Engage!

 

I wouldn’t call myself a “Trekkie.”  Never been to a convention.  I haven’t seen all the movies and I didn’t really care for any of the franchises beyond “Next Generation.”  I thought William Shatner in the first series was hilarious – always overacting – a virtual parody of himself.  The ensemble in “Next Generation” was quite good.  Casting Patrick Stewart with his commanding voice and presence as Captain Jean-Luc Picard was a stroke of genius.  I especially liked the way he gave orders.  After ensuring all the proper procedures were in place, he would firmly issue his command, “Engage!” 

We’ve been dealing with this pandemic now for over a year and a half.  It seems there are more hills to climb in our journey together.  Nevertheless, there is a sense, it seems to me, among most people that it is time to get on with living.  This isn’t a political piece or a personal statement on masking.  Those issues are for each individual to choose.  For me, the words of the New Testament are clear: “Everyone must obey the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1 NLT).  It doesn’t matter if you agree with the government or not.  Those words were written by the Apostle Paul who was executed by the very same governing authorities he urged his readers to obey. 

The kind of engagement I’m referring to is to get in gear with what God is doing all around us.  While we’ve been dealing with shut-downs, mask-ups, and political animosity, God hasn’t abandoned us.  I rather think that he is trying to get our attention.  Many of us have lost loved ones to the virus.  Along with the virus, mental illness is at pandemic levels, often spilling over into violence even in our own homes and city.  I’ve never witnessed the kind of political animosity that now exists in our country in my sixty-plus years.

“Where is God in all this?” the cynic asks.  May I suggest that it isn’t God that has left us but rather, we have moved away from him.  It’s time to return.  If you haven’t been back to worship and fellowship with your faith community, it’s time to return if you are able.  Virtual gatherings online are not the same as being in person.  If you don’t have a faith community, perhaps God is trying to tell you something through the social trauma that you’ve experienced in the last eighteen months.  If this season has taught us anything, it is that life is tenuous.  You want to anchor your hopes in something greater than yourself.

For those who have remained active in their faith, I want to encourage you to raise the level of your engagement.  In times of distress, people need the Lord.  There may be greater openness to you sharing your faith now than you may perceive.  Be bold and winsome in your words.  And add to your words, love and kindness that prove what you say is true.  Our world is broken in so many ways.  Our community needs people who will serve as conduits of God’s love and word in every facet of life.  God is at work getting people’s attention.  Are you listening?  Are you willing?  It’s time to engage!