When I was a child, one frequent reminder was to never speak about politics or money. It seemed that this belief was followed by most people, at least in my family, because our family celebrations and holiday gatherings were rarely tense due to discussions of differing beliefs.
Things feel different today. Almost daily, whether on the news, in a casual conversation with strangers in a public place, or simply driving through my neighborhood, I feel assaulted with the
realization that some people feel it necessary to loudly proclaim their beliefs for all to hear. At this point, I would actually welcome the speaking about politics. What I feel often happens now instead is one-sided yelling of one’s opinion, creating with it incredible turmoil, polarization, and division in families, friend groups, churches, and communities. Friendships are ended, families are strained, and long-time church membership is cancelled. I often feel like we have lost our ability to talk with each other, especially people who we don’t see eye-to-eye. And in this, we have lost our ability to listen, to feel compassion for those who have a differing opinion than we do, and to stretch ourselves to imagine the issue from their perspective.
Kairos is a Greek word defined by Merrian-Webster dictionary as “a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action”. In the church, we often refer to a “Kairos time” as moment that is favorable for God to work through us to create transformation in the midst of turmoil.
I believe we are in a Kairos time right now. How do we, as people of faith, put our beliefs about God into tangible action for peace and justice in a way that will bring transformation? Our Christian beliefs have been twisted in ways that look and operate very differently than I believe were the message of Jesus. God’s vision, as shown to us through the ministry of Jesus, was one where our everyday life was as good as life in heaven. One in which all people have access to the things that will lead to an abundant life for themselves and their family. Where God’s unending love guides us into loving action with each other.
First UMC is a 501c3 and we will not discuss parties, candidates, or platforms. But I encourage us to have hard conversations with each other about how our faith might inspire us to act in the world today. Our faith informs how we serve, how we spend our money, how we spend the hours of each day; and our faith also influences our civic engagement. We just don’t often talk about it together. Learning how to disagree and remain in fellowship together is something our denomination was founded on. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, once said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?”
Over the next few months, I would like to share some scriptures and United Methodist doctrine and foundational beliefs for the top three most pressing topics that you often find yourself struggling to reconcile with your faith. The top three things that you often wonder how you, as a Christian and a United Methodist, should respond with word and action. The hope is not that we change each other’s opinions. The hope is that we practice discussing WITH LOVE how the Holy Spirit is guiding each of us to apply scripture and United Methodist beliefs to things happening in the world today.
Send me an email or call the church office and let me know what hot topics are on your mind and your heart.
Reverend Meredith
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