Remembering Who and Whose We Are

The week of 9/11 was one we would like to forget. A week filled with death, anxiety, fear, questions, and prayer. It was also a time to remember who and whose we are. The news media and society reminded us that we are Americans ... but we are more than Americans.

We are God's people ... those who have put our faith in a God who creates and sustains us. We are a people who declare with the Psalmist: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake ..." (Psalm 46:1-2) We are a people who can say with the Psalmist: "The LORD is my shepherd ... even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff -- they comfort me." (Psalm 23)

We are followers of Jesus ... those who are called Christians because we have chosen to be like Christ. We have chosen another way of living, following the teachings of Jesus, who said: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy,' but I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." (Matthew 5:43-44)

We are members of Christ's church ... and among those who have not suffered the persecution many of our ancestors in the faith and other brothers and sisters in other lands have suffered; and yet in these days we can identify with the words of the Apostle Paul to the early church in Rome: "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us ... I am convinced that nothing ... in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:18, 37-39)

We are Christians who have chosen Another Way of Living ... called to: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them ... Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all ... Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

We live in the peace tradition of the Church of the Brethren ... and maintain our belief that all war is sin. We urge the use of nonviolent approaches and interventions by our national leaders, praying that the God of peace will inspire, strengthen, and guide our leaders.

We are the church today ... Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully, simply, together.

Herman

Herman Kauffman serves as District Pastor for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren. Prior to assuming this position in November 1994, he served 20+ years as a pastor in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He has been married for over 20 years and is the father of two children.