A few months ago I read The Hole in Our Gospel. I’d borrowed it from my friend Nicole, and when I turned the last page, I immediately ordered my own copy from Amazon. It was that good. So good, in fact, that I needed my own copy to read and re-read, underline, highlight and absorb.
As a result, I’ve decided to write a five-part series here that I’m calling Lessons from The Hole. Read my thoughts on this book every Thursday for the next five weeks, but first, buy your own copy…and buy one for someone else. You’ll be glad you did.
First, a short recap of the book. Written by Richard Stearns, The Hole in Our Gospel is the personal story of Stearns’ journey from CEO of Lenox, the fine china company, to President of World Vision. It’s also a hard look at global poverty and a call to action to change your life toward what God wants and expects from you.
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Part I: It’s Beyond Personal
Those of you who have read this blog for a while know that I’m a relatively new believer in God as well as a questioner, wrestler and sometimes doubter. I’ve struggled with my faith a lot in the past two decades. I still struggle. I write honestly here about faith questions, fears, doubts and concerns…and I spend even more time pondering and questioning my faith in my spare time.
That’s why these words by Stearns in the introduction of The Hole in Our Gospel stopped me short:
Being a Christian, or follower of Jesus Christ, requires much more than just having a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with the world.
Embracing the gospel, or good news, proclaimed by Jesus is so much more than a private transaction between God and us.
We are carriers of the gospel – the good news that was meant to change the world. Belief is not enough. Worship is not enough. Personal morality is not enough. And Christian community is not enough. God has always demanded more.
Living out our faith privately was never meant to be an option. (pages 2-3)
What? You mean it’s not all about me? It’s not all about my faith, my relationship with God, my struggles and concerns?
Richard Stearns has grabbed me by the shoulders and shaken me awake.
No, he tells me bluntly, it’s not all about me. And in fact, a cursory glance at the gospels tells me it’s about much more than me indeed – it’s about the poor, the starving, the sick, the homeless, the outcasts. And it’s about my personal relationship with them as well as with God.
So far in my faith journey I’ve focused almost entirely on my own spiritual growth. I worship, read the Bible, attend small group study and church classes and nurture a faith community with an eye almost entirely on my own growth. Sure God’s word, if I really listen to it, absorb it and apply it to my own life, inspires me to reach out to others in a positive way, but the impact has been pretty narrow, within my own immediate, personal community and comfort zone.
For example, when I read the Bible I often think, “What is God telling me here? What is the message for me, for my struggles and burdens today?” And that’s okay – it’s a place to start. But at some point, I realized when I read Stearns’ introduction, the words I read in the Bible, God’s word, must propel me beyond myself and into the global community.
Looking inward is the starting line. But at some point the gun must go off, and I must lift my head and move forward.
It might seem silly to most of you, that Stearns’ introductory message came as a revelation to me. And part of me is embarrassed to admit that yes, I’ve been this self-absorbed in my faith, that I assumed simply believing was enough. Frankly, for a while simply believing, or struggling to believe, was all I could handle.
But today, as I read and re-read The Hole in the Gospel, I realize that belief is simply the foundation, the starting line drawn in chalk. God wants more from me. God expects more.
Have you read Richard Stearns’ The Hole in Our Gospel? If so, what did you think? And where are you in your faith journey – inwardly focused, outwardly active…or a bit of both? (It’s okay to admit if you’re focused inward – you’ll be in good company with me!).
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.1 John 2:6
Next Thursday’s Lessons from the Hole: Are you willing to be open to God’s will for your life?
Linking up with Peanut Butter in my Hair for Bigger Picture Moments today!
