Confession

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

One of my favorite Foo Fighters songs starts off with this simple lyric…

“I’ve got another confession to make…”

As I think about that lyric, I find myself thinking about the importance of confession…of being truly open and honest about who we are…our weaknesses, our shortcomings, and all that jazz.

Here is the definition of confession, according to dictionary.com:

con·fes·sion–noun
1.acknowledgment; avowal; admission: a confession of incompetence.
2.acknowledgment or disclosure of sin or sinfulness, especially to a priest to obtain absolution.
3.something that is confessed.
4.a formal, usually written, acknowledgment of guilt by a person accused of a crime.
5.Also called confession of faith. a formal profession of belief and acceptance of doctrines, as before being admitted to church membership.

So, this evening, I feel that I should make some confessions…

On Friday, I consumed more pork in one meal than any person should consume in a month. The great thing about gluttony is that it taste great! As I polished off the “Triple Hog” sandwich at DT Kirby’s, I found myself experiencing feelings of joy and satisfaction…along with feelings of guilt and shortness of breath. And, you know what? I would do it all over again!

On Saturday, I again consumed more food than any person should consume in a single meal. This time, at Exotic Thai, it was a mix of sushi, sashimi, beef teriyaki, fried vegetables, deep-fried banana, rice and fresh fruit. Afterwards, I found myself feeling full…satisfied…a bit uncomfortable with the extra weight I was now carrying around in my gut…and then a bit of guilt for over-consuming. Would I do it again? Of course!

Wait a second, that’s not really a confession as much as it is a declaration. In both cases, I’ve admitted that I felt somewhat gluttonous…even ashamed of consuming mass quantities of food. And yet, I go on to say that I would do it all over again.

Yet, there might be something to that…

You see, it seems like when I truly confess my weaknesses…my short-comings…my sins…it’s just the same list over and over. I confess…but then I just do it all over again. At least I’m being honest about the desire to return to my gluttonous way. Does anyone else struggle with this? It’s not that I’m continually indulging in new forms of sin…I just seem to continually come back to the familiar ones. I think Paul said something about that??? Yep, Romans 7:15…”I don’t know what I’m doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing that I hate.”

So, if that’s the case, have I truly confessed?

Okay…so, we could get into a long conversation about the differences between confession and repentance. We could debate theology and blah, blah, blah.

Let’s just sum it up by saying that when I confess…I’m not just trying to wipe my slate clean…I’m not just trying to get things off my chest and feel a little less guilt…I’m also begging for the strength and courage to change because I desperately desire to be different.

As I continue to grow on this journey of faith, I am continually reminded of the great need to have some close friends and family who I can trust with my confessions. These are persons I know will offer their love, support, and encouragment…people who will help hold me accountable…who will check in on me…who will withhold their judgment…who will not gossip.

It’s good to confess…maybe not before the entire congregation (I’ve seen that get a little weird…and I’m not sure everyone needs to know your business…and I’m sure you don’t want “so and so” talking about your confession over lunch) … and maybe not on a blog (I’ve seen that get a little weird too).

But, everyone should have a friend(s), family member(s), counselor, or clergyperson who we can bare our souls to…in all honesty and openness…without judgment or ridicule…but with love, respect, and support. Someone who will listen…who will pray…who will encourage…who will hold you accountable.

The only way I’m going to sin less…the only way I’m going to get better each day is to have some folks around me…praying for me…cheering me on…and loving me.

Who do you confess to?

James 5:16 Common English Bible- 16 For this reason, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.

Challenge Accepted…Slow Progress.

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

The great hair challenge continues!!!

the mo fro

The progress is quite slow. But, hey, it is growing!!!

Lately, Emily has attempted to make comments that would encourage me to throw in the towel. In fact, it’s not just Emily. Some of the “Team Emily” supporters have been rallying the troops. It went so far as receiving comments about getting my hair cut while on work sites in Guatemala. That’s pretty low.  By now, “Team Emily” should realize that I can pretty much take any harassment that comes my way. I will be victorious!!!

I have noticed that my hair somewhat resembles that of barbeque master chef Steven Raichlen. So, maybe I am just working my way through a list of chefs seen on PBS on this journey towards a head of hair like the great chef Hubert Keller!

Some people continually point out how immature all of this is…of course it’s immature! Do you really believe that I do not understand that this is ridiculous? But, let’s be honest, it’s a harmless way to have some fun. So, my advice to the “holier-than-thou” club…stop taking yourselves so seriously…relax…enjoy life…cut loose and have some fun! It’s only hair.

Steven Raichlen

 

Hubert Keller

Cheap Imitations

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

This morning, I was reading an article about pilsner beers in the latest issue of All About Beer magazine. It’s actually a fascinating read on the incredible history of this beverage.

It appears that when the pilsner first hit the scene, it truly captivated the world. It was something new, something refreshing, something different, something wonderful.

Then, as one would almost expect, the pilsner had its name dragged through the mud as numerous sub-standard, cheap imitations began to hit the scene.

These cheap imitations had an almost disastrous impact on the few true and noteworthy pilsners in existence.

Brewing experts talked about how people were slapping the pilsner name on just about anything that remotely fit the specifications of the genre. This resulted in thousands of variations…most of them an insult to the original.

However, the future looks bright for the return of the true pilsner. There are some powerhouse pilsner brewers who have stayed true to form for a long time. Today, there are new breeds of brewers rising on the scene who take their brewing seriously and are doing their best to craft pilsners that rival the real thing. And, there are conscious consumers who understand that not all brews that claim to be “pilsners” are truly pilsners.

As I read the article, I found myself thinking about the Christian faith.

We have this beautifully rich faith that calls believers to a certain way of living and interacting in this world. When Christians attempt to get it right, it can be an amazing, transforming, awesome thing.

However, when Christians get it wrong, it simply becomes a cheap imitation.

There are many cheap imitations of the Christian faith out there. These cheap imitations drag the name of Christianity through the mud. These cheap imitations take something beautiful and turn it into something hideous.

And, it’s not just Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. It’s not just the Christians who think the most effective way to promote their agenda is to blow up abortion clinics and murder doctors who perform abortions. It’s not just the extremists who are dragging the name of Christianity through the mud. It’s also yours truly.

You see, every time I settle for less than what God would intend, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I fail to help out a neighbor in need, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I make a snap judgment based on one’s outer appearance, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I fail to speak on behalf of those who cannot, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I fail to work for justice in the face of injustice, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I make the choice to “fit in”, I’m just another cheap imitation.

The truly disgusting part is that sometimes I’m okay with being a cheap imitation. I mean, on paper, I’d deny it. But, my actions (or lack of actions) seem to say that I’m okay with it…And, I do my best to justify my role as a cheap imitation. I’m like the brewer who puts a “pilsner” label on my beer in order to help move more product, knowing I’m settling for less than the real thing…less than the best. I’m like the Pharisee who prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (Luke 18:11-12).

However, like the new breed of brew masters who are emerging on the scene attempting to do their best to brew a worthy variety of pilsners, I long to become more than a cheap imitation. I long to become a high quality imitation, a clear reflection of the One I claim to follow. I desire to get it right!

What kind of imitation are you? High quality or a cheap knock-off?

3 John 1:11- “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”

Romans 12:2 (MSG)- Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Challenge Accepted…What’s To Come

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

The journey of the “hair challenge” continues!

I’m getting to the point where the help of a professional will come in handy. It won’t be long until things are all fro’d out. So, I need a little shaping and texturizing in order to get the hair to go more in the direction of Hubert Keller and less in the direction of Freddie “Boom Boom” Percy Washington of Welcome Back Kotter fame!

I have had a few people ask if I have any clue what my hair will look like as it grows out. The answer is, unfortunately, “yes”.

Below, you will find a couple of pictures that give an example of what my hair has looked like in the past when I’ve let it grow out. I do expect to receive several comments about the hair, the glasses, and especially the facial hair. The pictures were taken in the mid-90’s, in the house of Brett Conaway, Chip Baker, and Matt Hemeyer on College Avenue in Muncie during my freshman year at Ball State University. I’m pretty sure if you could zoom out a bit, there would be some Rhinelander nearby. And, we were probably watching skate videos with the volume turned down while listening to obscure indie rock…or speed metal. That gives you a decent frame of reference for my state of mind at the time…explaining the “look” I was going for. But, you must admit that is a sweet They Might Be Giants shirt…and an awesome cardigan!

If I’m willing to publicly share these photos…then I’m definitely willing to let my hair grow out like Hubert Keller. Hear this, Emily Morris, I will not…I repeat…I will NOT lose this challenge!

The Practice of Radical Hospitality

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

As I’ve been at the Indiana United Methodist Church Annual Conference at Ball State University this week, I have noticed some displays of radical hospitality. At the same time, I have noticed some displays of radical rudeness.

When I arrived at the registration tables, I was warmly welcomed and given clear instructions on where to go and what to do. The friendly nature of those working the various tables helped me relax and feel a bit more comfortable being at this conference.

When I came into Emens Auditorium, I was greeted by name by one of the Ball State employed ushers. He took time to ask how I was doing, to ask about my family, and to show genuine care and concern. Of course, he also had to do his job and gently remind me that I had to finish my coffee in the lobby! Come on, Ball State, the carpet and chairs in Emens are so out-dated…they are older than me…let us bring in some freaking coffee!

This morning, I was greeted like a long-lost friend at a coffee shop when the barista said, “Hey, how are you doing? We haven’t seen you around here for a while.” So, it made it a bit easier to forgive the fact that they prepared my blueberry bagel in a manner that made it taste like an onion bagel.

At the same time, I have experienced some acts of radical rudeness.

I recall the way observing a pastor talking down to a BSU dining services employee at a dinner.

I recall the way a colleague (within ministry, not at my specific church) continually treats me as a second class citizen.

I recall the way a layperson spoke to me before she found out that I was here as a part of the annual conference and not as a Ball State student (however, I was flattered that she actually thought I could have been a student). It was odd, she was rude…sort of spoke in a demeaning manner, and I’m not sure why. Then, when she asked if I was student and I explained that I was here for the Annual Conference, she pulled one of those, “Oh, I’m so glad to have met you.”

Then, I recall all the ways I have failed to show hospitality to those around me. I recall all the ways in which I have ignored those who just need a simple act of kindness…a smile…a door held…a kind word. I recall the ways I have overlooked people in order to get to those who “really matter.”

I recall the fact that I need to not simply point the finger at others…I need to do more than grow indignant when I see others treated poorly…I need to make sure I grow and practice hospitality.

May we all grow in and practice hospitality. May we become known for the way we love, care, and treat others…in a positive way!

Romans 12:13- “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Hebrews 13:2– “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

1 Peter 4:9- “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

3 John 1:8– “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”