discipline of Critical Race Theory. This is a forty year old academic and legal framework used to explain the ongoing occurrence of racism and racially negative outcomes in society, in particular, the U.S. society.

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What does it mean to determine to make a change? Why is this so difficult? For reasons that God only likely fully understands, we are creatures who establish pathways we habitually walk down again and again. We move and think and act in ways that are often just the way we do things.

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Make no mistake, to believe as we say we believe is an outlandish and unreasonable act. To believe in the factual coming of a Messiah, sent by a God, to save humans from our sin requires a foundation built almost completely on faith.

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Today, we think about joy. I wonder how often it is really experienced in our lives and in the lives of those around us. I wonder why it is so elusive when it is actually available to anyone.

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