The Barriers We Build

Jesse Holcomb | June 24, 2021

I’ve often thought authenticity is like the weird guy that shows up to the party. He was invited sure, but you didn’t really expect to see him. He tends to answer questions in long drawn-out ways. He doesn’t give you the canned responses you hope for and are used to. He doesn’t realize that the answer to “How is your day?” is “fine” or “good.” What he realized that we don’t is that to be radically authentic is to be exposed. It’s to lay yourself bare. To say this is who I am warts and all.

Jesus is authenticity incarnate

Jesus steps into human history as the most authentic person that’s lived. The canned answer of who or what the Jewish messiah was were placed at his feet and he rejected them. The political conquerer sent to free the Jewish people from yet another set of oppressors wasn’t the role he came to play. The softball questions he was lobbed he answered in mostly esoteric ways. His closest followers found him obtuse and confusing. Sure, we want a Messiah, but when he shows up AUTHENTICALLY… what do we do with him?

The Message

The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth have historically been categorized as apocalyptic. If that word draws up images of zombies and nuclear war it says more about our TV habits than it does our Greek. An apocalypse in Greek is simply a revelation; "an unveiling or unfolding of things not previously known and which could not be known apart from the unveiling.” Jesus at his very core is the clearest example in human history of God. All scripture should be interpreted in light of him. He reveals and unfolds in the most practical and authentic way the nature of God.

Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

So, if the apocalypse of Jesus Christ is to dwell among us what does this mean?

Paul writing from prison, points the Colossians away from the law and from the mystical polytheism they were surrounded by, and makes it clear that Jesus has invited them into a radical new family; A new humanity. He challenges them to set their minds on things above, not in a heaven-centric way only concerned with ultimate destiny and eternity but instead as the true new humanity they would one day be.

A humanity that breaks political, social, and ethnic barriers.

A humanity that ultimately meets heaven to earth with Jesus bridging the gap as the New Adam restoring the idyllic Eden.

So there’s a bit of an equation that plays out. As we embrace our new humanity with gratitude in our hearts (vs. 16) we teach and admonish one another. There is an outward flow or expression of this inner gratitude. That teaching and admonishing has social ramifications. It isn’t something to be bottled and stored. Yet, it is something that moves through us and through our community. Paul’s vision for the Church is, in its very essence, a call to authenticity. It’s a call to put away the barriers and constructs built (by us!) to separate us. They have no place in this new humanity.

It’s easy today to lull ourselves into the false narrative that we don’t build these same walls in our lives. We convince ourselves that we aren’t like those early Christians! Everyone is welcome here! Come as you are! But watch when someone shows up as their authentic self.

Authentically broken

Authentically poor

Authentically Black

Authentically Asian

Authentically different….

Do we have room for the authentic? Sure, we speak of wanting diversity but are we really ready for it? When the Church potluck doesn’t just have macaroni and cheese but lumpia and pancit do we panic or do we open ourselves up to difference and authenticity. If the command is to teach and admonish then the reverse is also true. We have to be willing to listen and take correction, to open ourselves up to wisdom and critique of those around us as the Spirit flows through them.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

So. what next?

What do I do? How do I take a step into authenticity. What do I say?

The answer? I have no idea. Well, maybe a SLIGHT idea, because vs. 17 gives us insight. Whatever you do…. whatever you do in action or words. In my estimation that means everything, do it in Jesus’ name.

Growing up, the Lord’s name was often used in the context of not “using it in vain”. I was always taught that not “taking the Lord’s name in vain” meant that I couldn’t cuss a certain way. That it was a prohibition on saying God or Jesus with certain four-letter words following. Here we are called to do everything in his name. To live a life of radical generosity, authentically breaking down the barriers that lie between us, and to reflecting Christ.

Taking the Lord’s name in vain has less to do with four letter words but more to do with how we position ourselves as Christ followers. Positioning ourselves as Christian gatekeepers and erecting the prevailing political narratives to shape us more than scripture is taking the Lord’s name in vain. Positioning ourselves as normative and our worship as the standard with no concern given to other expressions of our Faith and trust in Jesus is taking the Lord’s name in vain.

These barriers that we build are at the core of living an inauthentic life. Fences may make good neighbors, but don’t often make good families.

Teaching and Admonishing

As I get older, I’m less certain of things. I look back at the way I used to think and I don’t recognize that Jesse. Maybe it’s life or kids. Maybe it’s wisdom. Hopefully it’s the Holy Spirit. But the hills I was ready to die on. The tertiary issues I would fight over. I just can’t bring myself to care that much anymore.

Sure, I have opinions. I have certain theologies and dogmas I hold to. But I’ve had to learn to place people above positions. To place image bearers over ideology. To listen and learn from those right in front of me. To lay myself bare and authentically admit I don’t have it all right.

I truly believe that if we can live authentically, those we surround ourselves with will be authentic with us as well.

Jesus in his authenticity reveals the Kingdom of God. A “here and not yet” Kingdom. An upside-down Kingdom that says those at the bottom are at the top. Those who serve will lead. I’m inspired by Jesus that in the putting on of human skin he becomes vulnerable.

My prayer for us today Discovery, is for all we do in word and deed be in the Name of Jesus. Authentic, vulnerable, and present. May we place people above politics or positions. May we cultivate a life of learning and listening. Amen