As I stop and think about how much time I spend idly reading through entries at Wikipedia and how little time I spend idly flitting from Bible passage to Bible passage, it occurs: a WikiBible would be pretty awesome. The Bible is chock full of allusions and references, rife for representation in hypertext.

I know, I know, heresy: repackaging of the sacred text. But honestly, the Bible fits a writing pattern that doesn’t match many folks’ reading patterns. The whole of it is a bit intimidating—66 books! Centuries upon centuries! Lots of writers! Arcane language!—and it could stand some dissection. Of course, some might argue that would take the life out of it.

Just an idle thought on a Wednesday before I run off to chancel choir…

My friend David wrote something yesterday that struck me well:

I almost wrote a long rant about how Joel Osteen is what’s wrong with Christianity in America today.

Then I realized that I’m what’s wrong with Christianity. And the world. I loathe my self-rightousness, my unbelief and my callousness, my contempt and unlove for others. There are things I disagree with about Mr. Osteen’s ministry and his book, things that I think are detrimental to the growth of the kingdom, but I don’t know that it’s my place to vigorously criticize him. Maybe instead I should be worried about how I am furthering God’s kingdom, and how He has called me to impact my world.

David goes on to develop this point, but I did take away this thought after reading that [and, for once, coming to a full stop: there’s certainly a legitimate place for criticism, but when we, as Christians, become known more for our railings against those with whom we disagree—even when we see them as false prophets and are doing our Biblical duty to call them out—than we are for our meager works of faith, borne of a spirit of grace, humility, and servitude, then … then we’re really failing Christianity and the world.

Ripping others to shred is the easy thing; Kingdom work isn’t. Which are we called to do?

I’m about to go out of town for a few days. I want this to be a reminder to anyone coming here with malice in their hearts..

⁹Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹⁰Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ¹³Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. ¹⁷Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

– Romans 12:9-21, English Standard Version.