I am told that there is a curse used by the Chinese, “May you live in interesting times.” No one can doubt that as we look around, we are living in interesting times. The economy remains anemic. Politically, we remain divided. From schools to shopping malls to the Boston Marathon, we cannot escape the threat of violence.
Not even our congregation is immune to “interesting times.” We face changes in our demographics, in our ministries, and in our staffing. We discover that the comfortable answers no longer apply. We face new challenges. We are forced to say goodbye to old friends. It’s easy to be overwhelmed. It’s easy to be frustrated by events. Sometimes it appears as if we play only a walk-on part in the drama of history.
In college, a philosophy professor of mine spoke of our desperation this way: “Think of a dog tied to a cart. The cart is rolling down a hill. The dog can choose to trot alongside the cart or be dragged by it. That’s free will.” Instead of being Masters of the Universe, modern philosophy posits an anxiety-ridden life where the Triumph of the Will is to be crushed by history.
However, as Christians, we live an alternative. God calls us to enter history. Amid the whirlwind, we stand firm and witness to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We proclaim a God who binds up the brokenhearted, that provides release for the captives. Although history may try to crush the Church, she cannot be overcome. After all, she believes in resurrection. In the Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt 28:18). As a result, we do not live in constant anxiety. We do not need to be consumed by the “interesting times” around us. God remains God.
We really have no reason to complain. “Interesting times” are here to stay. Amid the challenges, the Ardmore Presbyterian Church will remain an exciting place to be. As Christians, we can stand without fear. We remain united in the Christ who is victorious.
Grace and Peace,
James Hodsden
Pastor 139 