Living in interesting times

I think we can all agree that we live in “interesting” times. 

“May you live in interesting times,” is purported to be a Chinese curse, although it most probably originated from an 1898 speech delivered by English politician, Joseph Chamberlain. Of course, “interesting” is classic British understatement for turbulent times. 

 Quite a few people have approached me over the last few weeks to share their concerns about contemporary political and world events that have shaken their sense of security and made them fearful about the future of our country and indeed the world. 

We would do well to remember that Jesus lived in turbulent times. His country was occupied by an oppressive foreign empire. The religious leaders of His day sought to preserve their own power by collaborating with their occupiers. The worldly systems operating in first-century Palestine were geared toward creating more wealth for those in power while exploiting the poorest members of society. These systems sought to destroy Jesus but, of course, God had other plans for his Son. 

The Body of Christ, the Church, has faced challenges from persecutions, political interference, schisms, reformations, counter-reformations, divisions, corruption, and indifference. Yet, the Church is still here and the central message of Christianity which is God’s unconditional love for all Creation, manifested in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is still proclaimed. Efforts have been made to destroy Christianity, but, of course, God had other plans for his Church.

Still, this begs the question: What can we do as followers of Jesus to survive and thrive in these disconcerting days?

First, I would recommend that we shut off the media spigot as much as possible. Stop watching the 24/7 news outlets, switch off the talk shows, and stop dwelling in the world of social media. Take in the news less sensationally. Perhaps subscribe to a newspaper or news magazine. Reading the news gives your mind an opportunity to process information more deliberately, less emotionally, and more thoughtfully. Incorporate prayer into your news consumption. Ask God to be present and bring his mercy and justice into the situation you have read about.

Spend time, in the Presence of Christ. Get involved in a Bible Study or Christian Book Study. Be intentional about cultivating your prayer life. Lift national and world affairs to God.

Begin a centering prayer practice. Rest in God’s arms.

Become ever more involved in the life of the Church. Work to strengthen bonds with other members of the Body of Christ. Attend worship services frequently. Get involved in one of the ministries of the Church. Serve the Church and the community through the Church. Care for those who are poor, weak, infirm, and lonely. Focus on service and making a positive difference in the life of others. Practicing simple acts of kindness and mercy can carry with them the power to change another’s life, not to mention your own life, as well.

Finally, Beloved, resist the temptation to hate. Make loving God and loving others the driving force in your life. In making all your decisions, you can never fail by erring on the side of Love. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Luke 14:27

Grace and Peace to you.

Vern