Hot Topic
A few years ago, my sister and her daughter Mollie were at church when their pastor suddenly got very pale and looked about ready to collapse. For the longest time, none of the parishioners did a thing; until my sister, an occupational therapist by trade, rushed up to the chancel. “I’m not feeling too well,” the pastor said to her, as she eased him to the floor and loosened his collar. “Somebody call 911!” she shouted; and somebody did, because it wasn’t too long before an ambulance came. Quickly and efficiently the paramedics took charge of the scene and took care of the pastor. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where it was determined he had a bad reaction to a new medication he was taking. It was serious, but he would be all right. As they were driving home afterwards, my niece turned to her mother with wide eyes and said in a voice filled with awe: “Wow. That sure was something. I think I want to go into some kind of medicine when I grow up.” That made my sister, already justifiably pleased with the role she had played in her pastor’s health, feel even better. “So, I guess what your mom did inspired you?” “Oh no,” Mollie replied enthusiastically. “Those paramedics are HOT!” Now, six years later, my niece is in college studying to be a nurse. And, I have to admit, with regard to the physical attributes of the EMTs that I’ve come across, she’s got a point. Still, is that any reason to enter the medical field? No...and yes! Obviously, more than the lure of hot guys is needed to sustain such a goal—intelligence, hard work, empathy for people, and the cost of tuition are also required...among other things! But, if that’s what it takes to get a girl started on such a challenging and reward path, that’s good. I still wonder though: Are paramedics “hot” because they look good, or because they usually come to save day? Or both? Could you imagine that being said of Christians? “Those people who go to church regularly are so HOT!” “Hot” in the sense that others might be drawn to the faith because people of the faith are so attractive. In the early church, the followers of Jesus were distinguished by their love for those around them. Even one of their persecutors marveled, “No wonder the movement is growing. Just see how much they love!” They were there in times of plague, caring for the sick and dying; they shared their food and finances with those in need; they disregarded socio-economic barriers to welcome all. They were “hot” and others wanted to be like them, with them, among them, even in the face of trial and persecution. I wonder how “hot” we Christians are. It’s not a matter of how we look, but how we act! How often do we exude an attractive, confident aura in what we say and do? How quickly do we come to the rescue of those in need? How can we be spiritual EMTs, first-responders, easing pain and saving lives with an air of confidence and hope? Our church has a new coat of paint, a new floor, and some pretty flowers planted all around— but its true attractiveness lies not in such externals, but rather in the internals (which is us!) going external (bearing the message of God’s love). Wouldn’t that be great?! To be on fire, like the disciples at Pentecost. To be Ablaze, like our synod’s mission thrust. To be hot, like paramedics saving lives. It’s an attractive picture...and who knows what can get started.