During these soul-testing days, or this “weirdness’, we consider the common good. We wear a mask, not for our own protection, but the well being of others. We do so, bearing in mind that this is the kingdom of God. It is a new order, a better way of living. It involves difficult, uncomfortable decisions. We are directed by our Lord Jesus to proclaim justice for the least among us. It saddens me when this is politicized. God is watching. We may think we get away with, even justify our indifference. We can reflect and understand more deeply what it is to live life in the footsteps of the Master. We need to welcome and accept our divergent views and interpretations if we are ever to achieve the unity our Lord prayed for in John 17. Cooperating in good conscience and faith is one of the best ways we can treat God. We have the capacity to move beyond personal morality to pursuing the common good. Our foundation is the kingdom of God. Grounded in His Word, shaped and compelled by His radical love, and (to borrow Pentecostal holiness tradition) “slain in the Spirit.” Even a “cradle Lutheran” such as me can latch on to other faith experiences.

We can respond from the depths of ourselves. Oftentimes, we are inert when it comes to expressing our soul-longings. Our soul thirsts for the living God and His kingdom of righteousness, cooperation, unity, and peace. However we think, speak and act, it is always in the name of Jesus. We may want and crave whatever makes us happy or feel good. But deep joy is felt when we experience His holiness and treat Him accordingly.

I am filled with tremendous gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. I am also profoundly ashamed when I abuse or even dismiss those blessings as entitlements or rights. I pray for each one of you, dear readers, during these times of patient testing and preparing for what will come out of this “weirdness”. I trust we will all be whole and well in His praise, treating Him as holy and sacred. Extending that same treatment to all His children. At least giving it our best effort. Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for us and is risen from the dead. He is joy for all ages, and his love is unconditional.

Pastor Art