Step Away then Step Back

Living in close proximity to our neighbors, what they do rubs off on us and moves us ever so slightly toward a new understanding of the world.  This works both ways.  

The church universal is called to be a pinch of leaven in the whole loaf.  We accomplish this task through our faithfulness, regardless of season or position.  We may believe our meager gifts are of no real account, but the church has always taught that the Kingdom of God has a whole different way of promoting what is right and true.

In God’s Kingdom you are a difference maker when you offer peace.  In God’s kingdom you are somebody when you settle your dispute with justice.  In God’s kingdom you have accomplished great things when you share your possessions with love.  The kingdom is full of persons who are faithful and kind.  But so is the church full of persons who know all the words, but suffer short with their application.  We in the church tend to watch the nightly news a little too closely and believe all that is offered a little too easily.  We turn away too quickly, we focus on ourselves a little too faithfully. 

A friend offered a prayer that we should, “Step away from the world for a little bit.”  I have pondered this idea.  And we can gain to separate ourselves from our neighbors for a time to enable our heaven connection to become functional.  I wonder how do you step away from the world?  Can you find the presence of God in a TV show or Internet site?  Do you work hard at stepping away or would yours be more like tripping away or falling away?  Is this stepping away more like a tango, barn dance, or a ballet or does it even matter as long as one moves within the arms of God.  To step away from the world for a time, feels like a good thing for ones who are called by God to offer love and grace to a hurting and angry world.

If stepping away to gather perspective and strength for tomorrow is important, so is the re-engaging of the world.  I have long suspected that the church has stepped away and wants no part of the stepping back.  We rather like our little nest and are cozy here.  Yet, the gospel calls us to go into the world and offer the world grace.  Surely our God will be strong enough, present enough, and mighty enough to accompany you and me on our stepping back into our neighborly relationships. 

So yes, sisters and brothers, step away from the world for a time of refreshment and retooling.  This may be your Sunday worship time, or mid-week study time, a small accountability or prayer group.  But, then step back into relationship with the world and begin again to be the neighbor your neighbor needs, the neighbor Jesus talked about.  Trust and let the Holy Spirit lead you.