By the Way: To do God’s work is to do simple things that can change the world
By Kristy Reimers-Loader on July 13, 2019.
I was talking to a friend recently about her work in addictions. My knowledge of the subject is limited to the time I’ve spent with addicts in homeless shelters, day programs, and hospitals, and their stories. I imagine how people have suffered events in their lives – trauma, mental illness, loss, injury, abuse – and how, seeking to numb their pain and escape their suffering, they discovered substances and behaviours which served the purpose. I asked my friend, what people who struggle with addiction in Medicine Hat would like to hear from the Christian community. The underlying question in my heart was, of course: What is most likely to give hope? The answer: People suffering with addiction living in our area would like to hear that the Christian community hasn’t forgotten that they are human beings dealing with difficult issues, and when they need help, they want to know that their basic human dignity will be respected. At that point, even though my friend has never made an overt statement of her faith, I told her that she is doing God’s work. She demurred, but it’s nonetheless true. As I reflect on this conversation, I’m reminded of the ethical standards set forth for us throughout the Bible, especially in the Gospels, and how we might fulfill them today. They include feeding the hungry, and giving water to those who thirst, trusting that God will provide enough for all. Welcoming the stranger and not oppressing those whose origins and ways of life are different, even foreign to us. Giving clothing and shelter to those who have little (or nothing) to defend them against the cold. Visiting the prisoner, remembering the times we’ve felt trapped and imprisoned. Responding thoughtfully and carefully when violence is visited upon us. Caring for those who are sick in body, mind, and spirit. Heeding the cry of the vulnerable, lest our nation suffer the same consequences as other great nations who’ve sacrificed the good to pursue their own idea of greatness. These are simple things, but so difficult for us to do, individually and collectively. However, such simple things have changed the world. Such things can save lives. This is God’s work, friends; to be kind, with no thought to the benefit we might gain from it, but trusting always in a heavenly reward. Kristy Reimers-Loader is chaplain, Medicine Hat Ecumenical Campus Ministry, Medicine Hat College and president, Medicine Hat Ministerial Association. 7-6
