Vol 6 No 17 - Roll Tape

It would be much easier, I'm sure.  It might also be much more painful.  In either case, I think it would lead to a far more honest observation of the Lenten season (or for that matter, living the Christian life, period.)  Which is why I think most all of us would run for the hills if this ever happened to us.

I am, of course, talking about having yourself videoed in your natural environment.

This past week, as part of an exercise I'm doing to work with one of my colleagues on preaching, I videoed the reading of the scripture and the sermon.  An old standby of any preaching 101 class, I have to admit it was very challenging to play back that video several times over the past couple of days preparing for my meeting with my colleague today.  Watching this video, I saw some things I need to change, cringed at some things I wish I had worded differently, got some ideas for different things to do.  But it wasn't all bad - looking back at stuff from 5-10 years ago, I see a lot of which I am quite pleased.  The hardest part of all this was simply pressing play the first time.  It will be interesting to see what kind of feedback my colleague offers.

What if we had our lives videoed and could go back to review that which we have done?  What if we had to take these videos and show them to others in an environment where they could offer commentary and critique?  How would it affect your behavior to know that your every move and every word was being recorded for your own review and that of others?  Or, would it?

What if we had the opportunity to compare the tapes of today to the product from 5-10 years ago?  Would someone, including you, looking at these tapes see progress?

See, this is what Lent is all about.  During this season, we are to engage in self-examination and introspection.  We are to take time to 'look at the tape' and see things upon which to improve.

As Christians, we are to be about looking at one another's video, encouraging each other to good works, engaging in accountability for those areas in which we come up short, and to realize that God is consistently seeking to move us forward, whether we can see it or not.

Here's the thing - this can only happen as it should when we allow ourselves to be engaged fully in the life of the congregation.  It is, in essence, what being a member of the church is all about.

Roll tape.

See you Sunday (and Wednesday)!

Lamar