As Jesus says: “you are the salt of the earth …14“You are the light of the world.” In a world often corrupt and oppressive, lacking compassion, Jesus’ disciples are to be the change agents by modelling lives for justice with peace where no one in sent hungry away.
In 2nd Corinthians 5, St. Paul states how this mandate was interpreted by the church as a call for each generation to be Christ’s ambassadors in their time and place. And, in Acts 2, we find that evolving new church community doing exactly that generously sharing everything. It is a wonderful example of what we need to be about in 2023.
Sometimes it is hard to imagine how we might be leaders helping others to find “The Way”. We know how challenged we can feel ourselves in our ever more conflicted and complex societies. How awkwardly skilled we often think ourselves to be especially when we fall short and fail.
But, friends, Jesus warns us about the error we make when we limit our capacities with negative self-assessments.
The fundamental message of Jesus is that we are never alone but loved, gifted and called to serve. If God finds us worthy for ministry in Christ’s name, who are we to say we cannot partnership with the Holy Spirit to truly shake things up and make a positive difference?
As he said: 15 "No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” The question we face is can we dare to believe in ourselves and join Jesus’ team?
Should we still lack faith in our ability to do what we know in our hearts needs doing, perhaps one more word of a wisdom and encouragement from St. Paul might help? In 2nd Corinthians 3 he outlines just why we need never fear participation in Christ’s ministry.
Referring to his own experience as a former enemy of Christ dramatically converted into his greatest Apostle Paul writes: “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? Surely not! 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. …4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
So, with renewed confidence and faith, not in ourselves alone but in partnership with God, I invite everyone to plunge into the task of changing the world together “letting our lights shine” and leaving the rest in our Saviour’s hands.
Blessings to all, Rev Ray Purdie, Imperial United Church
