Thinking of OUR Mission

This week the world is abuzz about a statement made by the new pope Francis the “Awesome” on Tuesday Nov 26 when he said: "I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures. … In her ongoing discernment, the Church can also come to see that certain customs not directly connected to the heart of the Gospel, even some which have deep historical roots, are no longer properly understood and appreciated. Some of these customs may be beautiful, but they no longer serve as means of communicating the Gospel. We should not be afraid to re-examine them. At the same time, the Church has rules or precepts which may have been quite effective in their time, but no longer have the same usefulness for directing and shaping people’s lives."

I was struck by how some fellow Adventists responded on different social forums. One commented “I wish I would be a catholic,” others commented on the “inversion of roles” and how this “vision for the Catholic Church is so relevant and applicable to the Adventist Church.” On some social forums comments were made that what was always labeled as “a beast,” is speaking more like a “lamb” than “dragon.” What is our priority? Are we obsessed about policies and procedures? Is there a fight for “kingly power” of leadership? Or are we on a Mission to this diverse world of diverse people and various needs?

"Everyone can share in some way in the life of the Church; everyone can be part of the community, nor should the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason. …I think about a conversion of the papacy. … I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.”

Well, he’s the pope, and we don’t trust him. Sure it takes courage to shake up the ancient church for change, but let’s see some action, let’s wait to see the richest institution in the world give its money up for serving the needs of people.

After all the final deception according to Revelation 16:13-15 will come out of the “mouth,” a religious speech which would deceive kings of the earth to unite.

We had been called to life of mission, service and caring for people needs all along, since the inception of our movement. Just consider these words from inspired writings of our pioneer, Ellen G.White: “A religion that leads men to place a low estimate upon human beings, whom Christ has esteemed of such value as to give Himself for them; a religion that would lead us to be careless of human needs, sufferings, or rights, is a spurious religion. In slighting the claims of the poor, the suffering, and the sinful, we are proving ourselves traitors to Christ. It is because men take upon themselves the name of Christ, while in life they deny His character, that Christianity has so little power in the world.” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p.136)

What is your top priority and passion these days? Is it serving and caring for people in need? Do you need to wait for world political powers to tell you to become charitable to others?

Mere Christianity is based on teaching of Jesus to love and serve others denying yourself, for Christ sake!