Our world is full of fear.
Wars, or the threat thereof, hang like a dark cloud in the thoughts and minds of citizens in many countries. Even if we are not directly affected by them, the knock-on effects are felt globally. It has struck me how much the various wars have landed in my living room as horrific images flash across the
television screen. I have noticed how I feel anxious more of the time now.
Crime and violence are an everyday topic of conversation and, albeit subconsciously, affect the way we view other people – particularly those we do not know. Security companies play on our fear in their marketing as they promise to respond to our cries to keep the “bad people” away. Increasing numbers of people carry weapons. We live behind bars and
high walls. One wonders if we are not all existing in some form of prison.
As fear grips us, we live as divided people. We do not see the poor and needy person; we see a potential threat. The barriers we construct get in the way of building community because we have little knowledge of our neighbours.
In our churches, we pray for the nations of the world, the poor, the
sick, the vulnerable, and so on, but has this become lip service for people we do not want to connect with?
How do we receive John’s reminder of Isaiah’s call?
How do we responsibly remove the barriers that frustrate our sense of community?
How do we move from being a people of fear to a people of hope?
What would set us apart from
worldly people to be people for Jesus?
Jesus came to bring salvation. We, for our part, need to prepare ourselves to receive that salvation. We need a heart for Jesus. Perhaps that includes laying down our fear and trusting in the way of God.
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
