How Can We Be Ready?

In an earlier post, I asked the question of what it would take for us to be, as Paul says in Titus 3:1, “ready to do good works.” What sort of things prepare us for improvising our role in the theodrama?

First, I think it is important to point out that unlike actors preparing for a performance, we never have the luxury of preparation before the real action. The moment we are born, we are on stage, and therefore preparation happens mid-performance. With that said, I think Scripture points us to several ways in which we can develop readiness to perform good works:

• Union with Christ (this is the foundation)
• Receiving spiritual gifts
• Actively putting on our new self
• Knowing Scripture
• Being aware of tradition and a willingness to imitate
• Awareness and responsiveness to context
• Awareness of the body (gifts of others, sin in the members, etc.)

Therefore, I think ethical readiness is a gift of the Holy Spirit, but also a goal that includes responsive awareness of Scripture, tradition, context, and the Body.

What do you think? What else would you include in this list? Any comments you have would be very helpful, as this is a work in progress.

My First Experience with the National Health Service

It was easy and free. That pretty much sums up my thoughts about the eye exam I had today, which was paid for through the NHS. I am going back for a free contact lens fitting later in the week, and I am elated because these sorts of appointments are normally a huge dent in our monthly budget. Supposedly, going in for certain check ups do cost a little, and you do have to pay for your contacts and glasses (although buying wholesale is the way to go!), but at least this basic stuff is free.

Now, don’t get all huffy and assume that I am saying that socialized health care is the best way to go. I am just reflecting on my own experience for now, and when we build a collage of experiences throughout our time here in Scotland, hopefully we can be in a better position to evaluate all the pros and cons.

For right now, it’s hard to argue against free eye exams.

Remembrance Sunday

Today is Remembrance Sunday in the UK, celebrating the Armistice of World I on November 11, 1918. The church service at Holy Trinity was dedicated to remembering the service men and women, both past and present, who fight for peace. After the service, there was a big military processional (with pipes and drums, of course) to the war memorial at the end of town by the old cathedral for a wreath-laying ceremony.

It struck me more than usual this morning that every Sunday is remembrance Sunday for Christians. Every Sunday we remember the ultimate victory over death accomplished by Jesus our Savior and King. Not only that, but every Sunday is anticipation Sunday, because we hope and pray for the day when Jesus will lead the “war to end all wars.” Only then will we experience true peace. Until then, we live between memory and hope.

If you can’t beat it, join it

One of my concerns about moving to Scotland was dealing emotionally with the dismal weather. It is generally well-known that lack of sun exposure can result in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. As we are entering the winter where we will face rain, wind, clouds, and darkness, I am reflecting on my previous concerns about how the weather would affect my emotional well-being.

Because so far, it really hasn’t. In fact, I have felt pretty upbeat.

Why? I believe its because we cycle twice a day, rain or shine, light or dark. I have a theory that a large part of the reason we get down in the winter and dreary weather is less because the weather is bad and more because we stay cooped up inside. Humans are meant to have a relationship with nature. We’re meant to be outside and experience the varying aspects of weather’s effect on us.

Since we cycle, I am forced to be outside whether or not I would have otherwise chosen to. Instead of distancing myself from the cold, wind, dark, and rain, I must feel it in my face, smell, and even taste the elements. That brings vigor to my day in such a way that I have felt quite good about the less-than-pleasant weather so far.

You Plural

It remains an unfortunate mystery how the English language developed without one word to communicate “you” plurally. While I try to avoid saying “y’all” too much, it just is so convenient.

But the UK has opened my mind to a different possibility: “You’s”

I’m not sure exactly how to spell it, but it makes sense. To make something plural, add an “s.” So, you plural should be “You’s.”

See you’s later!

And By Ethics, I Mean Theology

People ask what I am studying a lot, and I always have to decide in the moment if I am going to say the short or long version. My short version has been going like this: “I am studying Christian ethics as improvisation with a particular emphasis on poverty.”

But I don’t really like having to choose whether to describe my project as ethics or theology, because how can we really separate them? Since how we live depends on who God is and how he has acted in history, then ethics arises from theology. And since we are created in the image of a good God, then theology naturally gives rise to ethics: becoming more like God. Here is Ben Witherington in his new book, The Indelible Image:

“Theology and ethics in the New Testament should never be severed, with the former glorified and the latter sometimes even villified, or at least trivialized. There is such a connection between the two that we cannot understand theology unless we understand ethics, and vice versa. One cannot understand the theological implications unless one also understands the ethical applications.” (23)

I like that way that Samuel Wells in his book Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics further explains how ethics is theological and theology is ethical:

“God has broken his life open that we might become his friends by using the gifts he has given us. Ethics considers the best use of these gifts.” (31)

 

 

This Christmas, Give A Gift With A Purpose

Stumped about what to give that family member or friend for Christmas? How about original photography? It’s not just any gift, but a gift with a purpose! If you buy our photography, you are contributing to Wes’ postgraduate research in Christian ethics, and our life and ministry here in Scotland.

Now, for a limited time only, we are offering a special Christmas deal: if you buy two photographs, you receive a third photograph of equal or lesser value for free! There is more information about ordering the photographs on the website, but here’s a quick rundown of the prices (shipping included) and ordering instructions:

• 5″ X 7″ print: $20.
• 8″ X 10″ print: $30
• 10 X 12″ print: $40
• 10” X 15″ print: $50

(Note: Some photos not available in larger sizes. Please inquire.)

To place an order for signed prints, email us at vanderlugtphotography at gmail dot com. All payment is conveniently handled through Paypal (no account required). Here are some ideas for gifts, but please visit Vander Lugt Photography to see the rest:

We look forward to hearing from you!

Ready to Live Well

In Titus 3:1, Paul exhorts Titus to remind his people to “be ready for every good work.” Similarly, he writes to Timothy that he wants those in the household of God to be “ready for every good work” (2 Tim 2:21). In other words, Paul desires this community of Christians to display a readiness to live well.

But how can we develop this readiness to live well? What are the characteristics of “being ready?” What would be the differences between someone who is ready to do good and someone who is not ready to good?

Once we wrestle with what this means, do you think we can understand Christian ministry as readying God’s people for every good work?

I look forward to your thoughts on this as I am developing this idea in my PhD work. I have some thoughts, but I would love to hear your feedback first before I muddy the waters.

Samuel Rutherford

In the cemetery just outside my window lies the grave of Samuel Rutherford, whose headstone is pictured below. Samuel Rutherford should be remembered for many things, not least:

• His role as a Scottish Commissioner at the Westminster Assembly
• His work as a professor of Divinity here at St Andrews
• His two most famous works, Lex Rex (The Law is King) and his Letters

Of Rutherford’s Letters Charles Spurgeon is known to have said: “”When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.”

If you doubt him, read the Letters for yourself and you will see that this man possessed a wisdom and piety that should be admired and treasured.

You know you are no longer in St Louis when…

… a pint of Budweiser is more expensive than a pint of Guinness. As is the case at the restaurant where I work. Strange, huh?