Reading 1 Peter 3:13-16
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should. Conduct yourselves wisely towards outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.
Reflection
Which subjects are you most comfortable speaking about? Your sports team, politics, family, or TV, current affairs or your specialist subject which you may suspect might bore other people? Maybe you find it easy to talk about faith? Most of us don’t. There is a middle ground when we get the opportunity to talk about church, its activities or festivals. These can be great conversations, but I find that sometimes they get stuck and don’t always go deeper.
I was so pleased to hear about the focus our URC Mersey Synod is giving to ‘Talking Faith’ and encouraging people to verbally express the difference faith makes to our lives and to those around us (https://www.urcmerseysynod.org.uk/talking-faith)
Sometimes we can’t say it all, get it all correct, or answer every question but it can be enough to signpost or provoke curiosity. Let me, share a piece that I recently wrote inspired by the mystery, curiosity, and journey involved in a life of following Jesus:
In John 10 verse 9 Jesus said ‘I am the door’
Maybe the old ones are the best, let’s see..
When is a door not a door?
They used to say, probably though people not today
When is a door not a door?
When it’s ajar,
Brackets pause here for childish chuckle or grown-up groan.
Is it open wide to see inside like the red sea divide?
Or the wood firmly in the hole as in the hallowed Holman Hunt?
but….. and it’s a big buttery bang of a but …
Less could be more in this open shut story
Cos cracks cause constant curiosity
Sounds like Toyah’s it’s a mystery
Sneak a peak, prod and creak – gap grows greater
Not all at once but like an incubator
In this drama the opening act is the act of opening, the act of beholding, belonging and beyonding
So consider this after words have been spoken
Is a door a door if it’s already open?
(https://vimeo.com/827367709)
Prayer
God in whom we encounter the Living Word,
I know you are present in my conversations,
in the seemingly important and the trivial.
Help me to be curious about you,
other people and the world
and to express that in simple words
that germinate in the lives of people around me.
Help me to listen as well as speak
and may your good news
flavour who I am and what I say.
Amen