Sunday, 14 June 2009
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Cardboard Testimonies: Do you have one and would you have the guts to share it?
Our church had a service on Mother's Day that included about fifteen women sharing a "cardboard testimony" while a duet was performed in the background. It was an incredibly moving event that left me in tears and has stayed on my mind ever since. A quick search on the Internet will bring up several links that have been posted from other churches that have held such events as part of a service, and each one brings more warm tears of joy for God's transforming power.
I could probably create several short testimonies that would speak of God's work in my own life, particularly recovery from alcoholism and now serving as a leader in our Celebrate Recovery program. I'm not sure which victory I would choose to proclaim if asked to be part of such a service at our church. The one I would like to share, at least in our Celebrate Recovery group, would read along the lines of this, although my wife is more private about this and would most likely not want me to share this publically in our church:
Front side: "I struggled with Same Sex Attraction"
Reverse side: "I am a new creation in Christ and blessed to be married with two children"Here's one video of cardboard testimonies that I found on Youtube:
What would your cardboard testimony, and would you have the guts to share it at your church?
Peace in Christ,
Jeff
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Comments (3)
Jeff.
I'm such a faithful commenter on your blog these days...
This was such a great thing for me to watch. It reminded me that lots of people go through hard things...ya know? Sometimes I have pity parties for myself and my SSA struggles. But to see lots of different people all surrendering their lives to Christ in all the different circumstances...powertful.
Thanks.
My church has discussed doing something like this...so in order to avoid a testimony which doesn't have much gospel in it and instead focuses on me and what my life is like, I think the compromise we reached (should we opt to do it) is that we'll have whatever sin we struggle/struggled with on one side ("I am tempted to drink to excess") with the gospel on the other ("Christ died for my sin"). After all, the gospel results in changed lives, but not always change from a pragmatic sense.
I'm not shooting down completely that there is no place for someone to say how they don't struggle anymore now that they've met Christ. But let me put it another way: a lot of times, kids are told in youth group, "Save yourself for your future husband/wife." That's all well and good...unless they're a guy like me. So why are they saving themselves? Because "you are not your own, you were bought with a price [that is, Christ's blood]. Therefore, honor God with your body." Now THAT is a reason which applies to everyone, regardless of orientation or marital/dating status. That is the reason folks who know Christ should be pure. Christ purchased them.
Similarly, what happens when the alcoholic who has a cardboard testimony falls? Obviously, we treat him/her with respect and lovingly lead them back to the truth through the Gospel. Not to get them re-saved, but to remind them of the faith which God has given them. But their cardboard testimony is much more powerful if it points to Christ rather than a changed behavior. Changed behaviors CAN change back...but purchased people who belong to Christ are never lost again.
I've seen a video much like this at a Willow Creek conference I attended a number of years back. It's a great way to tug on the heart-strings and to share what Christ is doing in lives.
@WorshipFanatic - Your feedback is much appreciated. I'll have to review this again in the morning when I have more time. I appreciate your insight and analysis.