(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column titled “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal religious perspective in this space. For information on becoming part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
Galatians 6: 1 (from “The Message”): “If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You may be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.”
A Lakota child named Ohitika from the 10th grade wrote this:
“People are like a waterfall. Yeah, they fall. Everyone falls. But it is your choice to keep on running or to become a puddle.”
So, the Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians: If you see someone fall, restore that one. Keep your critical comments to yourself. You may be needing forgiveness yourself pretty soon.
Oh, we say, but I would NEVER – do “whatever” that person has done!
A little earlier in Galatians 5, Paul lists the things that pull people away from God… he lists sexual sins, but then goes on to talk about things each of us has been involved in at some time in our lives: enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, envy… and then the ones that may seem safer to SOME of us… drunkenness and carousing. Let us not become conceited. Instead, Paul says, having received God’s Holy Spirit, having been accepted and forgiven , we have a responsibility to be thankful and forgiving and working at restoration.
When we look at the list, Ohitika’s words echo – People are like a waterfall. Yeah, they fall. Everyone falls. But people of faith have help to get up and keep on running. They have each other and they have their God.
So, writes Paul, let us not grow weary in doing what is right.
Oh, but it’s hard sometimes, isn’t it? We do grow weary as human beings. We get tired, especially when it seems the same thorny decisions keep coming up again and again. Why not just give in and go along? It’s so much easier sometimes to not go against the crowd. And it doesn’t seem to make much difference, anyway. The Apostle Paul knew that from experience, and so he writes encouragement: Do not grow weary.
We all hear stories of people who have not grown weary, of those who choose to reach out and help someone in need. Listen to the stories of the people who helped at the Boston Marathon bombing, or at Orlando or at Istanbul. Look at the stories we hear of firefighters going into a building to save a life. Look at the police this year who have put themselves into danger to help someone. Look at the quiet servants who deliver meals, sit and visit, drive others to the hospital or doctor — the ones who continue unnoticed to do good to others every day. We call them heroes. God calls them faithful. And sometimes such people of faith who do not grow weary doing what is right, DO change things for the better.
Yeah, writes Ohitika, people fall.
But if these are people who get up and keep on running, who do not grow weary of doing what is right, who try every day to be Spirit-filled and Grace-filled — they become part of the river of living water that flows from God’s throne into our world.
There’s a lovely song to help each of us to not be weary; to become part of the waterfall that keeps running:
“The River Is Here”: (from The Vineyard church)
“The river of God sets our feet to dancing; the river of God fills our hearts with cheer; the river of God fills our mouths with laughter; and we rejoice for the river is here.”
The river is here. People of faith are the river of God to a thirsty world. And so, Paul encourages us: “Do not grow weary of doing what is right.” You may be the cool drink of water to nourish a needy heart and bring hope to a despairing mind.
God’s blessing to you.
The Halifax Union Society is a nondenominational church that holds summer evening services in Halifax, Vt., just north of Colrain. The Society’s inclusive, neighborly character and peaceful hilltop setting have attracted residents of nearby towns and summer visitors since 1891. Services start at 6 p.m. and will continue through Sept. 4. The Rev. Dr. Marcia Dorey serves as pastor. This year’s worship theme is The Feminine in the Bible, focusing on women’s relationships and contributions to biblical events. Merrillyn Courser plays the antique Carpenter reed organ. Hymns are chosen spontaneously by the congregation from a mix of traditional and revival tunes. At every service, members and friends bring nonperishables for donation to a local food pantry. The church is located at 44 Stowe Mountain Road in Halifax Center, two miles uphill from the school in West Halifax. For specific directions, write HalifaxUnionSociety@gmail.com or call (802) 368-2455.