Persistence
Psalm 102 • Psalm 107:1-32
Mal. 3:1-12 • James 5:7-12 • Luke 18:1-8
In the moments after the election, times are tense. My social media feed is filled with pastel infographics that say if I don’t agree with the ideas presented I’m fundamentally evil or worse yet if I agree with the ideas but voted differently from the creator, I’m fundamentally flawed and we shouldn’t be friends. Let’s not argue about who’s right and who’s wrong, but assume that there is only one correct answer as many people claim. Nothing is accomplished by focusing every ounce of one's energy telling the opposition they are evil. When people’s views are challenged in this way, they do one of two things: fervently hold onto their perceived views whether they describe their true views or not or fade into the shadows afraid to speak their minds. In both cases people remain divided and ideas remain accusations instead of action.
In the Parable of the Persistent Widow, the widow finally received her justice because of her persistence, not because she proved the judge was unrighteous. God has given us all different passions and skills and calls us to pursue those persistently. Politics are divided by a difference in process, not a difference in goals. If we focus on working to achieve these goals instead of tearing down the unrighteous in our eyes, God will deliver justice. Can you imagine how much better the world would be if everyone picked one issue they were passionate about and worked tirelessly towards it instead of posting Facebook rants defending their own righteousness? God doesn’t call us to deliver justice, but to pursue it. If we begin to act in persistence, He will deliver justice. I realize that many of you may not agree with my ideas in this reflection, but I encourage you to read this story and use it as inspiration to create change instead of division and a call to rethink your role in the process of delivering justice. Don’t get lost focusing on the unrighteous judge and miss the opportunity to cry out to God for justice.
Written by Hadley Thomas
Hadley is currently a biochemistry student at Colorado School of Mines and hopes to attend medical school to become a Navy physician. She is passionate about her faith and is excited to share her perspective and interpretations with the amazing congregation of Saint Paul’s.