Fearless Faith

We love structure even when it means restricting one’s own views. Structure prescribes rules and defines arenas for the games that we play — mental, political, relational, spiritual — in forms that are acceptable to the governing culture in the moment. When things are going well, we laud the architects of such structure, praising them for their prudence and foresight. When things sway in opposite less desirable directions, structure remains visible, though it is often used as scapegoat material.

At denominational levels, we live and die by structure, using it, embracing it and subverting it to our own needs or desires. And when things get truly dicey, we resort to scriptural warfare in drawing our conclusions while beating one another up in the name of religion. That is the point where many have been lost to the faith, our actions and behaviors inoculating others from the very grace we are attempting to peddle on behalf of God. Such arrogance on our part. We can, and must, do better if the best traditions of the church mean anything at all.

Love speaks in countless ways, much more than mere words strung together. It is intentional action that lifts up those around us with premeditated conviction representing both choice and challenge, a belief that acknowledges the Christ Light in all of us no matter our origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, skin color, politics, creed or those who are differently abled. If Christ is truly within us, how then can we consent to the defilement of persons with whom we share space on this small planet? Consent is a sin unto itself if applied unthinkingly. We can, and must, do better if the gift of grace means anything as it wends its way to our being.

Love’s guardian is earth granted to us through the divine machinery of creation. Underlying structures emerge at every turn confirmed by wonders both plain and complex. The earth is one of a kind to the best of our knowledge, a work unmatched. Artistry streams forth from its soul, heady inspiration for music and arts that touch us deeply. How can the church consent to placing the earth in peril? We can, and must, do better if the gifts of creation include not only flora, fauna, but lush meadows of the heart.

Love speaks from all our senses. What we see and hear, taste, touch and experience first-hand, flashes of color, sweet air after a rain, flowers in unexpected places and comforting caresses to ease one’s hurts and pains … all is love. Love does not require consent, nor is it dependent on rules and structural constraint. It is tender and forgiving. We can, and must, do better if the examples of Jesus hold sway and reveal agape love that transcends our missteps and insecurities.

When love calls, do not be timid in your response. Know that others will be observing and taking their cue from you, of all people! Do not be concerned. Be who you are. Let God do the heavy lifting. “Love from the center of who you are … Be good friends who love deeply (Romans 12:9-10).”