Dear Friends,
I hear this sentiment a lot lately in regards to the wave of hatred spurred violence that unsurprisingly hits communities around the United States. The recent mass murder at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is the latest of these disturbing events. Talking with friends I hear the weariness and the worry that we are becoming numb to this violence: a “not if, but when” resignation to it happening again.
In our October stewardship sermon series ‘Gratefully Generous” we recalled how both personal and public gratitude blesses us and our community. Being grateful for each other and with each other is essential to a happy and hopeful life. However, gratitude does not mean complacency. As God’s people and Christ-followers we believe that gratitude also compels us struggle against anything that tries to steal our sense of gratitude.
If I am grateful, then I am trusting: I believe that love, not fear wins. I believe that God, who is still shepherding creation toward its glorious goal, will have the last word. The Apostle John names this hope in his Revelation: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord of his Christ and he will reign for ever and ever.”
If I believe this, “not if, but when” changes from resignation to evil to a call of trust in God and defiance of evil. The question is not “if” God will come and intervene, but “when.” And the answer is God is already at work in this world through God’s people everywhere. Good, not evil is in control.
How do I claim and live this faith?
- Stay grateful: Pray, worship, offer thanksgiving every moment of every day. This wards off cynicism and resignation to evil. What does your practice of gratitude look like?
- Reach across the lines that divide us whenever you can: Don’t demonize others. Find common ground with others. Talk, work together, model civility, help those in need together.
- Resist evil: Say “no” to corporate greed. Live a simple life. Learn contentment. Guard your heart and mind from the hateful speech inundating our society. Call out hateful speech and actions when you must. Don’t be afraid, you are the church!
- Support the alternative: Cooperate with the Spirit! Give time, energy, money to endeavors that are building “the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.” Help make the body of Christ here at Central strong and vital for this task in our city.
This is our calling in a world that too often says “not if, but when” as resignation to the evil we deplore. We are those who response with grateful and generous lives!
What does “gratitude as a form of resistance” mean to you? How does being grateful help you say “no” to evil and “yes” to what it good and pure? I’d love to hear from you.
Lastly, I want to say “thank you” for your generosity and also encourage your continued commitment to Central with your gifts of time, talent and treasure.
Saying “Yes” to Thanksgiving with You,
Pastor Dale
Thank you, Pastor Dale, for your words of reassurance in these times of turmoil, and for concrete steps we can take to advance love and unity.
Nicely said Pastor,,,,we need these guidelines so badly as social media keeps chipping away at us with so many negative pictures and soon all we see is hopeless images.. Thank you for your continued inspiration..
In a 5 member discussion Tuesday 4 of us were lamenting the deplorable Pittsburgh killings & political replies (you know the “tone” of our intolerance justified by the relief that we were all “on the same page”. However, one friend remained silent with affirmative head shaking when I clarified the need to separate President Trump from the Republican party. The next morning we were alone & she thanked me for that empathizing comment as she is a lifelong Republican & loves us all but feels fearful of revealing it to “the group”…
Your message & my week’s lesson:
When I pray to listen to the heartbeat of God also to remember the universal spirit that is within each of us (RED WHITE & BLUE:)
Thank YOU, for your timely reminder