The Stance of Faith

I am finishing a wonderful weekend of spiritual renewal with a community of people I love. We have spent three days of almost non-stop praise, prayer, and contemplation. We have also enjoyed a guest speaker who gave us alot to think about. He challenged us to adopt a "stance of faith". He asked us to commit to "groaning", not "whining". He asked us to commit to "playing", not "watching". And finally, he asked us to "hope" and not "despair".

He suggested that to groan about the reality of suffering and pain in this world is altogether appropriate. In fact, the injustice and inhumanity we witness in this world should cause us to shed tears. To groan for the world around us is a healthy expression. To whine for things we don't like or don't agree with is really another thing. Whining is not attractive or helpful. It is more than annoying.

He said to get into the game is where we belong. Playing not watching needs to be our posture. To spectate and criticize is passive and without constructive value. Active commitment creates the kind of creative energy we represent.

And then, he challenged us to accept the hope we have been given. We have a message of hope. Despair is really inconsistent with what we believe. No matter what things look like, we believe. So, hope is our anchor. It is our culture.

I love the stance and I thought about what a difference it would make in my world if it was an experience we all shared together. Imagine it. No more whining! What would it mean to your workplace or your family life if the noise polution of whining disappeared. At the same time, what if it was replaced be genuine concern and a practical love response? What if we really felt the desire to make it easier for those around us?

What if we really had players around us? If everyone in our world was truly engaged and active, what kind of difference would it make? Spectators and critics go away. What if people who regularly play the victim were to disappear in life and work?

And, imagine, living in a culture where hope was the predominant spirit. What if fear did not linger in the air? How different would things be if the negative were replaced by the positive?

Well, I can dream can't I? I believe the stance of faith is to love, serve, and believe. I believe it is the culture we were meant to live. I also believe it takes the power of an ever present God and the faith response of committed people to create it. It is my hope for us all. Do well, my friends!