Dear Friends,
We
are now wrapping up one of the most joyous times of the Christian year.
This is a time for us to reflect on the coming of the Light of the
World. As we look around our world today there are obvious problems
plaguing many. As Pope Francis recently noted, our shared human race is
suffering from a "throwaway culture" where human beings and even God are
rejected outright. In reference to the horrendous attacks on Paris he
stated that religious extremism, "even before it eliminates human beings
by perpetrating horrendous killings, eliminates God himself, turning
him into a mere ideological pretext." Unfortunately, this plight has
even touched our shores both in Southern California and in Colorado
Springs.
Our
world is plagued by an eagerness to discard human life. Fortunately,
the world is also full of people who would rather embrace a worldview
entrenched in love and empathy. If we are to follow Christ, then we
should heed his words and vision. I do not say this to suggest that we
should stand by idle to let injustice run rampant. On the contrary, we
should always keep the ideals of love and justice in tension,
because God is both just and loving. But we should heed his words, "See,
I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as
serpents and innocent as doves." This beautiful phrase illustrates a
wonderful and challenging tension. First, we must not be wolves. We
should not devour others for our own gain or ambition. Secondly, we must
be wise in regards to the happenings of the world. We should not be
willfully naïve or ignorant of others' evil intentions. We should act
with wisdom, for the good of all. Yet, we must do so in purity and love,
with peace in mind. As you may recall, the dove is a symbol of peace.
More
than anything else, dear friends, I ask you to pray with me. Pray for
our nation and for our world. Pray that we may be both wise and
innocent. Pray that we heed Christ's words in the Parable of the Good
Samaritan. Pray that we may find a way to make the world a more peaceful
place both at home and abroad. Pray that our lives, will be a light of
innocence, peace, and love amidst a world of hate and anger. Pray for
the Holy Spirit's help, for our lot is to live in both the 'already' and
the 'not yet' of God's Kingdom. For this we, more than anything else,
need divine assistance.
As
we tackle this New Year, let us look to the example of Emmanuel - God
With Us. Let us be led by the Spirit to grow into the people that God
would have us to be. God's presence dwells among His people and comes to
those who seek Him.
Finally,
I hope that you will pray with me for our nation's leaders - all of
them. Our disagreements should not override the need to pray for each
other and those who have been tasked with our governance. As Baptists we
have always valued 'soul freedom' and the God-given right of each
individual to believe as they feel led. This is a beautiful thing, but
it does not come with an ability to disregard our obligation to those
with whom we may share nothing in common. We still have a obligation to
pray for them, to pray that God will lead them wherever He may will,
just as He should lead us.
Grace and Peace,
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