In the world, but not of it (Karen Block)

‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will’.

Romans 12. 2 (NIV)

What does it mean for us as Christians to be, ‘in the world but not of this world’? How can we possibly find hope as we learn to live with a global pandemic that has revealed inequalities that put black, Asian, poorer people and vulnerable families at greater risk of Covid-19 and its wider impact on our lives and wellbeing?

We can understandably have a ‘righteous anger’ that abhors racism and other evils but we are called to move from that to live in the spirit – to understand, forgive and seek reconciliation. Fighting, protesting and dying for justice have always been part of equality movements. Jesus crucified on the cross shows us how costly redemption and reconciliation can be.

As a black, British woman, I am convicted by Jesus’ example of a radical, transforming love but I struggle as a Christian, knowing how much I fall short as a mere mortal trying to make sense of our world. It’s been particularly painful over the past few months for me and many black friends and family to be confronted with society’s new understanding of racism. It is the heartfelt words of one of my beloved daughters’ personal response to Black Lives Matter that form tomorrow’s blog. During moments of personal despair and sense of hopelessness, her words remind me that as Christians, we should expect hardship and struggle but we don’t do life in our own strength or without the support, prayer and encouragement of others.

A prayer: Father, help our unbelief. Remind us of your compassion and mercy in our own lives and the lives of others as we seek forgiveness and try to understand your will in our broken world. Amen

Karen Block