If I could carry a tune, I would have attached an audio clip of me singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Many of us are balancing our sanity with our first guttural responses to the morning news each day. On the one hand, we want to DO something….anything to make this world more Christlike, and on the other, we want to avoid the constant divisiveness, put our heads down, and just keep moving forward. Most importantly, we want to hang on and keep believing in the words of Jesus.
One of the most fascinating challenges of following Jesus for me is that there was never a point in history when following his teaching was easy. We want it to be easier, don’t we? I mean, we have running water now and television, even wi-fi and food delivery right to our front door…this faith thing should be easier after all these years, too, right?
In some ways, there is comfort in the knowledge that it’s always been hard to truly follow the teachings of Jesus. We can follow the ten commandments without much effort, but it’s that new commandment given by Jesus that challenges us at our core.
Who are our neighbors? Does following mean we put others above self? Sometimes I wonder if people think God has favorites based on zip codes or skin color. So how do we move forward in our faith while keeping our heads up and engaged?
Begin with scripture. There are so many options from The Upper Room and The Upper Room Disciplines, both in print, to the Pray as You Go App for those who enjoy technology. If your church doesn’t offer a daily reading, watch the Sound District Facebook page for options in many places and formats. Subscribe to the District and
Conference emails. Find a way to ground your day in scripture.
Then don’t pull back from the difficulties of being present with people in groups who share different opinions. Challenge yourself to keep growing through Bible studies and trainings, many are offered through the NCCUMC, UWFaith, and United Methodist Men. The more you learn and grow, the more clearly you can articulate why you believe your faith should be lived out a certain way in this world. Our connection offers so many opportunities to learn how to live into this life as a follower of Jesus Christ, so don’t waste it! Get Connected!
Lastly, MOVE out of the comfort of your pews and into the world so that you can model what faith in Jesus looks like in action. Make your corner of this crazy and complicated world better in some small way each day. Encourage someone struggling.
Pay for the coffee of the woman you see in your rearview mirror who is crying at 7 am. Share a great book with someone you know is searching for faith and understanding. Try to use social media for good. Stand up for justice, show mercy, LOVE each other, and Don’t Stop Believin’ that together with each other and Christ, love wins in the end.
Kim
Sound District Lay Leader