What would God say about all that’s been going on in our world today (covid, social justice, politics, etc)?
There are many ways (spiritual worldviews) to look at the world and current events. One way would be something we could call "secular" worldview - one that says everything is by chance, a series of random, natural events. And therefore, there isn't much we humans can do about it. On the other side, we can have a worldview based on the notion of "sovereignty of God", taken to its extreme. That God does what he wills, but like the secular worldview, ironically, this results in a conclusion that says there is nothing humans can do about any of it. God wills, so it happens. Just as with secular worldview, nature wills, so it happens.
The third worldview somewhere in the midst of these two extremes can be one that introduces possibility of human will into the picture. Namely that things don't happen by chance only, that there is will of God that is greater than our human will, but that there is some kind of partnership, albeit mysterious and incomprehensible to us, between God's will and what we do with our human will. In other words, things don't happen just by chance. Nor things don't just happen because God willed it. Rather, there is something humans contribute, both in good and bad ways. And thus it is important for us humans to recognize that and live accordingly.
What, then, is the nature of this partnership between God and us? We often take this in a legalistic way. Namely, we do what we can do, and God either rewards/punishes accordingly. It seems fair to us and makes easy enough sense to us. But, is it really how God and humans work? Who God is? That he is there (above and beyond us) watching us how we behave, and hands out rewards and woes fairly based on what we deserved? Yes, God is a fair God. A just God. But, where then is his love, his grace, and his salvation?
No, our partnership with God is not a mathematical equation. If it were so, we would all be doomed. It is a mysterious work between God and us, which we can't possibly understand completely. But we can imagine it is one that is based on love, our trust in this love of God, and us doing our very best based on this love and trust. In short, yes it is the sovereign will of God, not just a chance that things happen in our lives. But, there is something we can do about it. Not just to be rewarded by God or to prevents us from being punished from him, but to somehow be part of God's will for this world. To be part of the solution somehow, to know and follow his overall will for our lives little better. And this requires imagining with God.
So, with all of this, how are we to respond to all that's been going on in our lives this year? Covid, Social justice movement, fires, and politics. How are we to process any of these as Christians? Is it even possible, and where do we begin? What can we imagine with God?
No one has any conclusive answers. But, in an attempt to seek God's will in all of this, we are announcing a series of 3 week studies that will be a safe and intimate place for anyone who would like to be part of it to come and share/discuss/imagine together on some of these pivotal topics of today. First is on "Politics & God". And future topics will include "Pandemic & God", "Racism & God", etc.
What does God say about politics? Should we even bother paying attention? If so, how should we vote? Is there one right way to vote as Christians? Is there a new way to imagine about politics, our role as Christians, that might not be so straight forward but is based ultimately on our trust in God's eternal love for us?
Some of the guiding biblical truths will be found in these two texts:
John 17:14-19. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Micah 6:8. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Please join us if you can (Sundays 5pm). If interested, let us know and we will send you the zoom link. God bless!