Missional Example from Chuck Colson
OK - a title like that’s just asking for it. But like him or not (and there’s no doubt I’d disagree with him on a bunch of things), I can’t help but feel Chuck Colson is speaking some of God’s heart into the Blagojevich scandal, in this piece for CNN:
“If anyone knows how Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich feels right now, I do….”
“Like me, Blagojevich grew up in a culture that taught the great goal of life was material success, power and influence. I grew up during the Great Depression; I thought if a smart guy like me earned a law degree and accumulated academic honors, they would enable me to find power, fulfillment and meaning in life.
I made a lot of money in my law practice and accepted a White House job. But by then, I had became very self-righteous; I was absolutely certain that no one could corrupt me. All my investments went into a blind trust. Whenever someone gave me a gift, I immediately turned it over to my chauffeur. And yet I ended up going to prison.
I now realize that every human being has an infinite capacity for self-rationalization and self-delusion. Those who serve in public life are faced with enormous peer pressure and don’t always take time to stop and think carefully about what they’re doing.”
“If Blagojevich is guilty, the best thing that could happen to him is to be tried and convicted. He’s going to have to reach rock bottom — just as I did — before he will be able to escape his own prison of pride, self-delusion and self-righteousness. But that’s a transformation we can never accomplish on our own. I can vouch for the fact that human pride is simply too strong.”
Commentary: I know just what Illinois governor feels like now - CNN.com
I like this “missional tribe” thing, and I think it’s got a chance to really inspire and encourage as we try desperately to do this mission thing right. But I think we have to be ready to hear the heart of God, whether that’s in Mclaren, Colson or Dawkins.
(Article flogged from Don Heatley - and you should read his post on interactions with Colson too!)
Great post. Thanks for sharing this because I had not seen it.
You’re right … there are a lot of things Colson does really well. I’ve loved much of his writing. And I had a chance to work at Prison Fellowship for most of a year in the 90’s. He gets overly dogmatic on some things. But when he’s talking about heart issues and how to be the body of Christ, he’s usually bang on. I have an enormous respect for him.
I love your line “I think we have to be ready to hear the heart of God, whether that’s in Mclaren, Colson or Dawkins.” So very true. Thanks for linking with me.
No worries Don, thanks for the content! And I appreciate you dropping by.