(Each Saturday, a faith leader offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
Creation is infinite in scope and should be revered as far greater than ourselves, as something of which we are a part, not as something to be conquered or controlled.
During the pandemic, I have reflected a great deal on what it means to be a person of faith in relationship to creation and as winter has turned into spring my allergies have reminded me of how easily creation can conquer us all and that, despite our best efforts, we cannot control the natural processes that unfold year after year, century after century. The realization that we are not the lords of creation but are in fact simply one small part of it can be a hard pill to swallow, especially when we cling to the idea that we can do whatever we want without regard for how our actions may affect the delicate balance that is necessary for sustaining life.
Humanity exists for several purposes. The first is for us to embody the love of God and be the primary tool through which God’s vision of the universe can be maintained. The problem is that we tend to think that creation is our playground and thus we abuse it. The second is to care for creation, which is a task that goes far beyond protecting endangered species and making sure that the air is clean. It means that we are obligated to care for all parts of creation, including other people. The third is to care for each other by using our desire for social interaction to support and protect one another.
Despite our existence being about love for God and all of creation, we make the choice to ignore that purpose when we extinguish entire species of plants and animals, we make the choice to pollute the oceans, we make the choice to focus on our own happiness, we make the choice to kill one another over ideas and imaginary lines in the sand. But despite all of this, there is hope for redemption, there is hope that through God the redeemer, we will change our ways and return to a life that focuses on both God and creation. Everything we need to return to God, everything we need to change our focus is provided by God, through the life and teachings of Jesus; but since we are likely to lose focus again and again, there is also God the Sanctifier who binds us to one another and guides us. The Holy Spirit sanctifies each of us as having a unique relationship and direct connection with God. It constantly urges us to tend to both creation and our relationship with God, but it does not force us to do anything because if we were not free to make the choice, then the relationship would have no meaning.
Much like we thrive on our relationship to God, we thrive on and desire social interaction with each other. We like to know that we are needed and appreciated, we like to know that we are loved. When we do not feel needed or appreciated, we sulk, we hide, we become angry, we become depressed, and it is only through social interaction that we are able to come out of our emotional funk.
To me, this points to the purpose of our existence, which is to be in relationship with God, one another and creation. When we separate ourselves, when we allow our self-interests, our egos, our desires to control our thoughts and our actions, we are denying our very reason for existing, we are forgetting our purpose and, ultimately, we are causing harm, if not permanent damage.
We are only one small part of a universe that stretches beyond our comprehension. Perhaps we need to step back, take a deep breath, and reflect on why we think we need to be in control.
The Rev. Jason Burns lives in Greenfield.
"creation" - Google News
June 12, 2021 at 03:53AM
https://ift.tt/3ghcvWi
Faith Matters: We are one small part of creation - The Recorder
"creation" - Google News
https://ift.tt/39MUE4f
https://ift.tt/3bZVhYX
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Faith Matters: We are one small part of creation - The Recorder"
Post a Comment