God Simply Is

Our hearts break amid tragedy. The first lesson learned as a chaplain is that while most people find it comforting not to be alone in traumatic moments, most everyone would prefer that chaplain not to say much. This is mostly because words rarely console. It is presence that matters much more. Like clockwork after tragedy strikes, pastors hit the airways with their half-baked theological nonsense. God does not need a lawyer. Following a tragic event is the worst time to mansplain theology. God does not need defended or justified. God simply is.

I hope that through gaining spiritual maturity, we can begin to identity bad theology when we hear it. Just after the tragic flooding in Texas, I heard a popular church leader say, “God uses death to teach us how terrible it is to be separated from God.” This toxic thinking positions death as a tool that God uses to teach us a lesson. He goes on to say, “as long as you are reconciled with Christ before you die, then you have nothing to worry about.” This theology is atrocious. I promise you… I promise you… every victim of the flood in Texas is present in the Kingdom of God. I’d bet my own salvation on that claim.

The third commandment, “you shall not take the Lord’s name in vain,” has nothing to do with profanity like I was taught in Sunday School. To use the Lord’s name in vain is about doing evil things in God’s name. For example, fearmongering about salvation in Christ’s name. Our God is a God of abundant grace and unconditional love. God simply is. Despite our compulsive need to center ourselves, God does not rely on us to do the work of saving.

Sometimes, crying is all that is needed. Crying in the company of others is even better… no words, no explanations, just tears. Together, we cry for the more than 100 people who have died due to the flooding in Texas. We mourn and pray for those who have lost loved ones in such unimaginable loss. It is God that grants us the strength to overcome and the perseverance to endure. Through community, we can encircle those who grieve with God’s loving arms. Lamb of God Church is contributing $2000 to Lutheran Disaster Response, who is coordinating closely with the Southwestern Texas Synod. You are encouraged to give to a trusted agency as the Spirit moves you.

God reigns,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Wes Warren