Painting Outside The Lines

In the opening chapter of Rob Bell’s provocative book, Velvet Elvis, the author relates a story about a piece of art he purchased several decades ago – a rendering of Elvis Presley on velvet. You’ve seen them displayed at those classy road-side markets I’m sure.

Bell describes his treasure in detail and identifies the artist as someone using a simple signature stroke – the letter “R” He confesses the piece no longer hangs anywhere in his home; it was long ago moved to the basement, stored behind some old boxes and shelving. The art has lost its appeal and it clashes with the home’s contemporary décor.

He poses an intriguing question in regard the Elvis masterpiece: What if, upon completion of the Velvet Elvis, “R” insisted that no one else could paint another image of Elvis? His velvet Elvis would stand as the consummate portrayal of the singer; his rendering would be the official expression of the entertaining legend.

The matter for all of us to consider has do do with our eccleseastical Velvet Elvis creations. Are we sometimes guilty of obstructing new expressions of the presence and power of Jesus Christ, as well as innovative methods of ministry and outreach? The question becomes: does “our way” adequately express the fullness of Jesus Christ, or does the task necessitate innovation and diversity?

I’m sure we all agree that Elvis was far too large a personality to be defined by a single artist’s rendering. The inexhaustible inventory of Elvis memorabilia suggests there are still unexplored aspects of his personality and career – people want to know more about “the king.” On the other hand, maybe “R” was the real deal and he captured the true Elvis mystique once and for all. No one else should ever try.

Does the world sometimes view our expression of church in the same manner we might judge Rob Bell’s musty old Velvet Elvis – stale and outdated? Do we regard our demonstration of the Lord’s church as the decisive work, our methods anointed? Is our not so subtle message, “don’t even think about painting outside the lines?”

For the church to complete the mission of reaching the world with the Kingdom message – it may well be necessary to paint outside the lines drawn by previous generations. We rightly perceive that our culture is shifting rapidly, but ignore the task of clearly conversing with it. A call is going forth… a call for creative and innovative expression to be released within the church.

The Book of Acts announces the Holy Spirit as the divine companion who enables believers to be effective witnesses – that means “communicate” not “maintain.” The former requires imagination; the latter control. Is the church missing divine opportunities to witness for the sake of maintaining ancient tradition? Will future generations view our impact as marginal -- might someone say of us, “They were out of touch -- one dimensional and irrelevant?

It is likely that every generation walks with a certain degree of ecclesiastical arrogance, convinced their expression of worship and their concept of mission embodies the plan and purpose of God. Over the centuries that perspective has tainted the church’s integrity and hindered her mission.

By every testimony, God has called us to bold and courageous acts of service. Our creative and imaginative God is asking us to unshackle and release His creative and innovative presence within the church. Ministers are called to commission believers to creatively paint with bold strokes of inspired imagination. Yes, for heaven’s sake, even paint outside those familiar lines!

Beyond All Reason

They were close friends of our family. As a child I can recall many visits to their farm, a beautiful sprawling homestead with a variety of buildings and animals – a place where kids could uncover or create bushels of adventure and fun. Mischief was readily found as well, as I recall. I can easily recapture our family’s time there. During the holidays there were great meals, and of course they began with prayer around the giant table. These folk confessed Jesus as savior and were part of a local fellowship of believers. They regularly attended church for worship. They were good people with an unblemished reputation in the neighborhood. As with most young couples, the children soon came – there were seven. Friends and family saw God’s blessing with each new arrival -- a joy to the home, future heirs to the family farming business.

In a brief twenty minute drive east lived a different sort of family. They owned a beautifully restored historic- type home that was framed by finely manicured grounds. It was graced with an elegant entrance and a winding drive that swept past a horse stable and disappeared into lush landscaping. It was an estate worth a fortune and it provided the neighborhood with a glimpse of elegance and luxury few could imagine. The lady of the house spent her days caring for the property, playing tennis, or entertaining friends. The two young children were popular and regularly invited classmates to share in their good fortune. S o leisurely was the environment, that even the family parrot found its value by sounding the by-word for life on this estate. All visitors were greeted with a squawking, “tennis anyone?’ By almost any standard these folks lived the good life and certainly they were making the most of it.

Two families… two pathways… two worlds, yet both seemed to have a firm grasp on the proverbial gold ring. The future was bright for both. I would think that most of us are just a bit uneasy with that - the righteous and ungodly prospering side by side. Likely we have reconciled it all and found some scriptures that counsel us. Certainly, the blessings of God will overtake those who honor Him, and the godless will one day drink of the bitter wine they brew. It’s neat. It’s concise. It’s theology with which we can comfortably live.

With all that settled, let’s revisit the families introduced earlier. How did their lives unfold as they took the stage some forty years ago? I’m unsure where or how the trendy family is living today, but by all accounts things worked out quite well. The kids finished college, the family stayed intact, and the traditions and lifestyle modeled by their parents continue on today. The fate of the parrot -- no one seems to know.

The story of our family’s close friends – the seven children, the sprawling homestead and the budding family business, how did it go for them? I have images of their home etched deeply in my mind – I recall scenes that continue to mold my life. The excitement and energy that young children always bring to a home were strangely absent. Instead of incessant chatter and laughter, a rare genetic disorder stole the family’s most precious possession, leaving its lethal mark of infirmity and mental disability. The first son arrived, a few years after the disease took its toll. The same occurred with another child, and then came the twins…then a son, then another son – five became invalids within their first few years and of the seven, only one lived to raise a family and carry on the family’s name and Christian heritage.

Is it possible to quantify the pain endured by the parents? No doubt with Job they lamented: If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas …” I have few answers to the easy questions of life… I can’t marshal the capacity to even consider the issues with which our friends must have struggled.

But I must reconcile it all; here is my conclusion. One day at heaven’s gate the enormous crowd will step aside and watch breathlessly as these parents eagerly search for the six children death stole from them. I have no doubt they will find them somewhere near the throne of Jesus, and what an indescribable day of celebration that will be!