Searching for strategy
JOE MILLER JR.

John 13:31-35

We humans spend a lot of time thinking about what we are going to do. We strategize, plan, make lists, and try to follow the plan we have made. This concept is operative even for the more simple things in life. "I have to cut the grass tomorrow before it rains on Friday. I had better get some gas, because the can is just about empty, and I need to sharpen the blade since I have not done so since last year." And so forth.

More profound and deeper than task oriented thoughts is the question; "Who am I?" These types of thoughts may be more subconscious because we tend to define ourselves in relational terms; that is, I define myself in relationship with a particular group. For example we may relate to a group of people through our work; "I am a carpenter, and I work for the Ajax Company building houses."

Having defined ourselves in relational terms, we tend not to dwell on the subject consciously unless something happens to disturb that relationship; for example, if the company goes out of business or we retire. An exceptional event causes us to pause and rethink our identity. That identity "crisis" is one of the reasons that change is so hard to accept.

In this text, Jesus is answering the question that his disciples have yet to ask: "Who am I…as a Disciple of Christ?" He is anticipating their anxiety and worry that will occur when he is no longer with them as a teacher and leader. He defines their identities in relation to his own identity.

Through his obedience to the Father, he has glorified or revealed the Father to everyone that he has ministered to. Jesus is the incarnation of God as God the Son. He will be crucified, raised from the dead, and thereby the Father will glorify the Son. Through giving his life for those who will kill him, the one who betrays him (Judas Iscariot), and the one who will deny him (Peter), he models the perfect love of God.

We take if for granted because we have heard the story so many times, but we must grasp the radical nature of God's love. Jesus, in the midst of anger, hatred, betrayal, and denial, did not respond with revenge, judgment, or even selfpity. Such love is hard to comprehend. His response is deeper than simply the statement, "He died for our sins." His loving response defies all that we understand.

You know the rest of the story. Jesus commands them to love one another just as he has loved them. However, this love is not the sappy, no commitment, shallow love that our society is familiar with. This is the love that mirrors the radical love of Jesus Christ who loves all of us unconditionally. Can you imagine that he expects that same love to be expressed by us? After all, why would the unchurched come to worship with us if we (the church) are the same as everybody else?

Do you consider yourself a Christian? Have you learned to love as Christ loves? The best place to learn is in church. If you have a church, worship passionately. If you do not have a church, find one. East Texas is full of good churches. Email me at newtonumc@valornet.com with your thoughts.

Joe Miller Jr. is pastor of First United Methodist Church.