A dangerous movement lurks in the world today. Though ancient in origin, it has infiltrated the Church and society at large. If the cause of Christ cannot be stopped by open opposition, it can be hindered by pushing God to a distant place, far from our everyday lives.
G.K. Chesterton saw it coming. This is how he put it:
By insisting specially on the immanence of God, we get introspection, self-isolation, quietism, social indifference—Tibet.
By insisting specially on the transcendence of God we get wonder, curiosity, moral and political adventure, righteous indignation—Christendom.
G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy
By separating God from man through practices like Christian yoga and meditation, we lose the sense of the active God, transcendent in his creation and who empowers his followers to do good to his glory. This relational God, who works through the harmony of the Trinity, calls us to do the same.
Paul wrote to believers in Ephesus:
There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV
This is the essence of Christianity. We, who are different, find unity and harmony in Christ. We don’t separate from one another in isolation but come together in relationship. If the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic showed us anything, it would be that believers cannot remain in isolation.
A quarantined faith which does not take risks for the gospel proves no faith at all.
The God we serve is not just transcendent but active in creation, in our world, and in our lives. He calls us to the same. This gathering of the saints transformed the world, as we joined hands to not only share the good news of our Savior but to do good in service to the same.
Who is God to you? Your answer will determine your actions.
Grace and Peace