Being a Christian in Paul’s world was no picnic. In 2 Cor. 11:25, he listed a sample of the sufferings he faced. We complain about our government, but are fortunate in Australia that we are spared the treatment of brutal dictatorial rule. However, considering the state of this present world is cause for concern.
Paul’s reason for hope in Rom. 8, was based on faith, so too must ours. We might prefer to be shown easy solutions, like, how to fix our ever-increasing public debt, or the serious problem of youth crime (just to mention two). We would like to think that by electing the right kind of government would fix everything. But when we stop and think about it, we realise people cannot fix the world’s problems, because it is human sin that causes it. Nor can AI be the answer.
One advantage of retirement is we have more time to think, free from the pressures of our working lives. As I reflect back on my earlier life I become aware how much my life was driven by goals I set myself, and those set for me by others. During my years of shearing I was driven by achieving tallies, finding continuous work; in ministry life was about completing studies, meetings and deadlines. What took priority were the things I had to do. Relationships have always been important, but in the midst of the pressures of work, and deadlines, relationships take second place, and that tends to shape our perspective on life.
Free from those immediate pressures, my perspective on life changed, I see relationships now as top priority, and that changes the way I think about life, its meaning and purpose. It also transforms the way I understand faith.
During my working life, faced with a problem, my action orientation led me to look for something I could do to fix it. Even though I prayed about it, my perspective led me to assume the solution depended on something I must do.
In retirement, with a different perspective, I become aware there are some things we cannot fix, that with God present in the Holy Spirit, we need to learn to trust Him to do what we alone are unable to do.
This requires faith, and it applies to our concerns about the state of our world. We have a duty to do what we can to help make this world a better place; but the Bible encourages us to trust that the destiny of the world is in God’s hands. Jesus warned that until the end,“there will be wars and rumours of wars” (Mark 13:7), and that we are to look up. Jesus assures us God has a plan, and He will never leave us, nor forsake us. Although at times it might feel like He has.
Through the Holy Spirit God confirms in our hearts the truth of His reality. Jesus prayed in John 17,“Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” This is not something we do, it has to do with relationship.
It is reassuring to know that Jesus Himself will return and make this troubled world right again, when He comes as King.
Rev Stewart McDonald
Uniting Church
9°C