Growth and Grace

Denny Edwards, Social Worker (New Hope Church)

“I don’t believe in God”. When asked, this is the standard answer for most Australians, and it was the same answer for a friend of mine, last week. Her reasoning was based on her belief that churches in general lack the emotional capacity to relate to the current needs of today’s society. This is obviously a challenging task and churches, I imagine, attempt to achieve that in various ways … with and without God.

Going back to my friend’s comment, the rejection of God by those that have been hurt is usually worn by the church. How sad is this, because in general the gathering of God’s people and resources continue to change many circumstances and lives throughout the world.

Maybe an alternative view is this, when Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” and Jesus replied, “Blessed are you Simon for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but my father in Heaven.” A heavenly revelation, a spiritual partnership that moves far beyond church attendance, paying tithe and a person’s spirituality being measured by volunteer commitment.

My friend’s thought I believe is somewhat misdirected. If God wants the best for someone and if it does not happen through God’s representative (2 Corinthians 5:20) maybe there’s a need for growth and grace on both sides; revealed through Our Father in heaven.