Conference Minister's Corner 11.4.26

Conference Ministers Corner

Rev. Linda Hirst, Acting Associate Conference Minister

Anyone remember Godspell and the great song “Light of the World”? The lyrics (from the gospel of Matthew) tell us that “you are the light of the world” and “you are the salt of the earth” according to Jesus.  We were reminded (exhorted?) of these things at Annual Meeting this past weekend by our keynote speaker as well. Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, speaking of the many good and amazing ways we are the church today, was also honest about our struggles. Yes, the church struggles. Sometimes we quarrel, she said (imagine that!) Sometimes we fight. All while doing our best to be salt and light to the world. 

It’s almost as if there are times, we are TOO salty (ever eaten anything that’s too salty? Yuck.) Sometimes there is too much light. Like the time our youth group slept on the gym floor while on a mission trip and the gym lights wouldn’t go out. We hardly slept and were cranky the entire week. That was too much light. 

We make mistakes, quarrel, stop talking to each other, step away from church all in God’s name. We can be too much salt and light. But that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. After the mistakes and quarrels and stepping away, we can offer and ask forgiveness, work towards reconciliation and a readiness to come back together and move forward inlove and service to God. I’ve seen it happen. I bet you have, too. All part of being salt and light to the world and to one another. A gift, a path, a hope as we follow Jesus.

Linda Hirst