When I was a college student I considered going into education. So I took a class from a very well respected teacher, Rhonda Beaman, on educational theory. She was a great instructor and truly masterful in her art and skill of teaching teachers. One unit was on, “Adversity.” Her husband who was a psychologist presented a theory connecting a person’s ability to succeed in life with their ability to deal with adversity. He called it an “Adversity Quotient.” We took tests that demonstrated how adept we were at dealing with adversity and then were encouraged to take steps to improve our ability to manage adversity. This was essential work for teachers, it was argued, and for all human beings. Adversity is a problem in life that requires your attention and consideration. But what causes adversity?
Adversity
According to the book of Deuteronomy, “death and adversity” are a consequence from turning away from God:
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
Deuteronomy 30:15-18
Keep in mind that these words were shared at the end of 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. These are part of the final words Moses the great prophet and law-giver would share before he would die. These are words of promise and warning to a people freed from slavery and tyranny about to be given a land to call their own.
This historical situation of entering into a promised land as a new people is quite similar to the role that George Washington played at the founding of the United States. Laws, a constitution, and the federal government had to be formed to give us, American people, a structure and framework to live in. We had won freedom and a priceless opportunity to steer our own destiny. There was and still is a choice given to God’s people throughout history. If you are faithful to God you choose prosperity, and if your heart turns away from God, then you choose adversity.
What if the adversity in the world today is a result of not being faithful to God? Some people try to blame others for their problems. They single out individuals or groups and blame them for the adversity in the world. Depending on whom you ask all of our problems are because of: liberals, conservatives, immigrants, the rich, the poor, the homeless, executives, politicians, men, women, etc. Paul called this being spiritually immature and living according to the flesh. According to the Bible, when you experience adversity don’t try to blame someone else, but take a look in the mirror and ask if your own heart hasn’t turned away from God?
Jesus’ Wants a Relationship with You
Even when your heart turns away from God, God doesn’t turn God’s heart away from you. God will always be faithful to you, and call you back into a relationship. Consider the words of Jesus from Matthew chapter six:
“I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment…be reconciled to your brother or sister…come to terms quickly with your accuser… If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away…And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away… Do not swear at all.”
Matthew 6:21-37
On the surface this appears to be a harsh teaching. But consider how important keeping good relationships was to Jesus. He is saying that he will not allow anything to shade his relationship with you. God’s connection to you is absolutely pure and un-defiled, nothing will be allowed to cloud it. Jesus even endured the cross in order to show how much he loves us in spite of our sin.
Relationships Help You Endure Adversity
The good news about relationships is that they help you endure adversity. This has been proven time and time again. A person who has a support network is that much more likely to overcome adversity and obstacles in life. That is one of the primary purposes of the church. We gather together, and spend time in fellowship so that we may support and help each other when times are difficult. We are able to do this because God first chooses to have a relationship with us.
Baptism is a foundational moment in your life when God makes a relationship with you. During this sermon series we have explored the essential steps in the liturgy of baptism:
- Present yourself like the Magi
- Profess your faith like Peter
- Thank God like Andrew
- Baptize like Chloe
- Pray like Balaam
- Mark with cross like Lincoln
- Give like Washington
- Welcome like (to be announced)
Give to Build a Relationship
One way you can build your relationship with God and other people is through gifts. Giving simple gifts to someone helps to strengthen a relationship. During a Baptism the newly baptized is given a variety of gifts: a candle, a handkerchief, a certificate, a quilt, a savings account, a faith chest, a cake, and the most important being the Holy Spirit.
You can build a relationship with God by giving to God. Give God your time, your talent, and your treasure. Give to neighbors, friends, and acquaintances simple gifts. It could be a card, or even just your time.
George Washington suffered internally and anguished for how he owned slaves. By the end of his life he decided that they would all be emancipated. He was troubled the most by how families were separated and the trauma this created for children and parents. By giving the gift of freedom and turning his heart more fully to God, Washington strengthened his resilience toward adversity and that of the country.
What gifts has God given you to share?
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