Fearless Faith

Some things are just naturally made for one another; shoes and socks, nuts and bolts, coffee and cream, pins and needles. Who decides? No one is given the duty of waking each day and declaring that certain words or ideas or concepts should be configured with each other. Time and usage, however, results in combinations more favored than others. Most slide off the tongue easily which encourages even more widespread use.

Another possibility is found in the grouping of objects based on characteristics such as fragrance, taste or color. Our early spring flowers showcase varieties of blues and yellows which, singly, make for a good argument as to which is more pleasing. Unexpected beauty is found, however, in the groupings that complement each other. A combination of blues and yellows are pleasing in a way that single flowers cannot duplicate.

Just as color groupings define particular garden areas, our faith understandings shape our spiritual leanings. It is the combinations that catch the eye or engage the mind at a different level. As each new paring is identified, our anticipation gets amped up another notch. Crossing new thresholds of awareness and mindfulness as we delve into scripture opens up challenging avenues before us. Once seen, these thresholds can no longer remain unseen.

How easy it is to purview the garden when only dominant colors are present. We forget about the nuanced plants and blooms and ground cover that add immeasurably to a larger, more complete experience. Every now and then we are pleasantly surprised when a variety of plants die back hard only to return in full glory when least expected. Ornamentation is not to be discounted either. Bird baths, feeders, ceramic gnomes, turtles or plain old rocks present unique statements in their own way. And never forget the “Welcome to my Garden” signs.

Early western European pietists were castigated for having the audacity to study and interpret scripture in their own homes, untrained as they were! Without an intermediary, it was thought that there was too much room for error and that heresies would continue to unfold. As it turned out, the Pietists and Anabaptists discovered ways to view scripture anew. They were able to pull off something that eludes faith groups today by becoming more inclusive and tolerant, often testing scripture with and through the wisdom of the faith community.

If the church were no more than immovable dogma, one color or a single stripe, something precious would be lost. Scripture is not staid and literal and unbending, but dynamic and changing. The ancient authors could not have imagined its application to modern society, be it Babylonia or Times Square. Butt for those of us who believe deeply in the indwelling Christ, how can we possibly be monochrome Christians?

Here’s to grace on this memorial weekend, for hues beyond our making, for rooted-ness that allows faith to grow and blossom and for the courage to see beyond ourselves for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good. We have been given the gift of free will. Shall we squander it or will we honor each other, both past and present? What kind of rich bouquet might result?