Back to Basics

There is nothing I like better than a little project. I am writing today with a sore finger, because I hit it with a hammer. (No one said anything about being good at my little projects!) Still the shed is standing proudly at the bottom of the garden, and although it isn’t watertight yet it has survived its first night in the wilds! Hopefully the felting and the battening will happen soon, once the wood’s had a chance to dry out.

              The practice of our Christian Faith is not a little project. It is not something we can do, or perfect and then it is finished. The Christian faith, or discipleship as I often call it, is a whole life adventure. It is the nurturing of a relationship which in turn will influence the whole of your life, your thoughts, actions and practices. As such it is more akin to a committed marriage than to an exciting, albeit often destructive fling. Christianity is not something that we ‘hammer’ (ow) home rather it is a love that is always surrounding us, which we can invite to seep into our hearts and minds, so that we are increasingly immersed in that love, and it thus becomes a key to our very identity. 

              How does this happen? Well I have been struck lately that in order for this way of life to take root, we may need a bit of a clear out. There is probably some thinking and attitudes that need throwing out before we then get back to some of the basics.

              I have found reading through one of the oldest books in the New Testament, Thessalonians very helpful. The basics are all there, God’s love for us and our loving one another, but I’ve realised there are challenges as well. Most of us have grown up or inherited an idea that we don’t really talk about our faith, that faith is a private affair. A bit like a hidden fling, this is a disastrous idea. I’m struck in Thessalonians just how public and open Paul is. The other fascinating reality is the way Paul focuses on relationships. He is not interested in maintaining an institution. Although there probably was a ‘church’ in Thessaloniki, Paul is maintaining relationships, he is loving, and cajoling and teaching, ‘people’ that he clearly loves. Everything is personal, and in that sense real.  Too often my thoughts equate faith with an institution, in my case Zion. Don’t misunderstand me, I love Zion and feel privileged, with the trust that I have been given, but Zion is people and our relationships together and with God. Rather than to ‘fight’ or ‘labour’ for an institution, we need to relax and enjoy and love one another. This is the real basics of our discipleship, knowing we are loved we are relaxed and learning to love. Or as Jesus said, come to me if you’re tired and weary. Worn out on religion, take my yoke, my calling to love one another into your heart, for it fits perfectly and will give you rest for your souls. (Matt 11:28-30 Paraphrased by me!)

              May God bless us as we relax, and allow God’s love to seep into our hearts.

Stephen

PS It is OK to talk about this stuff with others, our experience is of value.