Its funny how one thing leads to another.
While doing some research for a college workbook I'm working on for a friend, I ran across a book that I found interesting for a variety of reasons. Only one of which I will elaborate on.
The name of the book is "Lovemarks: the future beyond brands" by Kevin Roberts. Now before you jump to the obvious conclusion concerning the title of the book, let me set you straight. It's not what you think. It has to do with well-known brands and the love they receive in being made and by consumers. Very interesting. Now what struck me.
The following is an excerpt from the book. Read it and I will explain at the end what struck me about it.
"If you believe in Mystery, clap your hands.
Peter Pan got it right. When Tinkerbell was clocking out because no one believed in her anymore, he asked the children of the world to revive her by clapping. Loudly. It worked. That is what Mystery needs, a surge of faith in its power.
The power of Mystery. You know it when you feel it. Marilyn Monroe had Mystery. Still does. Russell Crowe has got it-as a dangerous skinhead in Romper Stomper to Maximus to a reclusive mathematical genius.
The cloak of Mystery forces us to find our own meanings, our own sense of what is important in our lives. And it often does it through a revelation, a thunderbolt. What the French call coup de foudre. Everything changes. This is what made The Lord of the Rings, Chanel No. 5, and Red Bull into Lovemarks for their devotees.
Mystery opens up emotion. Mystery adds to the complexity of relationships and experiences. It lies in the stories, metaphors, and iconic characters that give a relationship its texture. Mystery is a key part of creating Loyalty Beyond Reason."
And just like that, I realized, once again, why I am so drawn to the liturgical style of worship. The Mystery of it all. The "smells and bells". The beautiful robes and incense and lofty phrases and prayers, speaking the way we spoke to God years ago. The stained glass and scent of holiness. The sense that He is Holy and Pure, Righteous and Just, Noble and True. The greater cause to which I want to, each Sunday, join anew.
I love the last three word of the above passage: Loyalty Beyond Reason. While these were printed in the context of inanimate articles for consumers, I felt the Spirit stirring me to, once again, cultivate Loyalty Beyond Reason for Him again. Because sometimes following Christ is not always reasonable and I don't always feel loyal. But the Liturgical style of worship encapsulates the Mystery that many Charismatics and Evangelicals lack in our corporate worship, that which we long for but cannot put our finger on, that which is missing in our daily devotionals. God has become our buddy, our pal, our good friend. Someone we "hang out with." But it has been a while since we have related to Him as Holy God, Righteous and Powerful and Awesome, the One in whos presence I cannot stand.
"Take off your shoes, for you are on holy ground."
I, like many of you, take Him for granted many times, especially in the busy-ness of my day. But Mystery in the liturgy draws me back in and reminds me of my place.
It is at His feet.
With ringing bells, stained glass and incense.
Traveler
2 comments:
"God is other." A basic tenet of faith believed for centuries. It is because God has become familiar that for many of us He has become mundane. What sacrilege!
The experience of every culture is that it seeks something, someone bigger. That is why man is religious no matter where he is found.
The fact of the incarnation is mystery. The fullness of god dwelling in mortal man.
Good post Traveler. I'm glad I'm on the journey with you.
I can't seem to do it justice when describing it to others. I am so into Liturgical anything now. I believe it is my duty and responsibility to help lead others in that direction, to help them discover Mystery for themselves. Thanks for reading and posting. It feels good to know someone is reading and commenting!
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