March 27

Day 13: Experts all around

Fridays for me often include some form of review and reflection. I tend to look back on the past seven days and evaluate what I learned, refused to learn, what I did or refused to do. But since I'm losing track of what day it is, maybe I'm no longer limited to Fridays.

In the past two weeks I have been astounded at who fancy themselves to be experts. Of course, we have the usual assortment of politicians, actors and athletes telling us what to think and do. That hasn't changed. But now we can add real estate professionals, not-for-profits, self-appointed political pundits and anyone managing a GoFundMe account.

I am also astounded by the heightened efforts of online retailers to convince us that "In light of the virus, our product or service is more necessary than ever!" In other words, "We're hoping you're so dazed and confused by being incarcerated at home that you'll spend some money on us!" (Like buying those leather socks or that fur-lined bathroom sink will enhance your stuck-at-home quality of life?)

And, I continue to be astounded by the number of offers to join this webinar, or this learning cohort, or this access upgrade to "gain all the resources you need to lead your church through this epidemic." Everybody is offering the same stuff.

Two sub-thoughts on this: 1) You REALLY NEED to do this, and 2) All the cool kids have already done it.

Last weekend, a pastor in Louisiana (knowing more than anyone else) chose to disregard the no-gathering mandate, and well over 1,000 people met physically for their church service. Not without irony, Louisiana is now the nation's virus hotspot.

Everyone is now an expert. Everyone is demanding to be heard and regarded as a truth source and a limitless fountain of knowledge. Christian leaders are not exempt from this. And, it's fatiguing.

(Now forgive me if I come off like an "expert." Not my intention.)

How does all this contribute to developing a quiet and contrite heart before our Savior? The onslaught of online white noise really doesn't contribute anything positive at all.

There is this little bit (Psalm 86:5-6) the Spirit drew me to early this morning. He knew I needed this.

"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace."

King David's words offer us perspective, a needed heart's course correct.

First, the heart and character of our sovereign God are stated...as being different than that of the writer, or anyone else. Perhaps said this way - You, God, are the expert. You are holy. You are kind. I am not.

Second, David infers his sin, and his inability to rectify it. So, he literally pleads (begs) God to be gracious to him; to forgive him, to restore a right relationship between them. He's asking the Lord to give him what he needs, cannot do for himself, and does not deserve. (Here's the gospel in two little verses.)

There is an unavoidable connection between having a contrite heart and not believing we are the expert in anything. None of us can pull off being arrogant, opinionated and demanding... and ask for mercy at the same time.

Maybe without knowing it, our humility before God may be our opportunity to be counter-cultural in a world of experts.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau