I walked through uptown Waterloo a couple of weeks ago where a downsized celebration of Winterloo featured a few ice sculptures. I admired the skill of the artists who uncovered a wolf, an owl and a tiger in blocks of ice. A whimsical and colourful gnome fort stood at a nearby intersection and skaters of all ages enjoyed the city-run rink. February has been cold, snowy and icy, great for the winter enthusiasts but confining for others who have mobility issues.
On another cold morning, I walked along the river and admired the natural beauty of hoar frost on tree branches, shrubs and feathery grass fronds. The frost disappeared as the sun rose, just as dew disappears in the spring and fall. I am not a good tracker but tried to identify the patterns in the snow made by nocturnal visitors. A mouse, a deer, a rabbit, and wild turkeys left their marks in artistic arrangements.
We all leave our mark and it can be a thing of beauty or a thing of destruction. Yesterday I planned to walk to the grocery store which is a short kilometre from our home. My daughter left the house before I did and called, warning me not to walk outside due to very icy and treacherous sidewalks. I have had a couple of serious falls on ice in the past and took her warning seriously. Ice can also be a thing of beauty or a thing of destruction. The current Winter Olympics feature athletes who challenge the dangers of ice and snow, performing their sports at the outer limits of physical human ability. Years of training culminate in their efforts to win a medal for their country.
Our nation is on a slippery slope right now, which if not navigated skillfully will lead to anarchy and further division of our society. I have experienced anxiety at times while watching the news which is similar to the anxiety I have when walking on ice. The weakness of our leaders, the apparent complicity of the police, the disregard for the law and disrespect for fellow citizens are alarming. The cracks in the foundation of our society are not new, but they are wide open and ugly right now.
I also grieve the way the gospel, the message of Jesus and the example of his life and been corrupted and used to support hatred, obscenity, and racism. The cross is not a symbol of protest but a symbol of sacrifice and humble submission. Many evangelical churches promote messages of personal health and prosperity along with Christian nationalism and supremacy. These groups focus their energy on a Sunday morning "show" that endeavours to draw paying "seeker-sensitive" consumers to their brand. Personal rights are valued more than caring for others, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. This is not the way of Christ.
I hope and pray that leaders of our nation will demonstrate "Olympian" strength to step up to set us on the right path before it is too late.
And to those who follow the way of Christ, these verses from 1 Peter 2:12-17 offer good advice. To add context, the epistle was written to believers who were suffering severe religious persecution, something that is not happening in Canada. There have been times in history when submitting to authority was contrary to conscience and moral law, but these words offer wise counsel in our current situation.Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world.
For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honour those who do right.
It is God’s will that your honourable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.
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