God's world is one world

Many of us are motivated to do good in the world. For multiple, various reasons we feel called to act nice, be charitable, show compassion, etc. But what does it mean for United Methodists to engage in ministry and be in the world? What motivates us to commit to something so out-of-this-country that we would travel to Africa, Asia, or Europe? How do we separate ourselves as Christians who engage in mission work? And, more specifically, why do we at CCUMC want to do this?

God’s world is one world. The unity now being thrust upon us by technological revolution has far outrun our moral and spiritual capacity to achieve a stable world. The enforced unity of humanity, increasingly evident on all levels of life, presents the Church as well as all people with problems that will not wait for answer: injustice, war, exploitation, privilege, population, international ecological crisis, proliferation of arsenals of nuclear weapons, development of transnational business organizations that operate beyond the effective control of any governmental structure, and the increase of tyranny in all its forms. This generation must find viable answers to these and related questions if humanity is to continue on this earth. We commit ourselves as a Church to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another. We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world community.

If you are unfamiliar with this language, visit the webpage on the United Methodist website that talks about Church and Society. On this page, you will find the statements that explain in no uncertain terms what it means for us to be United Methodists living in tension between tradition and change, between the old and the new. These are our UM "convictions about the fundamental relationships between God, God's creation and humanity." As we read these creeds, let us remind ourselves why we take this trip. Here are some excerpts:

• We affirm that we're responsible for the way we use the Lord's creation.
• We affirm the family and work to strengthen its relationships.
• We affirm all persons as equally valuable in God's sight.
• All economic systems are under the judgment of God.
• God's world is one world. We hold nations accountable for unjust treatment of their citizens. We affirm the right of people in developing nations to shape their own destiny; and we applaud efforts to establish a more just international economic order. We believe war is incompatible with the teachings of Christ, and we claim that it is the primary moral duty of every nation to resolve disputes peacefully.
• We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of creation. We believe in the Holy Spirit, through whom we acknowledge God’s gifts, and we repent of our sin in misusing these gifts to idolatrous ends.

Each of these principles or creeds is elaborated upon in the United Methodist Member's Handbook, and the webpage will lead you into further exploration of these tenets.

Regardless of where our faith communities are located, and regardless of what mission work we engage in (hopefully not just one!), we must ascertain how rightly are we motivated. More important that reading any book, though, is the searching of our own hearts. Let us remember that this is not a one-time mission trip, but a life-long transformation for the entire congregation and faith community. How do you experience this transformative experience?