To live your life striving to be a reflection of Christ is
hard. To live your life as a leader in the church trying to help others live as
reflections of Christ is hard. To live your life on a large public platform as a
leader in the church trying to help a global community live as reflections of
Christ is probably close to insanity. (James 3:1)
This past week, the family of Rick Warren suffered a
tremendous loss: the life of a child.
They are public figures and as such have taken on a
responsibility to public life, which includes publicly sharing this loss of
life. At a time when I would want the world to turn a blind eye to me, the
Warrens have garnered worldwide attention with their tragedy. Some of that attention has shown the goodness
of God’s love prevalent in the world. Some of that attention has shown
the sickness of the human heart. I paused today after seeing some
inappropriate responses to the Warren’s situation that were related to criticizing
his theology and/or ministry: Why would
these things even cross a person’s mind at such a time? There is one most excellent example in
responding to death from the Scriptures:
Jesus wept.
When the Lord’s friend died, he did not give
lengthy discourses on sin or evil or even on why death comes upon us all. He
did not analyze Lazarus’ theology, ministry, or life. Jesus, being God, had the
knowledge to critique his friend's life and to do so with perfection. But what did he
do? He grieved…out loud.
Rick – It is hard to be a public figure. It is certainly
harder when a loved one dies. Press on, brother. You are greatly loved.
MJ
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
