Spectacles

Practically Speaking
By C Wayne CHILDERS 

Spectacles

I like church. I like worship. I like people on the fringe. I had a guy come up to me today in an Arkansas church, another active expressive grey head and he blessed me with a greeting filled with affirmation. He also informed me of my broken glasses, my spectacles, and I related Paw Paw abuse dished out by my 6-month-old granddaughter and eyeglass terrorist. We laughed together. 

"Spectacles" is an old term. It is from the word spectacular. It means to look, to see, to view. The purpose of spectacles is to see. The purpose of the spectacular is to provide an attractive view for others. 

Jesus was both private and public. He went to a solitary place to pray many times. He also went public and used the spectacular to communicate his message. The Olive Garden and the amplified boat assisted Sonic communication. 

Spectacular is not popular in my circles. It seems secular and man centered. Jesus seemed to not have a problem with spectacular. He fed people, healed people, displayed people as object lessons and challenged big crowds. He was comfortable with the mega! He addressed the masses. He was demonstrative. 

He made noise. He shook up the establishment. He drew attention to himself. He sought to attract. I know he went after the "ones" like the lost sheep, son and coin. I know he also focused on individuals. But his individual focus always had spectacular extensions. He raised Lazarus, an individual focus with spectacular application to people in Bethany!

Well I like the church in its many expressions. I like the mega church. I like the small church but if it stays small very long I wonder about its vision and work ethic. That is me. I'm never satisfied with small numbers. 

I love technology and the way it allows us to be Jesus-like in public displays. We need to use it to its fullest in spite of the criticism of those who would say it is just entertainment. 

Glasses, spectacles are for vision and for fashion. They let us see but they change how people see us. It is ok to be fashionable.  The church must be fashionable. It is not a sin. It makes for an attractive way to spin the gospel. The demands are still there but the spectacular attracts the seeker and gives them the opportunity to consider the demands. It's ok. Do the work. 

So next week I hope you notice my new spectacles. He who has eyes to see let him see.







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