RITUAL OR REALITY?

In recently visiting with its present pastor, the history of a particular church in rural east Texas entered the discussion, particularly in terms of its having once been the site of a widely known annual camp meeting. Coming in teams and wagons from a wide area, large numbers attended. Mass baptismal services in a nearby creek often reflected the fact of converts numbering in the hundreds. Ah, to have been there! And while, in terms of open air camp meetings, such days may be past, might not we yet pray that, in some way or fashion, God would again grant us the fervor and spiritual hunger of that time!

But, having touched on the subject of baptism...

While likely sharing the same philosophy in this regard as the above mentioned pastor, it has yet been my experience in times past that questions concerning baptismal mode and intent sometimes seem to come with the territory at large.

At the same time, we would suggest one's avoidance of becoming so caught up in the mechanics of baptism as to lose sight of the spirit and meaning intended to inhere its exercise. Within our own understanding, the act itself has revolved largely around one's public acknowledgement of "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). At the same time, we would readily acknowledge that there are believers - dedicated believers - for whom baptism carries additional, or at times, somewhat varying, concepts and connotation.

For example: Within those settings wherein baptism is itself considered the act of renouncing one's past (particularly in terms of traditional, non-Christian religions) and making commitment to Jesus Christ - an exercise of faith that, within some cultural environments, can cost one his livlihood, his family, or even his life - I personally would have little difficulty with a "baptismal regeneration" point of view. Situations of this nature often tend to such. Unfortunately, baptism within our own societal context has not always evidenced a similar depth of commitment and meaning - although, thankfully, there are occasions that do.

Our point here is that dedication and quality of spirit have much to do with the validity of our own faith related involvements and exercises, be it baptism; receiving of the Lord's Table; participation in the Church's worship services; preaching the sermon; or spiritual life in general.

We do well to refresh our thinking from time to time with regard to such concerns.

Burl Ratzsch

"WHAT'S THE TRICK?"

Having been advised by our family physician some years ago that, "You will live longer if you do what I tell you," I embarked on a diet. In time my weight began to evidence a rather noticable loss. As anyone experiencing such in our present time and cultural setting soon learns, so doing not only gains attention; it also lends insight into one of the reasons that weight control has become a highly profitable industry within our nation at large.

This was driven home rather pointedly when, upon attending a dinner sponsored by the area chapter of an interfaith organization on whose board of advisors I was privileged to serve, I was approached by a lady who, while unknown to myself, was obviously aware as to who I was. Enthusiastically exclaiming, "You've lost weight!" she eagerly continued, "How did you do it?"

Upon sharing that my doctor had prescribed a strict and detailed diet, I was immediately cut short in mid-sentence with a somewhat exasperated, "No, no, no!; what was the trick?" What was the "trick?" It was too good an opportunity to pass.The trick, I advised her, was that I had done what the doctor said. Turning on her heel, she left without another word.

The point is that we are oftentimes little inclined toward that requiring commitment and/or self-discipline. There is an inherent appeal to purported shortcuts, innovative schemes and answers requiring little of ourselves in terms of sacrifice or exercise of will. We are more readily drawn to the "easy way"; in this case, presumably, deemed to involve little more than some new pill or painless routine.

Few things of value work that way. For this reason, Jesus unhesitatingly advised those who would follow him as to the cost. It will not always be pleasant or easy. This was one of our Lord's uncerscored emphases, not only as applying to the life of discipleship at large, but particularly in relation to the time of the end.

We need to think it through.

Burl Ratzsch