I've been thinking about answers...

I've been thinking about answers. 

Early in life when we face problems we learn to work towards a solution. As an infant, we want to move around so we learn to crawl, walk and finally, run. During childhood, we enter school and begin to solve simple math problems. We start to learn about letters, form words, then read books. We finally reach college where we seek knowledge in a focused area of life. We strive to become a master of that area of study by surrounding ourselves with the best teachers in that field. With this knowledge and experience we hope to be propelled into the world so we can make a difference in society. 

But what happens when we don't have the answer or the problem seems too complex to solve?

Our world is currently seeking answers. 

A global virus spreads around the world. 

Politics is dividing our communities - no one seems to be able to have respectful dialogue or collaborative solutions. 

Our nation continues to struggle with the sin of racism. 

We must admit that there are no simple answers to these large problems. 

One thing I've learned to be true is this life is harder and more complex than I once thought. My kids are asking me questions like, "Why would a police officer kill or hurt a person, when they are supposed to help"? You would think that after living for more than 38 years I would have more answers, but instead I have more questions. 

For the remainder of this thought I want to speak to the area of race because this is laying heavy on my heart with the killing of George Floyd.

I first want to admit to you that there is a lot I don't know on this topic. There is probably even more I don't understand because I am a white male. In fact, being that I am the recipient of white privilege, this makes things harder for me to see or feel when it comes to this topic. There is so much I don't know, but want to understand. 

So what do I know?

I know that I need to grow in understanding and so I must ask questions and listen to my brothers and sisters of color. 

Are you asking questions and having conversations with people who look different than you?

I know that our God has created us in his image and He makes this clear on page one of the Bible. If I am actively abiding with Jesus, it becomes much easier for me to see my fellow brothers and sisters as image bearers.

Are you reading your Bible so you can further explore His love for you and the rest of humanity?

I also know that Jesus affirms the greatest commandment is to Love God and Love Others. I am not perfect at this and I can only do this when I operate a life lived in the Spirit. God's love is sacrificial, slow to speak, quick to listen, abounding in love - something I need more of in my life and relationships. 

Are you asking the Holy Spirit to help you love those around you?

I cannot tell you a simple answer to this problem, but I know that I want to be part of the solution and I believe that God is calling us, the church, to be part of the solution. 

Let's start by taking steps towards being the solution to this problem by loving God and listening to and loving our neighbor. Listen more, take action, have hard conversations, speak out.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 26:36-38