The upcoming special session of General Conference has stirred a great deal of anxiety and fear within the ranks of United Methodists. Perhaps the most common fear is that The UMC as we know it will divide or splinter. Many are anxious about how the action of the special session will impact their local congregation. Clergy are anxious about the impact of the upcoming decision on their careers. People on both sides of the LGBTQ issue fear General Conference will embrace a position that is different from what they believe.
Each of these anxieties, and others like them, are fueled by the unknown. We simply do not know what decisions the delegates to this special session will make. Until we know those decisions, we cannot know their impact. Facing the unknown stirs feelings of powerlessness and, thereby, anxiety.
Anxiety is an expression of fear in response to a faceless threat. Because the threat is faceless, i.e., unknown, we do not know what to do to protect ourselves from it. The result is this inescapable sense of inner dis-ease accompanied by a panicky feeling of wanting to "do something ... anything" that will make the internal dis-ease go away.
We humans are not at our best when we live under the power of anxiety and fear. We react rather than respond. We act unconsciously, without thinking. The thinking portion of our brains is literally "off line" when we are anxious and afraid. As a result, we replay old patterns of behavior that are unique to each of us. Quite often, those old patterns involve some form of anger because anger gives us a feeling of power that soothes the feelings of being powerless.
The Bible has a lot to say about fear ... or, rather, about not being afraid. The psalmist wrote "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. There we will not fear" (Psalm 46:1-2a, NRSV). Jesus promised his peace along with the exhortation to not be afraid: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (John 14:27). The Apostle Paul also promised the peace of God, exhorting the disciples at Philippi, "Do not worry (be anxious) about anything" (Philippians 4:6).
Both Jesus and Paul used language that communicated the idea "you are afraid; stop it." Their words could be accurately translated as "do not continue to be afraid." Fear and anxiety are a normal part of our human experience. They are reactions that happen unconsciously in the face of a perceived threat. But they are also emotional reactions that can be managed and controlled. Jesus and Paul call us to recognize and manage our anxiety and fear. Rather than allow anxiety and fear to continue to influence how we think and what we do, we intentionally do those things that manage them and their power. Paul urged the Philippians to pray with thanksgiving instead of worrying, promising the peace of God.
Both Jesus and Paul spoke of peace. The peace of which they spoke displaces fear and anxiety. Paul identified this peace as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:21-22). The peace of Christ allows us to think clearly and consciously respond (as opposed to unconsciously reacting) in line with the teachings of Jesus and the ways of the Kingdom. The peace of God, not our human fear, are to guide how we as the followers of Jesus think and what we do.
How do we deal with the unknown that lies before us? How do we deal with feelings of powerlessness as others make decisions that will impact us? How do we deal with the anxiety that fills our hearts and minds regarding A Way Forward? The psalmist offers us guidance that reflects the teachings of Jesus and Paul: "we will not fear!" We will not live in fear, with fear, out of fear. Trusting the faithful love of God, we will rest in God's peace.
The peace of Christ be with you as we live in the face of the unknown.
Good comments. Certainly something Johnny & I have been working on. Thus our motto, “Faith Over Fear” through this journey we are on.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere we turn, we are told to not worry and/or be anxious. Our faith lies in God and his plan. When we allow God to be in control and work his plan, there will be peace & love for all. Too simple? Let God be God...when he calls on us for help, the answer is Here I Am, Lord🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteMy Methodist roots go back about as far as the history of the Methodist Church in America, you could say I "grew up in the Methodist Church". Over the past several years, it seems the church has abandoned the believers, being more concerned with preserving the institution that with helping the members as they "work out their salvation". In order to continue my own spiritual journey, and with a profound sense of grief, I left the United Methodist Church. I sorely miss seeing many dear friends as often, but I am finally freed to pursue a life in Christ. My heart aches for my Methodist brothers and sisters as you go through this trying time.
ReplyDeleteOne of the hardest things asked of us is not to be afraid. Fear is such a common human condition. But we can practice - every day - and get better at this. It calms our spirits and allows us not to be so reactionary. It helps us to be closer to Christ. Thanks for sharing this, Steve.
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