Here is a word of grace for those of us committed to staying in the UMC and responding to continued attacks. At the end of Philippians chapter 1, Paul says:
“Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that … I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well—since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Immediately preceding this, Paul talked at length about his journey letting go of other preachers that were actively opposing him in such a way as to “increase his suffering” while in prison. Imagine other preachers literally preaching against him.
Immediately after these verses, he goes into the beautiful hymn on regarding others as better than ourselves, taking the mind of Christ, who in humility emptied himself and took the form of a servant.
May we, too, live our lives in a way that reflects the gospel. May we stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side in unity. May we know that when we meet opposition we are suffering for Christ, who prayed fervently for unity in his church. May we empty ourselves and be servants of God, knowing Christianity is a WAY to be lived, not just an institution to be protected or propagated.
Take heart, my friends. “All will be well and all manner of things shall be well.”
