Discerning and acting

As we develop each issue of Interpreter, we have a "creative conference" with our designers to discuss how to illustrate the cover theme. We usually share a few of our own thoughts on the topic.

In May we discussed how people respond when allegiance to God and to country conflict. Afterward Sara, our project manager, e-mailed, "I'm definitely excited about the theme for this issue. I think that's certainly a question that every Christian wrestles with at some point."

I would add, "If I don't have to wrestle with it occasionally, I need to look more critically at civil (and sometimes church) laws and policies in light of my understanding of God's law and Christian teaching." If the differences are irreconcilable, I pray I will act in accordance with God's law of love, lived out in justice and mercy, regardless of risks or consequences.

This is not about breaching the separation of church and state (see an excerpt from the Social Principles on page 10). It is one of many ways, as individual United Methodist Christians, we contribute to the church's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It is about action after Spirit-guided discernment (in community, preferably) based on my understanding of Scripture read through the lenses of tradition, experience and reason.

I am blessed (word chosen intentionally) to be a citizen of the United States of America. While there could be serious consequences for actions I might take, the risk to my life or the lives of those I love is extremely low. That has not always been true and it is not true now for all who live here; it is not true for Christians in many parts of the world. When the risks of acting are low or moderate, the need to act may not seem as pressing. Even though it is not a life-and-death matter for me, I need to act on behalf of and in the stead of those for whom it is.

This Friday I will report for jury duty orientation. For some Christians, to serve on a jury violates God's law. It does not for me. However, it is possible that at some point someone will ask me to make a decision supported by U.S. or Tennessee law that I see as contrary to God's law. Pray for me that, should the situation arise, my loyalty will be to the kingdom of God. And pray that I will seek daily to identify those conflicts and to live faithfully.

Courage!

Kathy Noble