Everything is in movement. My simple understanding of Albert Einstein’s relativity is that all things in creation are moving relative to everything else. In other words nothing is sitting still. If this is part of God’s basic creative design then why would the human spirit be still when all around the universe is in motion? It reminds me of stagnant water that becomes toxic with time and loses its life giving quality. In his book Simple Steps Dr. Caliandro quotes Oliver Wendell Holmes,
“One thing I’ve found out about this life is this. It’s not so much where we stand, but in what direction we’re moving.”’
If the human spirit is not moving forward then it’s moving backward.
We were created with the need to keep moving. Physicians encourage their patients to begin physical therapy soon after operations. In the past, extended bed rest was recommended. Now, too much lying in bed is considered harmful to the body’s recovery. The same can be said for the human soul. God’s prescription for healing and redeeming humanity is first to mend our separation with our Creator. This has and continues to be done in the Lord’s act in Jesus Christ. The sacrificial love of God has opened the way for humanity to regain the relationship with our maker which our self centered living and choices has severed. This is movement from spiritual death to life. Yet, there is more! Like any relationship the human and Divine must continue to grow in depth and affection. This is often referred to as sanctification.
The continued growth of the human spirit in this life is a major part of the United Methodist belief system. The soul who chooses not to move forward and journey with God will not change and mature into the being God desires us to become. The goal is perfection in love towards God and others. We can’t claim to ever reach this lofty state. Instead we observe and enjoy the changing of our soul as we journey forth. This is walking with God. It is hope based faith over earthly facts. It is faith searching to understand a confusing world. It is love in spite of the hate and evil that surrounds us. God has a goal for us and it is good.
The same spiritual need to move within an individual is also in operation within a religious organization. The body withers if it cannot move. The spirit ceases to live out its potential if it stands still in self satisfaction. And the church dies when it is no longer the living, moving Body of Christ.
Sometimes we criticize the denominational divide which exists within the Body of Christ. I know folks who consider the denominations to be some part of an evil plot against Christ’s Church. They may condemn the dogmas (teaching) of the denominations as somehow anti-scripture and un-Christian. The same time they insist they have the only way of understanding scripture and our Lord our God. This is of course dogma! Within their dogma those who do not agree with them are false teachers and heretics. They work to use guilt and fear to undermine the devout worship of those they do not understand. This work against fellow Christians is sadly done in the name of the God who was crucified by hate, yet forgave his enemies from the executioners cross.
It is my observation that those who cry out about the imperfections of others are most convinced they have few. Those that they do admit to are forgiven and not nearly as offensive to God as Christians who experience or worship our Lord in a different manner. In such a case, self-preservation can become the purpose for a church’s existence. Self-preservation is a threat to all congregations. In such a case the energy of the people can focus on themselves instead of God or Christ’s kingdom on earth. At this point are we working towards our own short range desires or our Creators long range goal for humanity? We must exist for a purpose. From John’s gospel we read:
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” 3:17 NRSV
In the same way the church is not here to condemn the world. Judgment belongs to God and God alone. The church is to bring the light and love of God through Jesus Christ. We are not to bring the darkness of hate which is the child of Evil. Instead we have the honor to bring the healing of God in Jesus the Christ.
Sometimes we forget the purpose of the church. The Christian people are to serve God over self. When personal or community goals line up with that of God’s then all are blessed. When we do God’s work the individual benefits as well as the Lords’ kingdom. Imagine what we can do when our energy and desire join that of God’s! The people grow and they truly live.
Like Christ our Lord, the church is to be a sanctuary of safety and healing for the world. Imagine with words from the book of Revelation God’s desire for creation:
“…the river of the water of life, bright as crystal flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” 22:1-2 NRSV
As Christ is the source of rejuvenating life for the world, surly we can be the simple leaves for the healing of the nations by the power of God!
May the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!
Rick
