Some of us begin the Christian journey in the same manner we approach any problem or challenge in our life: understand the rules and objectives, and then study and work to achieve a successful outcome. The tendency to understand and approach the Christian faith from this perspective is not at all surprising considering the prevailing American cultural values of individualism, freewill and self-sufficiency. However, if we are not careful to avoid being overly influenced by these cultural values, Christian religious practice is at risk of becoming all about our personal piety.
The desire to value individuals and individual expression, to better ones self through education, career, and developing a healthy degree of self-sufficiency, are good things. But like many things in life there is always a risk of perverting the good. Extreme individualism can result in an exclusive focus on personal desires and self-gratification, a loss of empathy and compassion and a blindness to the needs and rights of others. In a religious context this way of seeing the world, and our place in it, can evolve into an unhealthy self-righteousness. To anyone familiar with the Jewish and Christian scriptures it should be readily apparent that hyper-individualism and an autonomous self-sufficiency, in terms of our relationship with God and fellow human beings, denies both the nature of the Divine order, and the revelation of our total dependence on God's provision and grace. Namely, God's self-revelation, one God in Three Persons, gives us insight into the fundamental meaning of life, of love and of community. Humanity, made in God's image is inherently relational, i.e., it is our nature to seek and to be fulfilled in relationship, in blessed community; simply put, I cannot be whole without God and you, and you cannot be whole without God and me. In the bodily ascension and reuniting of the Risen Christ with the Father and the Spirit, humanity was brought into the intimacy of the blessed Trinity prefiguring the ultimate salvation of all. Secondly, the idea of our own self-sufficiency before God is completely and totally antithetical to a Biblical perspective on and understanding of sin, the need for the Incarnation, the Cross and God's amazing grace. No more should need to be said on this point.
The message of the Gospel and the calling of the disciples then, and every disciple since, was never about piety, it was always about love! The Gospel was never about rites, or creeds or about doctrine and dogma; it was always about love. It is Divine love that wooed us and won us despite our hardness of heart, and our sin-distorted way of being with one another and with God. Progress on our faith journey is not about achievement, education, doing good or right belief; it is about dying and being reborn - now. Being reborn in the image of Christ requires us to be willing to die to our old way of being; of desiring power, control, esteem, affection, approval and pleasure, safety and security, before and above God's will in every situation. Learning to love as God loves is not a journey that avoids suffering, pain, uncertainly and ultimately the laying down our old way of being. The good news is that we're not asked to take this journey alone, for God in the power of the Spirit has committed himself to bringing us through and into a vibrant, joy-filled life in His Kingdom.
If the Gospel was never about piety, but always about love, how are we to be with one another, all our brothers and sisters, in the present circumstances that are so charged with tension and raw emotions. As a beginning, I believe we need to listen, prayerfully and patiently, to those in our community who have grievances regardless whether we feel complicit in causing their pain and suffering, or not. In fact it doesn't matter whether you or I were personally responsible. We are called to be one in Christ Jesus. If one suffers, we all suffer; we all grieve. It is God's intent that all experience shalom, not just a select few. If some are in pain and suffering then God's shalom remains to be realized and we are his agents in advancing that work. If you or I feel uncomfortable hearing phrases like "white privilege" or "black lives matter" or "racism" or "systemic racism", that discomfort may be a sign that the Spirit is calling us to reflect and consider whether there is a part of us that needs to healed and restored in Christ's image. I've heard it said that, "Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart." We should not overlook the leading and working of the Spirit just because we are discomforted.
The journey of faith leads to the Cross, to death and rebirth. That journey begins in this life and will not be without pain and suffering; consider Jesus' life and ministry. The journey was never about piety; it was always about love. Let us, in fellowship and solidarity with our brothers and sisters, open our hearts and minds to one another, receive God's love and life giving grace that we all need to find healing and new life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
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