One of my goals for 2023 has been to do more personal reading. In doing this, I thought it would be enjoyable to read through and digest Quaker “Faith and Practice.” Early in my reading, I stumbled across a list of questions intended to stimulate our thinking and hearts as we live out our Christian faith in the daily grind of life. Historically, early Friends called these questions “Queries.” They were commonly used during unprogrammed (silent meetings) to help turn hearts and minds toward God’s thoughts for worship. These questions are an excellent way for us to consider our faith journey. I plan to address these questions (queries) one at a time in our 2023 newsletters. I pray that you meditate sincerely on these questions in a way that brings closeness and confidence to your Christian walk.
Here is the question for March. “Do you seek to maintain a Christain life and to be watchful that worldly affairs do not unduly absorb you?”
We live in a world that depends on our absorption of worldly affairs. Everything around us begs to pull us into the world and away from Christ. Every product sold and every newsreel we see is positioned to move our minds toward worldly affairs. With each mouse click on email ads and social media, we see the things of this world pulling us in like a magnet.
Practically speaking, it is up to us to put our minds and hearts in a place where we can hear God’s voice. I encourage you to turn down the noise. Take in the day's news in a way that lets you be informed but not absorbed. Limit your time on electronic media. Use social media to encourage others. Seek out actual people to have as friends. Guard your time each day in a way that prioritizes your relationship with Christ. When we decide to have a relationship with Christ, we are given God’s Holy Spirit. Let’s get quiet and listen to Him and allow the affairs of this world to “grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
Eric Bowman
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.