Beyond the many formal ministries we do at the Naval Academy, much of our time is dedicated to the midshipmen. Actually, this more sporadic time with the guys ironically tends to be the most fruitful. It's truly at the heart and foundation of our ministry.
It's so critical, especially in our day and age, to actively engage the culture and to meet people in their everyday experiences. This can be scandalous for those who see holiness as an over-pious activity, detached from all cultural activities. They may ask, "Aren't the things of God contaminated by such ordinary things?" Though, in reality, it's our mission, as lay-missionaries to imbue this world with the authentic peace and joy of Christian life. Just as Christ became man in all things, except sin, we Christians must enter into all the dimensions of human existence, except sin. This is the epitome of "being
in the world but
not of the world!" We eat, we sing, we dance - as children of God - so that eating, singing, and dancing can be redeemed, belong wholly to God!
Our world wants to see witnesses more than teachers. Yes, people
need to be taught, yet they also need a living example, a tangible experience from which they can shape their own actions! Why do we wish to tell them about the truth, when we can show them it directly! In this way, people come to an undeniable encounter with the Gospel message, which is the Gospel of
Life!
Let's face it people, we've got a problem. Look at the world, look at all of the destruction, loneliness, guilt and depression. We are our own greatest obstacle! An obstacle that seems impossible to overcome - so we try to "escape": drugs, alcohol, sex... all the momentary "bliss" that leaves us more empty than before. What can we
consume to set ourselves free, to be happy? I don't know, but do we really think the next commercial has the answer? Working out? Girls/guys? Another drink? Food? I've given up on these things because they don't reach deep enough. I've got a problem that reaches deeper into my soul than any sensation can reach. There are chains holding me down inside that I know no thing can fix. Hear me clearly: I said "no thing" not "nothing"!
There is somebody, who can undo all the wounds that I and others have inflicted in our hearts. And if I had not found him, I know all the crap from my past would have swallowed me whole by now. Some can suppress it better than I ever could. I think my weakness was my saving grace! I couldn't deny the misery I felt for very long, I had to give up, I had to surrender to the only remaining option. Why is this abandonment so difficult? Why do we try every option before this one? I think a question of this magnitude must have a layered answer, no doubt.
In my own life, The Way wasn't "my way". I had to let go of everything, all that my heart clung to, all that made me "happy" (miserable). I knew this choice would take my life out of my hands and it was scary thinking where this abandonment may leave me and those that I loved. My friends, family, sponsors, this is The Choice! This is the choice at the very heart of human existence and the tension we feel within ourselves. This is the choice which leaves us hanging somewhere between Life and Death. Do we take the leap of faith or do we cling to all that we've acquired (which really possesses us)?
Do not be afraid! He came into the world for this very reason: to bring freedom to the captives - to you and to me! This is what we must witness to in the world. We must enter into the world - into the bars and gyms, and onto the dance floors - and be a living witness to the freedom we possess inside! By this witness, all the world will come to trust that Jesus Christ is the true liberator and that our hearts, cares, and needs can be entrusted to his care.
That's why I loved having a tailgate for the women's hockey game, cheering and chanting for their victory, bowling, hanging out with the "mids" at bars, and going to the Navy VS. Air Force football game this weekend. In these things, I can be a witness to the freedom I've come to possess through God! Just hanging out and letting the Gospel of Life speak for itself! What a life, thank you for making it all possible.
P.S. Sorry! When I'm living life with these guys, taking pictures never really comes to mind. I'll try to get some good ministry shots at some point!
