Stuff Salvationists Like - Vol 1: ACTIONS

‘ve recently started reading a book and its blog companion Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff. Acuff is to Christianity and Christians what Rick Mercer, Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart is to the news. He examines the “stuff” of Christianity and Christians like Mercer, Colbert, and Stewart examine the “stuff” of politics, news, and world events: with a tongue-in-cheek, satirical, laugh-out-loud manner. The book/blog is very funny; entertaining; and thought provoking. It’s inspired me to think about “stuff” we like; Stuff Salvationists Like.

Some of the thoughts may be unique to The Salvation Army, and some of the thoughts may include our brothers and sisters in Christ from other denominations. We’re all prone to foolishness; to having a good laugh (at ourselves). Laughter truly is the best medicine.

hans With that said, let’s look at one of the first elements of “stuff” that came to me when I thought about “Stuff Salvationists Like:” actions. I’m talking about actions that accompany choruses like “Building Up the Temple,” ‘The Love of Jesus,” and “These Are the Days of Elijah.”

I’ve got nothing against actions, I’m just not an “action” kinda guy (unless it involves car chases, battle scenes, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Bond, or Barry White and candles). I’m not even much of a hand clapper. Am I a lesser Salvationist or Christian for this? I like to think not. Am I less “on fire for the Lord?” I like to think not.

I just don’t need to feel like I’m sweatin’ to the oldies with Richard Simmons or working out with Jillian and Bob from The Biggest Loser when I worship our triune God. Especially out of summer uniform season, my tunic keeps in heat like a parka.

If you like actions, great; God bless. Just don’t repeat singing the song until everyone does them. Some folks don’t do actions; some folks can’t do actions; some folks don’t like actions.

But we do like seeing you do them.

hannah-and-micah

Writer: Mark and Nancy Braye are the pastors/officers of The Salvation Army Tri-Town Community Church in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, Canada. They have two children, pictured above, Hannah and Micah. The four of them love to play and watch Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and The Wiggles.