Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Gary Olson.

2Timothy 1:1-14

“I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline….Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1:6 and 13).

I’ve been bothered by the lack of connection young adults have with the church, even those who were raised in it by their parents. So I asked our grandson, “Do you go to church?” suspecting a “no.” He answered seriously, “What’s the church for, grandpa?” I was stunned. He’s been raised in the church by his parents, I baptized him and he participated in many worship services I led.

After his question, I fumbled fruitlessly in my mind’s drawer of best arguments. Finding no clinching thought which might impel him into a nearby Lutheran church the following Sunday, I stammered, “Well, the church is for relationship, God’s invitation into relationship with God and with others who are finding their way—relationship with them too.” It was a small attempt, a small step but he seemed to accept it and we talked a little about it.

He gave me an opening and I think we will talk again. He is one who gives clothing to places which help the homeless and poor. He is one who walked with the thousands of peaceful protestors in Minneapolis during the ICE Metro Surge. He is one who does not like the current meanness of our national administration. He does not like how our government has withdrawn from people who need help, ridding our nation of those who just want a chance at life—mostly people of color, women and those of alternate sexual orientation.

Reading 2Timothy reminds me of how long it took me as a young pastor to muster the courage to speak my mind when something was not right. There are times I am silent when I should speak, should stand up. What helps is the church, like 2Timothy, reminding me “to hold to the sound teaching…” of “the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” It’s not just for me but for those being hurt as well. It helps to be part of a brave church. A brave church gives courage to speak, to stand up.

I’m hoping our grandson will see the church as a brave community, brave enough to love our neighbors in Christ’s name. That Christian who wrote 2Timothy calls to us— “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and
of self-discipline.”

We live in a difficult time politically and socially. Sometimes we are confused by the wrong-thinking Christian Right and how they advocate for Christian Nationalism and support the mean-spirited behavior of some politicians. Theirs is a distortion of Christian teaching.

Our grandchildren, mine for sure, are looking to see if we, the church, are being brave, having courage to live the ways of God in Christ Jesus. They are watching to see if we are standing up to live the love of God in the world. That is one great benefit of Christian congregations—to help us be brave in our faith. It is difficult to be brave alone, to have courage alone. Having a Christian community which tries to walk God’s way in Jesus can give us courage and hope.

“What’s the church for, grandpa?” How would you answer?

Dear Lord, “…help us hold to the sound teaching [we] have heard…” and help us be brave to live it. Amen.