Romans for everyone - 1:1-17 longing to see the Romans Christians

What are the themes mentioned in 1:1-7?

That Christ was always meant to be sent to save us, because it was promised beforehand “ by the prophets, that He would come to us as a descendant of David. And the key was the resurrection that proved He was the son of God - verse 4.

And all, including Gentiles, are saved through grace AND apostleship to call others to obedience that comes from faith- verse 5.

In this incredibly succinct opening, Paul touches on all the key elements of our faith. The identity and form of God in the trinity. The reference to prophecies and the reminder that the resurrection  proves Christ is the son of God - who else can overcome death? The critical theme of grace is also touched on, and how we are called to spread the word that others might be saved through faith and nothing else.

We believe because of faith, not because of earthly rewards, but that a higher reward awaits us.

Reflection upon reflection

This was something that popped up in my FB memories today. It was one of my more reflective posts…

The original post from 8 years ago… “There are two types of mistakes. Those that prove you are trying and those that prove you are not.”

And then this 5 years ago…

“ I can't remember what led to this 5 years ago but a recent incident illuminated this for me. I needed assistance on an issue and the person told me what the official position and solution was. It was not very practical nor helpful (for my problem) and I asked if there was another way. I was surprised by the answer. The person said they could try something but there was no guarantee it would work.

A few lessons for me here. The initial exchange was through text and looking back, I was guilty of showing my annoyance. The person responding asked if we could chat on whatsapp and I'm glad we did. We are more careful and civilized when we speak (more so when it is face to face). This person probably recognized the irritation in my text and chose a better way to communicate. I am humbled and grateful for the wisdom and tolerance.

Secondly I learnt that a simple question opens up possibilities. I could have had a possible solution fixed in my mind and pushed for it. The other party would probably dig in and defend the official line and we would both be the poorer for it. Instead I asked if there was a better way. Sure it may not always work but the odds are better. First I defer to the person who has the skills and authority/responsibility. It is unfair to demand a particular solution because we are not in their shoes. Our posture is important. Are we opening up ourselves and showing our vulnerability in seeking help? People are much more likely to respond to that.

The last lesson for me is the most surprising. I started this post thinking about that quote from 5 years ago and wanted to illustrate with this incident how the unwillingness to try is often manifested in small subtle ways and is such a tremendous obstacle to our personal and professional growth. We make excuses for ourselves and here I'm reminded of that expression "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good ". The person's response ("but there's no guarantee it will work ") I think, contained some traces of that which was to be the focus of this post, but the epiphany I've had is that both sides in the conversation have a part to play. Sometimes my own arrogance and expectations are also the obstacle. They can be too high (where i think I know best) or where it's too low (when I think the other party won't be helpful, and yes, also that I think I know better).

Slight related digression here triggered by recent incidents. Deeper reflection rather than a rush to judgement and 'punishment' through social media, will give us so much more. We need to remove the planks in our own eyes. We need to uplift (not just others but ourselves too) by engaging and understanding, not by shaming and canceling. The former recognizes we have a role, to show love for our fellow man, a fellow sinner. "Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that".  (Martin Luther King Jr). Engagement is an act of love that may change that person's mind or heart. Shaming and canceling is the antithesis of engagement and  drives such behavior into the shadows and feeds the ravenous trolls out there.”

Romans for Everyone - Chapter 1

Finally got round to starting this. Guess it will be different doing it on my own as opposed to a group so I thought I would keep a journal as the book suggests.

"In what ways is it risky or daring to be a Christian in your community today?"

I think we are coming to a crossroads, an inflexion point in society. At one time, the liberal agenda ruled the day, and Christians were seen as out of touch, inflexible and also intolerant for our beliefs, especially regarding the sexual mores of the day. To actually stand up for those beliefs in front of non-believers required 'courage' (an often over-used term these days when everyone is labelled a 'hero' all too easily), a willingness to swim against the current, to risk alienating friends. There were, and still are, lots of minefields.

Today, the tide has turned a little as the liberal arguments have in a way, reached a sort of natural conclusion - if everything is relative, and you are free to determine your own truths (including gender), then nothing is true and we are all on sinking sand (as the popular hymn "My Hope is built on nothing less" goes). I think more people are beginning to look for other answers, including turning to faith.

That is a welcome development of course, though one only needs to look at the state of the US and the right-wing evangelical movement to see the dangers where this swing goes too far. Sin is ever-present in us, and pride and hubris are always lurking in the shadows. So the risk today is more complicated.

We still risk being seen as intolerant by those who cling to the liberal agenda, or worse, deemed hateful by those in the 'woke' brigade (if only they understood the inherent contradictions of their stance), just by being faithful to our views. But there is another danger, of being consumed by the extreme right, who may be no less extreme in their views. We start to see others as the enemy, we start to see 'ghosts' everywhere - rainbows become a problem (as one petition in the Christian community showed a few years ago because the director of that year's NDP was gay, and rainbows were part of the theme.)

I think the question posed is somewhat loaded. Risk is more easily understood as I explained above. But 'daring'? This is where the dangers of pride and hubris comes in. It is all too easy to succumb to the temptation to be seen as being tough, tougher than our brothers and sisters in Christ who hold 'softer' views. It is no less a danger and temptation and here the 'battle' isn't against non-believers, but our fellow Christians.

The fundamental tenet is still to love everyone, and we need to reflect that love in our beliefs and attitudes to all.