Like a Battle Tested Sword

I'm currently plowing my way through Ken Follett's World Without End, an epic novel about 14th century England. A couple of nights ago I read a great line attributed to one of Follett's characters, Caris Wooler, who is a skeptic. She says, "My father hated people who preached about morality. We're all good when it suits us, he used to say: that doesn't count. It's when you want so badly to do something wrong - when you're about to make a fortune from a dishonest deal, or kiss the lovely lips of your neighbor's wife, or tell a lie to get yourself out of terrible trouble - that's when you need the rules. Your integrity is like a sword, he would say: you shouldn't wave it until you're about to put it to the test." (Ken Follett, World Without End. Dutton, New York. 2007. Page 545.)

In a way, the author is saying that our core beliefs are only as good as they're able to stand when challenged or tested. If that's the case, the core beliefs of many Jesus-followers in North America are being measured right now. Much of mainline Protestantism is on the decline on this continent. That's certainly the case for my branch of it - United Methodism. We cannot presume that the culture around us understands the language we use, much less that it supports or promotes what we believe. We have to present Jesus as a credible and central relationship in a complex world situation of fuel, food, and health crises on a global scale. We can see this situation as reason for despair, or we can see it as the defining challenge and opportunity of our lifetime as disciples.

Pastor Ron Watts is one of our state's delegates to our denomination's global assembly, the General Conference, currently meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. He writes with excitement about the vibrant faith and witness of many of the delegates from outside the United States, particularly from Africa and the Philippines. Many of them coming from poverty stricken and troubled areas, their relationship with Jesus and their desire to offer Jesus to others is a radiant and powerful thing. Faith in Jesus spreads like a wildfire in these places, where their integrity and commitment is challenged daily. They have much to teach us.

In the rough rapids ahead, the chances are high that many of us will capsize or get swamped. It beats paddling in circles in a stagnant pool, though. I'll see you around the next bend.