Fearless Faith

In our household, going shopping has a different connotation than what many consumers embrace. The goal is much the same however. Find something which strikes your fancy, or an item that a household member would appreciate, and offer it to them in ways that make everyone feel good. In our setting, the difference is even more broadly noted as interactions that fall primarily between rather than within species. Dogs for example.

It appears to be true that many dogs are ecstatically happy to have their human family return home, even when they have been gone but a short time. Our Aussie falls into that category, but usually with a twist. She first goes “shopping” by quickly surveying the house and locating spare clothing, gloves, shoes, hats or favorite toys that she presents as homage upon our return. It is endearing to be the recipient of such thoughtful gift-giving, and we thank her profusely each time.

She literally beams with gratitude and affection when ooh’ed and awe’d over, as if she has had just placed the Taj Mahal at our doorstep. A good rat shake of a feathery toy or two solemnizes the contract and her desire to make it acceptable and safe in her eyes. The loyalty she displays is admirable, and she never wonders if it is inappropriately applied. She knows and trusts that the responses she receives from us are genuine and true.

Could it be that it is time for churches to do a little shopping of their own, not to bribe people into faith and associated beliefs, but to demonstrate that we are interested in the whole person and their spiritual health and well-being, and that we truly mean it? What we do as institutions matters, principles speaking louder than mere idle conversation.

The recently celebrated Transfiguration Sunday suggests that God chooses the time and place to illuminate one’s divine purpose with humanity. While Jesus no doubt had it worked out with Moses and Elijah at his side, it can still appear a bit hazy and obscure for the rest of us. Do you suppose it might be helpful to do a little shopping of our own in order to inventory the divine gifts present in most settings (that is if we are paying attention to them)?

Illuminating one’s faith while recognizing untapped spiritual reservoirs is a discipline worth tending, one that often results in unexpected dividends. When we court the goodness found in humanity, we begin to see others as fellow sojourners rather than adversaries and foes. To deliberately persecute or seek to destroy another’s faith by comparing to our own is reprehensible, and yet it occurs daily in government, from the halls of congress down through the smallest of ad judicatories across the country.

Rising above the temptation to demonize entire classes of people is difficult, especially when we encounter viewpoints in opposition to the best faith practices we can muster. It is an opportunity to live the faith in ways that make a difference so that we can continue the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together. Time to go shopping.