Open hand or closed fist

How do you approach others... life... God... anything? Is it with an open hand or a closed fist? There is a difference, and the good news is... you get to decide!

My most consistent daily devotional is the book 'Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals' (there is also an online version). On June 12 they shared this quote from contemporary theologian Scott Bader-Saye:

"Following Jesus will mean surrendering the power that masquerades as security in order to love the neighbor and welcome the stranger. It will mean avoiding the safe path in order to pursue the good. But in a culture of fear, we find such risks all the more difficult since our natural inclinations lead us to close in on ourselves when we face danger. How can we maintain the posture of the open hand toward a world that scares us?"

Yes, a good question, indeed. In seeking to live a life of security and safety (which is the natural inclination for most of us), we risk closing ourselves off not only from "the world"... but also from where God has placed us in the world (and therefore closed off from God). 

Unfortunately, I all-too-often fall into the trap of thinking I have nothing to offer, that my little life doesn't make much difference, and that's it's easier to just sort of... not be bothered. I believe this is actually me opening my hand to the devil's schemes rather than the Spirit's leading (unintentional as it may be).

In the 16th chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus is saying his goodbyes to his disciples. It's the night before his crucifixion. Jesus speaks about the work of the Holy Spirit, the joy of the believers, and his victory over sin and evil in the world. He closes in verse 33...

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

In other words, we need not be afraid of "the world." We need not fear those who are different from us, those we don't understand. We have a completely new way of viewing people and circumstances and therefore can approach life with a different mindset. We can extend an open hand to others - seeking to listen, encourage, share grace, be compassionate - or we can close ourselves off in fear. Jesus says to be open!

If we choose to fear the world, is it actually more a lack of faith (or belief) in Jesus' words? That may be a bit harsh... or maybe not...

Anyway, for as poorly as I have followed Jesus in my life, my desire is to 'maintain the posture of the open hand toward the world...' rather than to be scared of it. That's what I want to do, but I know it will be a challenge. Perhaps a challenge too great for me alone. But closing ourselves off from the world is essentially closing ourselves off from God. I do NOT want that.

So, how do we keep an open hand toward a world that scares us? We place our faith and trust in the One who has overcome the world. This same one who calls us to love our neighbor.

I like this prayer at the end of the devotional from above:

"You alone secure us in our place, O Lord. In our going out and coming in, deliver us from fear, that we may, by your Spirit's power, let down our defenses in love. Amen."

And amen.