There was a roundtable discussion where the panel reached an interesting point.
It was only when people faced a threat big enough to affect everyone that they united to face the initial threat. Whether it was the Second World War or the 9/11 calamity, they were the driving force for a limited sense of national unity. Even sporting occasions which unify a nation are based on sporting competition or conflict.
It suggests we rarely get together for things primarily out of hope. It suggests that we only come into our own out of fear. Fear of defeat, fear of loss, fear of failure. It galvanises something in us that makes us do what it takes to hold onto what we treasure.
Nothing wrong with that … to a degree. But like the cycle of faithfulness and idolatry that afflicted the children of Israel in the Bible, there appears to be great difficulty in maintaining faithfulness out of a sense of devotion and loyalty. Severe opposition and oppression appear to be the only stimulus to unity of some sort.
The example of Jesus, however, suggests that Kingdom living need not be based on fear. Loving life on its own merits may inspire those who follow Him to be motivated by powerful drivers of love, joy, righteousness and peace. It’s a challenge to our predisposition to unify without fear. It’s a challenge to truly join together not to combat anything, but to build something on the firm foundation of faith in the Creator.
What does it look like selling fearful existence for faith-filled living? For me it began when I saw the beauty of relationships as a cause worth living for. When my own comfort and security was not the priority, but living for others and seeing them begin to fulfil their potential was a driver, depending on God was crucial and brought into its own the truth that love casts out fear. Witnessing that first hand in the lives of others allowed me to see the truth that there are matters far more important than pocketing exorbitant wages or ramping up military might to a ridiculous degree.
It pays then, in the growing age and influence to reflect on what actions can be adopted from the ultimate Walker by faith.
As a community of faith it acts as a tremendous witness to the world that we belong to Him if we pursue the Kingdom kind of living.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 