Adult Bible Study April 6, 2008

Lesson Text: Daniel 1:8-20
By Ken Hawkley
E-mail: louise050@comcast.net

In a sense it is easier to hold onto convictions during a trial or crisis, as things tend to be in sharper contrast during these times. People do not feel the luxury of long reflection and consideration of options. In times of persecution, crisis and chaos, choices are much more limited. Consequently it is, in a sense, easier to know what our convictions are.

Presently, the situation is much more insidious. The reality is that we have too many seemingly good options from which to choose. We are overwhelmed with so many choices and at the time required to consider the many permutations and combinations of these choices. More often than we realize, our choices as individuals and as communities of faith change our direction and dilute our convictions. Navigators know that even a slight variation off course will eventually lead them many miles from their intended destination.

This is not to say that we have strayed irrevocably from our roots, our centre, and our distinctives. Not all changes are detrimental. The question is whether we know where we are as Mennonites at this time. Does your class know what makes Mennonites distinctive? What are the beliefs that are non-negotiable? What would we fight or suffer persecution for?

Today the danger is not one of persecution and intolerance. Our struggle is against public indifference and the plethora of choices that can lead us away from our Mennonite centre by infinitesimal increments. I had the opportunity to sit on a board of the National Council of Churches of Christ and on the board of a large evangelical organization. Both bodies lauded the “Mennonite voice” as important “because our stance was clear.”

What is our distinctive voice clear about? Why is it important for us to maintain our Mennonite distinctives? Do we know what those distinctives are? Do we know how to maintain them and still minister to a hurting world? In order for us to be Daniel, we need to be clear about who we are, then, if crisis occurs, we will know where to stand and why.