We reap what we sow … Grey’s Anatomy, the CP and the SBC …

If you have read for long you may know one of my favorite televisions series is Grey’s Anatomy. Some may find this odd for a pastor. Since the early days of this show I have been intrigued at the ways in which contemporary culture has been portrayed, critiqued and at the same time uneasily encouraged. Last night’s episode did not strike me as one of the best. However, the theme carried through on both obvious and subversive levels. In the words of “O’Malley”, “What did I do to deserve this (we reap what we sow)?” It could be argued much of the show carries this theme throughout. While many could not abide some of the themes, subjects and dialogue, it is good to know writers remain undeterred to press the theme of “reaping what we sow.”

For example, we cannot escape the ebb and flow of the relationship between “McDreamy” and Meredith. Their relationship began as a one night “hook-up.” Derek coming off a horrible experience of walking in on his wife’s infidelity and Meredith lonely. From there the story unfolds in a winding “Crash-esque” way. Apparently disconnected events become connected once the viewer puts pieces together. Now, Derek is making a go at reconciliation with his wife but there yet remains this unresolved romance with Meredith. Can a relationship endure infidelity? Is that not an age old human question?

Throw in Burke and Kristina living together, the clandestine encounters now a staple between Izzy and Alex and the often out of place O’Malley and it makes for an apt description of our culture. Many of our “culture warriors” may decry my infatuation with this show. I still find incredible themes running from episode to episode that offer interesting illustrations in the “real world.”

Grey’s is not fact but it is true. Life in our day does look much like the mess that is this series. And, we do reap what we sow.

When I read Marty’s post this morning and clicked the link to the Ethic’s Daily story referred to in the piece I could not help but think of last night’s episode of Grey’s and the recurring theme – “What did I do to deserve this (we reap what we sow)?” How dare I mingle such a show with the work of the SBC and the CP! Except it were a mess there may not be much reason for the connection.

Marty points to the BP article wherein the attempts to raise the awareness and participation in the CP. You can almost here the, “What did we do to deserve this?” Until it is acknowledged that we are where we are because we elected leaders who offered much less than stellar support for what may well be one of the greatest mission support cooperatives “EVER.” How is it that we came to this point? What did we do to deserve this?”

RANT WARNING!!!

I have regularly been told any consideration of alternate ways to support missions jeopardizes our missionaries. Is that not a guilt game? It is one I refuse to play. “What did they (missionaries) do to deserve this (the potential plunging support of the CP)? Nothing. That is, nothing more than to partner with a group whose leadership “took the CP for granted.’ Let’s rephrase that. “Ignored the CP.” I suspect (please dear reader understand this is my perception and I am not stating this as a fact) the truth is some of, if not all, these leaders used their displeasure with prior leadership (in the SBC) to send paltry percentages to the CP of the SBC. Now it has come home to roost. “What did we do to deserve this?” We ignored the one thing that brought us together (CP and Missions) when we elected our leaders. Why? Because we had to put forward “electable leaders.” Now we want to only elect leaders whose churches give 10% to the CP and we have the audacity to refer to it as the tithe of the church – talk about “extra-biblical.” Churches may well choose to give 10% to the CP but to suggest it the equivalent responsibility to tithing is a bit of a stretch if not manipulative.

RANT OVER!!!

I think there is a way forward together. It simply may require us to more honestly answer the question, “What did we do to deserve this?”

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

4 comments on “We reap what we sow … Grey’s Anatomy, the CP and the SBC …

  1. Anonymous says:

    Todd,
    Every church I have served in has given 10% or more to the CP. Through the years I have stayed out of the SBC debate because I knew that it was the CP giving that was notimportant to the leaders. It is theological – political agreement. As a PMS – Southern Seminary grad I have learned to concentrate on the work in my church. The conventions (national and states)are losing their influence not only with a younger generation but a growing number of pastors and church members who are loyal to missions, but not to the current leaders and their policies. It’s sad reality, but one that has existed since 1979.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Charlie, thanks for stopping in and commenting. I do love the “PMS – Southern Seminary Grad.”

    I think your assessment younger generations attitude toward denominational structures is spot on. I do think had things been handled differently, and maybe they still could but I am nost so sure, the loss of trust would not be so pronounced.

    My reason for engaging the issues – rather than the debate – rests with an attempt to find a way to stand and confidently suggest my church continue support for the CP. It will not do to set it out as injurious to our missionaries. The very policies for that past years has set our mission support in jeopardy. When I read, what I had read over the years before, our former “leaders” gave paltry support to the CP it begged for a rant. It still begs for attention. I remember the regular cycles of letters asking for a 1/4 point increase in CP giving.

    Ironic. Today “Kingdom” language is in vogue. It appears now that many have built their kingdoms. we want to enact compulsory giving for participation. We move from political compliance to economic sanctions – no 10%, no particiaption.

    Our overall missions giving represented nearly 16% (8% CP, 4% assn, 1% Lottie, 1/4% each to Annie and Edna) of our general budget receipts including special offerings. When we stand to describe our cooperative efforts at missions, I want to be confident in the leadership. Portraying younger leaders as the reason for the potential plunge in CP giving is outright condescension.

    The realities are sad … I am still holding out hope.

  3. Rev. Carl E. Jones says:

    You are right about SBC loosing their influence. When they twist God’s word around to suit their own goals it is pretty sad! Example. ” Find it Here Campaign this year was based on a lie. Fasting is giving up food and drink for God’s Glory. Nothing else.

    1. Rev. Jones,
      I am not sure what you mean that the “Find It Here” Campaign was based on a lie. What are you referring to specifically?

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