By Dave Brock of Redmond, Oregon USA

…we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.

“It takes 10,000 errors to learn a new language, so let’s get started!” With those words from our daughter’s Spanish teacher, the academic year began. Similarly, I believe learning to speak the language and lifestyle of wisdom must require at least that many mistakes. Franciscan Priest Richard Rohr writes, “We grow spiritually much more by doing it wrong than by doing it right” (Falling Down and Moving Up, February 19, 2024).

Now in my eighth decade, I have grown in wisdom and stature—by grace, by gift, by skill, by the unceasing prayers of others. But my increase in the knowledge of God most often has emerged through falling then struggling to get back up, often with the help of others.

I remember with chagrin my first sermons (ok, my first 50 sermons!), the first Temple School course I taught, unsuccessful endeavors to facilitate congregational conflicts, the first halting evangelist blessing I offered. Oh my!

I believe the principle also applies to Community of Christ. A few years ago, some twenty World Church leaders were in a discernment retreat at the Temple. We were asked to write, then share, what we felt were the most significant moments in our denomination’s history. There were many highlight moments to celebrate. As the discernment practice ended, however, we were amazed that our times of “increasing in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52) were often born from periods of struggle.

Falling preceded getting up. Being last became the way to a first-time place—a new place. We migrated from the years of clear answers and right belief to the age of living with the questions. From the age of denominational rivalry to the era of ecumenical and interfaith interdependence. From a focus on individual salvation to proclaiming the sacredness of all creation.

From whence has your wisdom come? When has Community of Christ done it wrong to be able to do it right? How has your congregation grown in stature throughout its history?

Prayer Phrase

“Do not be afraid, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10).

Voices of God

What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom; God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the “voice” of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many “voices” of God?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.