F
riends, as we look back on the past couple of weeks in our world, our community, and our church, I felt I needed to share some thoughts with you, my congregation. Even though I’ve been away, I’ve kept up with the Facebook posts, emails, calls, and conversations. By the grace of God, our church is filled with passionate people who sacrifice for others. This is a gift from God! And definitely better than a congregation who sits by and does nothing. We, as people, get concerned about different justice priorities - immigration reform, racism, homelessness, un-reached peoples. The danger, however, is that we, on all sides, can be prone to judge. We can get annoyed with those who don’t do as much, care as deeply, or share our similar views. This leads to divisions in the church, one of the things that God has instructed against over and over again in our witness and the mission and message of Jesus.
Frustrations arise and open the door to arguments and bitterness on all sides of any given issue. I recently read a blog by Francis Chan, one of my favorite teachers - and what he reminded me, friends, is that Christians are among the most divisive people I know. Especially within the American church; we have deep roots of division along racial and ethnic lines, quarreling with and separating from those who look or act differently than us. This is so contrary to what we see God’s intention was for the church from the beginning. Our differences of opinion, misspoken words, beliefs about where we should or shouldn’t get involved divides us. And we claim to do this for Jesus - the same Jesus who died so we could become one (Eph. 2:14), who prayed that we would become one (John 17:21) and who
demanded
that we become one (John 13:34). We have to figure out how to increase social action while growing in unity. Once we sacrifice one for the other, we lose our effectiveness and the right to be heard.
The world is full of hurt. Racial inequality is definitely one of them. It must be fought for as we claim our voice rather than silence. So, we stand with those who are oppressed and are still struggling with injustice in the world - in whatever form injustice presents itself. Let’s continue to challenge each other to greater depths of empathy, love, and sacrifice. However, along the way, be careful not to become angry or frustrated with brothers and sisters who don’t care as much as you do or who differ in viewpoint or thought. Let’s agree to disagree on some topics! Diversity in thought and opinion make us better together. Let us be people who humbly submit to one another and our community as we listen before we speak.
Our United Methodist roots are bound by our Social Principles that are linked below – but include these words:
…We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the aging, and people with disabilities; to improvement of the quality of life; and to the rights and dignity of all persons.
Friends! This is who we are as United Methodists.
Ultimately, we live in a time when there is a
lot
to care about. God gifts each of us differently but binds us together as one, when we put Christ as our focus and our true north. Above all else we are called to love one another as Christ loves us.
I would add, God is a God of Justice, and eventually will make all things right.
Peace to you all, my Epiphany family
Pastor Kathy
UM Social Principles Link:
