Dear Congregation,
In light of recent news stories, around some of President Trump’s statements, I thought it might be a good time for us to be reminded of this piece of scripture.
Galatians 6:7-10
7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
It is certainly tempting to give up, for we can grow weary of hate and ignorance, and may feel powerless. But we are reminded in this text that God is in charge, not any mortal. Kings and dictators throughout history have attempted to set themselves up as gods. It has never turned out well for them! We are all mortal and only God is God. And so a time of reckoning will come for all.
Our job as Christians, followers of the only Chosen One, is to continue doing right. We must seize every opportunity to work for the good of all, and in doing that we will be faithful. We are to be salt, and light, and leaven in this world. Those elements change the composition of things—make the tasteless full of flavor, bring light to darkness, and raise that which otherwise be flat. There doesn’t have to be much to make a difference!
I realize that our feelings about the current political circumstances in our country, as we view them through the lens of our Christian faith, are worthy of a great deal more reflection than I can give in this short piece. I invite any of you who would be interested in sitting down together to talk to let me know. I’m open to helping form a conversation group that would allow us to process the news together as people of faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
In Christ Love,
Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ