Truth-seeking, social action and standing firm in challenging times (2 Thessalonians 2.1-5,13-17).
Context
The starting gun is fired on the race to the UK general election. Is it all about Brexit, or is the north-south divide the real election issue?
Young people are changing the world, whether through sharing their stories on fun social media, or in care-leavers podcasts that aim to inspire others, or as one of the 4 in 10 young people who take part in social action #iwill.
Climate change remains high on the agenda as indigenous leaders from South America seek European support to protect the rainforest,
Greta Thunberg looks for an environmentally-friendly way to re-cross the Atlantic, and more than 11,000 scientists publish a report on the dangers of climate change and what we need to do.
Reflection
It’s election campaign time! Perhaps Paul’s message to ignore false prophets (v.3) and stand firm (v.15) for the truth is a timely one? What are the truths that matter, the big issues (beyond party politics) that guide our voting? How do we decide? In the Gospel reading, Jesus gives us a clue – God is concerned with the living (v.38). If we think about the people and places we care about, what really matters in their lives today, that we want our government to priorities?
How as Christians, do we enter that conversation? Its not about party politics, but how our faith undergirds our values and beliefs. Paul urges us to be people of truth (v.13). When we listen to the party manifestos and the persuasive rhetoric, how do we check the fundamental truth? When we discuss election issues with friends and colleagues, what are the truths and values we want to offer?
The truths that matter to us will guide our concerns. Perhaps care for the earth is our passion, in which case climate change will be high on our agenda. If compassion and healing touch our hearts most, it may be austerity or the NHS. If stewardship of resources, or peace and justice is our thing, Brexit or international affairs may be the key.
Paul goes on to say, don’t just sit around waiting for God to do it all, get on with the job (2Thess. 3)! The message for us, as Christians and citizens, is that it’s not just up to the politicians to change things. From care leavers to climate strikers, from vloggers to volunteers, young people often lead the way in showing us how to get on with embodying the truth by doing what matters. Can we say #iwill too? What are the stories we need to share, that shine a light on God’s truth? What are the actions we need to take, to support where the young people lead and make a difference?
The solutions to problems like climate change are complex and challenging. The scientists’ report says bamboo toothbrushes are not enough – we need to eat more plant-based food and become carbon neutral. As Greta is discovering, that isn’t so easy – the weather at this time of year means there aren’t any yachts returning East she can hitch a ride on. How can we stand firm to our principles and make the changes that really matter?
Standing firm is also an encouraging message. It’s easy to feel discouraged, depressed, overwhelmed and end up doing nothing or giving up in despair. This is a time to remind ourselves that we have God’s eternal comfort and good hope (v.16), and to encourage one another to stand firm and carry on.
Prayer
This prayer and response could be used as intercessions or in small groups.
God of comfort and hope,
when the troubles of the world alarm and overwhelm us:
help us to hold fast and stand firm.
When we’re confused and don’t know who to believe:
help us to hold fast and stand firm.
When we struggle to see the truth:
help us to hold fast and stand firm.
When we despair over the damage to your earth:
help us to hold fast and stand firm.
When we weep with the starving and the dying:
help us to hold fast and stand firm.
When the comfort of your love seems far away:
help us to hold fast and stand firm.
God of love, comfort our hearts and strengthen us in every good work and word.
Help us stand firm and hold fast to your love.
Amen.
Questions
- What are the things that alarm and shake us at the moment, and where can we find reassurance?
- What key truths lie at the heart of our values and faith? How do they guide us to make big decisions, like how to vote?
- What are the issues that matter most to us at the moment? Where do we need to stand firm?
All-age activity
#iwillstandfirm
Get everyone into buzz groups, discussing what is the one issue that matters most to them at this time, that they will resolutely support. Support each other to commit to one thing they can do about it. It may help to give an example of your own e.g. #iwillstandfirm for climate change – e.g. by only eating meet one day per week. Give everyone a sheet of card or paper to write their #iwillstandfirm message on. Invite volunteers to stand up and show/read out their statements. If you have a website/social media account, maybe you can photo/write and share?
Young people
Have a discussion about any social action members of the group have taken, how it went and how it felt to make a difference? Who are the young activists the group admire and follow? Has anyone felt bullied or scared because of standing up for something they believed in? How can we support and encourage each other?
Write some message of encouragement for each other, to help everyone to stand firm when things are tough. Perhaps the group can make a short video with the messages, and share via phone or social media? (See the BBC piece on Tik-tok and the #iwill website links above for ideas).
Jane Chevous is a writer, educator and activist who lives on a sailing yacht and tries to stand firm for truth and justice. Share her writing at www.barefoot-tales.uk and activism at www.reshapers.org
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