Tonight I went to hear Os Guinness speak.
It was everything I thought it would be. Brilliant. Inspiring. Thought-provoking. And kind of challenging to my brain. He spoke about the Reformation, Covenant, and government. It was a lot more than that, but I can’t even begin to relay it all to you. I wish I could, but I don’t think I would do it justice.
I did brave the microphone and ask him a question. That’s out of character for me. Usually, I’d sit there and want to say something but talk myself out of it, but not tonight. Tonight, I thought this might be my only chance to ask him any question so seized the moment, climbed out of my pew, and waited my turn. He said I asked a very good question. I asked him two actually, and he was very gracious.
I asked him what he thought was at the heart of the failure of the church to affect change in our culture. He implored us to live in the world but not of it. He stated that too many Christians have either pulled out of culture or have become too comfortable in it. When culture is good and achieving great things, we ought to celebrate with it, but when it digresses and compromises, we should stand for the truth in love.
My other question had to do with the upcoming election. I wanted to cry at his answer. Evidently refusing to vote isn’t the responsible thing to do. I’ll have to think on that.
It was a great evening (with a special thanks to my wonderful daughters for going with me!). I’m marking one person off my “People-I-Want-to-Meet” list and setting my sites on Ravi next!
Recently, I finished reading Mr. Guinness’ book The Call so I will leave you with a quote from that and a link to one of his videos.
“That is why calling is the most comprehensive reorientation and the most profound motivation in human experience — the ultimate Why for living in all history. Calling begins and ends such ages, and lives, of faith by placing the final aim of life beyond the world where it was meant to be.”
Totally awesome. Wish I had been there instead of Dial M for Murder although it was well
Performed!
I just loved hearing your voice and heart and humanness in this post. Thank you for simply sharing life. Much love!