During the “Liberating Structures” process to re-imagine the organization of our ministries, the Council identified five “values” they believe sit at the core of our church identity, driving our understanding of the mission of the church. This week’s devotions will focus on one of these identified values each day. Be sure to check out the previous devotions on relationship, generosity, and caring.
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
It would be strange if a church didn’t list its belief in God as a core value. But is this just a performative or aspirational posture? Maybe this is just demonstrative of how much doubt and faith go hand in hand? Regardless, faith is the gift that pours back into us whenever we come together as the assembled Body of Christ.
I like to imagine the church we have been formed to be as a collection of accomplished doubters that, combined, become steadfast believers. It’s in the collective that our faith becomes manifest, able to be lived out and experienced. Reassured, restored, and returned to the world in courage and conviction that God’s love does make a difference in our lives. And sharing this love might make a difference in someone else’s life too.
Jesus describes the gift of faith as the food and drink necessary for life. How hungry are you for God today? How thirsty are you to hear the promises repeated once more?
This is not to say that faith doesn’t come in its own way to each of us but the community of believers called the church exists as a pathway to this sustenance. Can you seek God on your own? Of course. But when God seems hard to find, know that there are a whole bunch of other people right here seeking the same. Today, some have confidence and trust in measures great enough to share with those of us who need help. Tomorrow then, we might be able to share some of our own.
May God’s peace come to you this day. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… You believe in us, help us to believe in you. Surround us with the saints who doubt and yet cling to hope. Encourage those with enough confidence to share and those without to receive. Continue setting our tables with the bread that fills us up and the water that quenches our thirst. Amen.