07-17-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 17, 2025
During the General Assembly, I heard a person use the word “must” and the words “have to” in regard to certain religious ideas and convictions. Words like MUST and HAVE TO are good words for engineers who are building our bridges or scientists who are developing a new vaccine. There are certain areas of our living when we need people to follow the rules and to build on what is proven. Cutting corners and choosing to build the house on sand without laying a well-tested foundation won’t end well. Going with gut feelings or a strange hunch will often be disastrous. But in our journey of faith, I am a bit uncomfortable when someone says you MUST do something or you HAVE TO act a specific way. Faith is rooted in an invitation, usually starting with the powerful and profound way someone is choosing to live their lives. So compelling, no matter how absurd it might appear, people begin paying attention and wanting to know more. The worst thing that can happen in that moment is for the person whose life witness is compelling to say, “You have to do it my way or straight to hell you will go.” Oh, I assure you! That is compelling, but not in the way Jesus allowed his love, compassion, and gracious hospitality to invite people into an experience that provided space for them to freely choose to explore what those gifts meant for them.

In your story of love, Holy God, is an amazing invitation that does not seek to manipulate or exploit with fear. Grace is grace, always pushing back against language that strips us of our freedom to choose. Thank you for that gift! Amen.