What is our role in uncertain times?

By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

We have enjoyed a long-standing, mutually satisfying, and collegial relationship with our friends to the south—until this year. In my lifetime, I cannot recall such a turbulent time, when personal and corporate strategies have to change daily in response to rapid-fire directional changes from beyond our borders. It begs the question: how does that change our role as disciples of Christ?

​Study of first-century life reveals that Jesus lived in a time of political unrest and occupation. Yet this did not stop him from the mission of building the peaceable kin-dom. He travelled into Samaria and brought the message to people deemed unworthy by society. He associated with the untouchables (Mark 14:3), called labourers to his inner group (Mark 1:16–17), spoke with women in public (John 4:9), acknowledged the faith of the oppressor, a Centurion (Matthew 8:11), and wept over the city of peace—Jerusalem—that would not receive him (Luke 19:41).

We say we proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. That doesn’t change when our context changes. We live this call 24/7—or at least we should. We are called to be Jesus’ disciples, covenanting with God to be in loving relationship with one another and emissaries of peace and justice in times of turmoil as well as times of stability. We must ask ourselves, “Am I living the Enduring Principles with integrity?”

In the midst of conflict, we may feel anger at the way things are. So we must strive for the courage to see that they do not need to remain the way they are. Whether it is the politics of our own election or that of other countries, rather than engaging in conflict, we must ask ourselves: “How do I strive to understand why this is important to them?” How can I be faithful to my calling as a disciple of Jesus? How do I personify the Worth of All Persons, Unity in Diversity, Sacredness of Creation, and Blessings of Community? How can I practice Responsible Choices and pursue Peace and Justice for all humanity? How do I discern God’s will for the future—and what is my part in that?

We are told:
“The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith… Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b–3a

God encourages us to be grateful for all creation. God summons us to engage in spiritual practices that open our hearts and minds to the will of God. God invites us to be aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit that works in and through us in all our relationships.

As we move toward the agony of the cross and the joy of the resurrection, let us be mindful of the tribulations that Christ bore for us. And let us honour that sacrifice with faithful prayers of thanksgiving, trusting in a God who is in control in the midst of our uncertainties. 

May the prayer of St. Patrick summon you to a faithful response that is true to your call of discipleship and the Enduring Principles that direct our daily decisions.
Christ be beside me, Christ be before me
Christ be behind me, King of my heart.  
Christ be within me, Christ be below me, 
Christ be above me, never to part