Hope vs. Reality
“We envision a time when all people are valued, injustice and suffering are abolished, and God’s love and joy abound.” —St. Andrew’s Vision Statement.
Reading our vision statement, one might think that the people at our church are delusional. How is it possible that a time would come when all people are valued? That is not how humans have treated each other throughout history. The very idea that injustice and suffering could disappear borders on the absurd…right? Tune into the news at any hour and you will see just how ridiculous it is to hold out for such ideals. And yet, Scripture tells us that God is drawing us toward such a day.
One might argue that rather than dreaming of ideals it is better to look honestly at what is and try to deal with reality. I am sympathetic to that sort of thinking. It can be very unhealthy to try to live in denial of the challenges that this life presents—challenges like wars, fires and floods, political discord, poverty, disease, and abuse of authority. I believe that one cannot ignore the problems of the world without shutting down one’s heart. In trying to find comfort and safety through denial, compassion is often sacrificed.
And yet, tuning in full time to the harshness of this world can be overwhelming. There has to be a balance between what we hope for and the reality in which we live. The balance between hope and reality is how I would explain the impact of faith on our lives. Faith is holding a perspective that allows one to see what is right in front of them without losing sight of God’s promise of salvation. In other words, I can recognize the suffering that is right in front of me and still trust that God is bringing about a world without tears.
If I can acknowledge that people do suffer, that injustice does occur, and that people are not being valued while at the same time believing whole-heartedly that God wants better for creation, then I can respond to the world with the love of God. All of this is to say, our vision statement is an affirmation of our trust that God is making the world whole, and in that trust we offer ourselves in service to that goal. Healing is born where brokenness is given witness, not where it is ignored. I pray that we can sustain enough faith, hope, and courage to be a part of what God is bringing about. After all, that is the Church’s call.
Blessings,
Pastor Jen
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