Author Archives: seanco5_wp

Paradox of Wisdom

“I’d choose wisdom!”

We were young teenagers and, as teens frequently do, we were asking each other what we would ask for if we could have three wishes granted. (My memory is that we had recently seen the Disney version of Aladin – and we were captivated by Robin Williams’ portrayal of the Genie.) My friends all said they’d wish for billions of dollars, or the like. When I stated my wish would be for wisdom they looked at me like I had ten heads.

I had recently become a Christian and I had taken seriously my spiritual mentor’s encouragement to read a Psalm, a Proverb and a New Testament passage every day. In doing so, I had become fascinated with the benefits of having, and pursuing, wisdom. My immediate thought when my friend asked this question about the wishes was, if I get wisdom first, I’d then know the best way to use the second two wishes.

This is often the way of life. If we have wisdom, we are better positioned to make good choices. Unfortunately, even ‘wise’ people can make poor decisions. But, generally, wisdom brings understanding, an ability to see through the conundrum at the surface in order to address the matters at the heart of a situation.

Wisdom is different from knowledge. I smile when I hear the ‘modern proverb’ that says,

“By knowledge we understand that a tomato is a fruit,

By wisdom we know not to slice a tomato into our breakfast cereal.”

Wisdom rarely fits into a particular mould. Even though one may have wisdom, determining a course of action requires that the wise person understands the context. Wisdom may require action in a given situation at one time, but at another time, in what appears to be the very same situation, wisdom may require a different action. This often-forgotten principle is clearly stated in Proverbs 26:4-5.

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.

Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”

I have spoken to many who appear troubled by this seeming contradiction within Scripture. How can the Word of God so blatantly disagree with itself? But, these two verses are not a contradiction. Rather, they are an instruction to look beyond the issues at the surface, to get within the context of the one who is speaking in order to understand the ‘folly’ that is being espoused. The challenge for the wise person, is to attempt to identify, without judgement or accusation, the motives and intentions of the one speaking before deciding if wisdom compels one to enter the discussion. Clearly, it is possible that a decision to enter the conversation could reveal substance as folly-filled as the first speaker. In another context, with different understanding, assessment and clarity, it may be essential to enter the conversation.

In today’s world we will have multiple opportunities to learn how to apply this principle. We are faced with a myriad of opinions, perspectives and points of view that are not always helpful or beneficial. Some are complete folly. Some are spoken by people who genuinely desire and intend to do good but have become confused. Regardless of who speaks or what is said, before we dive into the conversation, it will be beneficial for us to consider the principles within Proverbs 26:4-5.

In doing so, we will do well to remember that this principle is built on the assumption that in all circumstances we’re seeking to display the heart of God and learning to speak with grace, truth, gentleness and respect (1 Pt 3:15) and avoiding the temptation to speak curses over someone made in God’s image (Jms 3:9). For not only is it kindness that leads people to change (Rom 2:4), but it is through the Church that God will display his multi-faceted wisdom (Eph 3:10).

To; With; In – A Christmas Poem

With God in the beginning; the Word, the Son, One within Three.

Outside time; Creator, Inventor, Designer of natural order.

With God in the garden, Humanity; glory of creation, likeness, vessel.

Distracted, deceived, disobedient; Consequence, separation, death.

To humanity God reveals himself; Eternal, Almighty, Healer, Provider, Father.

Promise of what is to come; redemption, reconciliation, restoration.

With Humanity in their world, in their flesh; wholly same, yet wholly different.

Miracle of conception, promises fulfilled; Messiah, Emmanuel, Son of God, Son of Man.

In those who love him; Relating, Leading, Transforming; The Way, Truth and Life.

High King of heaven; Love incarnate, Full of grace and truth.

With God, In God, With Humanity, In Humanity.

Living Hope, Prince of Peace, Light of the World.

Sean Copeland, December 2023

Headlines, Questions & Identity

The news headlines in recent times have reminded us of the many complex, traumatic and horrendous circumstances facing the international community. At the same time, news headlines here in Ireland repeatedly reveal similarly complex, traumatic and tragic circumstances facing us in our own towns and cities.

Ireland has not experienced a military invasion like Ukraine. We are not directly experiencing a major conflict with national, regional and geopolitical ramifications like what is occurring in Gaza and Israel. Nor has our country deteriorated into civil war as is happening in Sudan.

But we are experiencing increasing instances of individual and group behaviour that a number of years ago would have been unimaginable. A young woman murdered while taking a daytime walk along a small town’s civic amenity. Small children lining up outside their Dublin school attacked by a man wielding a knife. People who may have been born in another country, many who have become Irish citizens, viciously attacked on our streets. The street violence, burning publicly owned vehicles, vandalising property and looting retail shops which took place on 23^rd November are further examples of how societal norms are under threat by those who seem to operate with a completely different worldview.

As a development and relief organisation, much of Tearfund Ireland’s work takes place in Ethiopia. Two years ago a major internal conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia cost thousands of lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and added further strain on the efforts to build resilience and reduce poverty in the region. Although that conflict has largely ceased, there are regions around the country in which ethnic tensions continue to boil over into disorder and violence. I recently spoke to an Ethiopian friend who, living in his hometown, commented that he doesn’t always feel safe in his own city.

The Tearfund Ireland office is located in a part of Dublin’s North Inner City which has been in the Irish headlines the last few months. Although none of our staff have had negative experiences, we are extremely aware of the risks and concerns frequently faced by people living and working in this area. Especially when a significant percentage of our team do not look or sound Irish born – because we’re not. But we have made our home here and desire to contribute to the overall good of Irish society.

This is one reason I am perplexed by what seems to be a common reaction whenever a tragic wrong is perpetrated against another person. Why does it seem that our first response is to attempt to blame someone in a position of authority? Why is our loudest public outcry to question why the Gardaí weren’t able to stop the crime from happening? At what point do we, as an Irish society, accept the fact that we need to begin having some difficult conversations?

Tearfund Ireland is a Christian organisation and, because of our faith perspective, we hold a conviction that the problems facing societies around the world are not unsurmountable. We believe all these problems are the result of an internal brokenness – a broken relationship between us and God, which affects all our relationships. But we also believe these broken relationships can be restored.

We work with people who are living in extreme poverty, suffering near-famine conditions, internally displaced and in conflict with their ethnically diverse neighbour. We have seen countless people in these circumstances experience a holistic transformation, where relationships are restored, resilience is built and they interdependently face the challenges of life with increased hope and esteem.

The similarities between our Irish headlines and that of our international neighbours reminds us that we truly are a global world. The brokenness, frailties and criminality of humanity are experienced by all. But these harmful outcomes of human brokenness do not have to be the final word of our collective story.

I believe God created all people in His image. Creation implies design. Design implies intent. Intention implies purpose. Therefore, since we have been created with a purpose, we have an opportunity, or responsibility, to co-create the society in which we live.

Let us search for creative solutions to the problems we face. Let us maturely and wisely interrogate the basis of the distorted, broken thinking which plagues our societies. Let us embrace our divine purpose and co-create a better future for ourselves and for the generations who come after us.

We are better than what we’re seeing in the headlines.

We can do better. We can become a better society.

Sean Copeland, 27 November 2023

Flight or Fight

Jesus had a remarkable ability to engage and captivate people from all walks of life. The stories he told revealed the nature of God, provided guidance for how to live and correction to long-held religious assumptions.

One of Jesus’ most well-known stories is the Good Samaritan (Lk 10.25-37). The continued popularity of this story, even among those who are not followers of Jesus, is likely due to its universal application and relevance. Jesus told the story to explain how to love one’s neighbour, but, like most of Jesus’ stories, the parable of the Good Samaritan is layered with multiple messages which we should be careful not to ignore.

In response to a question from someone asking, “…who is my neighbour?”, Jesus crafted a story about a man who was attacked, beaten, robbed and left injured on a roadside. Two people of religious status passed by the injured man, but a man who would have been considered an enemy is the one who stopped, gave first aid, transported the injured man to safety and then paid for additional care to be provided.

The actions of the characters in the story set up a drastic contrast which confronted the worldview of the listeners. The two people who, based on their vocation and status, would have been expected to stop and give assistance chose not to stop and help. The reasons for their inaction were not mentioned but could have been assumed based on their religious traditions. Perhaps they were on religious business and did not want to become ‘unclean’… Perhaps they feared for their own safety…

Even if the men in the story did not help because they feared doing so would put them in danger, difficulty or inconvenience; their perspective was flawed. By choosing not to help, when they had the opportunity to do so, these religious leaders failed to demonstrate love. At the conclusion of the story Jesus’ answer to the question was clear, the neighbour was the one who demonstrated mercy to the injured man.

In a different lesson, Jesus warned about another group of people at the opposite end of the spectrum; those who deliberately seek to do harm.

In John 16.2 Jesus warned his followers of the harm that would likely come to them at the hands of others. He says, “…a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”

Here Jesus warns about a group of people who are so committed God they are willing to kill another person and believe doing so is a service to God. From their perspective, these people are convinced of their own righteousness which gives them permission to inflict harm on another person who has a different view, belief, or practice of devotion to God.

In the first story (Lk 10.31) the religious worldview chose to ignore someone who had been harmed, but in the second example (Jn 16.2) the religious worldview chose to inflict harm. Both choices stemmed from a worldview that was based in some form of devotion to God and both groups, it was implied, felt they were justified in their decisions. But Jesus made it clear that both were wrong. In Luke 10.37 he said the people didn’t demonstrate love and in John 16.3 he said the people don’t know him or the Father.

While it may be easy to hear of these two negative examples and respond with something like, “Oh, those are two extremes, I’m not like either of those.” It may be helpful to take time for critical reflection.

Have we ever chosen not to act when we could have done something to help another person who was in need?
Have we ever kept a distance from someone because they were from a different culture, ethnic or religious background?
Have we ever ‘cancelled’, spoken critically of, or distanced ourselves from someone because they disagreed with us?
Have we aligned ourselves with someone who justifies their abusive or violent behaviour against someone else?

We’re familiar with the defence mechanisms of Fight or Flight. In relationships we employ these through the manoeuvres of attack or withdraw. It is important to remember that these mechanisms are based in fear. When we make decisions based on fear, we are not making decisions from a posture of love.

The first group mentioned above operated in Flight. They were, in some way, afraid of what would happen if they got involved so they withdrew from the person in need. The second group operated in Fight. They were afraid of someone expressing their love for God differently from their own and their means of dealing with this fear was to attack, harm or even kill. Neither of these actions are borne out of love. Neither action demonstrates concern or mercy for our neighbour.

At the risk of over-simplifying, our daily decisions lie somewhere along a spectrum between inaction or action, flight or fight. Regardless of our background, culture, or perspective we each have opportunities to demonstrate mercy, compassion and love to someone in need. That person may be a work colleague, someone who lives on our road or someone who is our global neighbour. Right now, many of our global neighbours need us to demonstrate our compassion for them.

Love does not ignore people in need. Love does not harm (Rom 13:10). Love does not fear because perfect love casts out fear(1 Jn 4:18).

Let us continue learning from Our Father, seeking his grace to demonstrate love to others as he has loved us.

Sean Copeland, November 2023

Day 12, Day 6, Day 1

I’m at my keyboard 6 days after the people of Israel suffered a horrendous attack in which at least 1,200 civilians were brutally murdered. The Israeli response has been swift and harsh with estimates of 1,300 inhabitants of Gaza killed. By the time this article is posted those numbers will most certainly increase.

I’m sitting in a coffee shop. At a nearby table sits a group of men deep in conversation. Their conversation sounds intense. Some are animated. One is loud. Another gesticulates with dramatic hand gestures while a younger man sits quietly and appears to have tears in his eyes. I am drawn to them but attempt to mask my interest. I recognise they are speaking Arabic, so I cannot understand what they are saying. Given the context of the last 6 days, my imagination wanders…

Twelve days ago, in a country within the Middle East, I was sitting in a room with a group of different Arabic speaking men. That room was full of people who were leading churches in parts of the world where their activity and message put their physical safety at risk. Now, 12 days later, I recall the feelings of humility, respect and honour I felt simply to be able to meet these courageous men of passionate conviction.

Over the past six days I’ve found myself conflicted and confused at much of the public reaction to the heightened violence within the Middle East. I’m surprised at the black and white positions put forward by many. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised – our society is increasingly polarised. But I cannot help but wonder at the lack of nuance in much of the public discussion, especially in relation to a region with such historical complexity.

I am a Christian. I think I am mature enough to understand that my ethnicity, nationality and economic position each play a role in my biases and perceptions. But, hopefully, my identity as a child of God has a stronger influence in my worldview than any of these. My aim as a believer is to continually pursue my ongoing transformation through renewing my mind, loving God and loving my neighbour.

I am a humanitarian. My expectation is that all people, all ethnicities, all nationalities can live side-by-side in peace and with mutual respect. I do not want to see anyone suffer injustice, oppression or violence – full stop. I am even more confused when I hear people invoke the name of God to justify actions which are far removed from the character, nature and personality of God he chose to reveal through the life of Jesus.

Six days. 2,500 people dead. Where is this going? When will it end? Where are those who dare to act on Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peace-makers…” (Mt 5:9), “…love your enemy…” (Mt 5:44), and “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mk 12:31).

Twelve days ago I heard personal stories from people who have committed themselves to a life of service for ‘the other’. These people are choosing to break down the dividing walls within their culture and society in order to build a better future for the coming generations. In the coffee shop my fellow patrons are leaving their tables. I stop trying to pretend. I intentionally attempt to make eye-contact with them. Most don’t see me. But, as he slides in his chair, the animated one looks my way. We lock eyes. I nod a friendly acknowledgement. He returns my gaze with a nod and an ever-so-subtle smile. For a moment we have contact. For a moment we share a common humanity. It’s a small action. It won’t stop the bombs falling. But, is it possible, that societal change could begin with an action as small as eye contact and a smile?

Sean Copeland, October 2023

Lessons From a Cedar Tree

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12).

Trees are an amazing part of God’s creation. I love to photograph trees – especially the ones that are old. Recently I was in Lebanon visiting and attending meetings with Tearfund Ireland’s local partner. At the end of a busy week our partners wanted to show us a place that is special to Lebanon. The country has a long history of producing cedar trees and there are several protected cedar tree reserves. The cedars of Lebanon are the trees which Solomon used for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 5).

In the high mountainous regions, the cedar trees grow in conditions that can sometimes be harsh. The winters in the mountains will often be covered with snow, but for several months of the year there is little rain and high temperatures, creating a dry, arid climate. It is the dry, harsh conditions which create the environment for the tree to produce such a strong wood. The dry soil forces the tree to send its roots deep into the soil to garner as much of the earth’s nutrients as possible. Our guide told us, “Nature forces the tree to withstand the harsh climate which creates a resilience.”

It did not take long for my imagination to explore the analogies with my own life. How many times have I realised that the times of challenge, difficulty and hardship were the scenarios that produced in me the lessons, learnings and opportunities for growth?

I recall a time I faced a particularly difficult set of circumstances. It was painful, confusing and I had not yet comprehended the ‘lessons’ God may have wanted me to learn in that season. During that time, in conversation with an experienced leader, I relayed how I felt I was at the bottom of my myself and the pain of my confusion felt overwhelming. Before she said anything a look came over her face that I can only describe as compassion with a mixture of sternness. “Sometimes you have to dig deeper before you can climb out of the hole.” For me, at that time, in that circumstance, those words rang true. That was not an easy sentence to hear; but it gave me a perspective that I needed.

Walking along the path in the cedar reserves of Lebanon I reflected on how many times I, like the cedar tree, have found the only option is to dig deeper to search for the life sustaining nutrients in the midst of a harsh and difficult environment.

Unlike many other trees, the cedar can live for literally thousands of years. The reserve we visited boasts several trees that have been dated to be at least 2,500 years old – a few are thought to be closer to 3,000 years old! The fact that a single tree can survive for that length of time is staggering.

Our guide told us that when a cedar tree reaches about 500 years old, it stops growing taller. Around this age, the top branches of the tree begin to bend downward and fan outward, creating a canopy protecting the trunk and allows the lower branches to thicken and grow. That outward expansion, rather than upward reaching, is a mark of the cedar’s continued health and growth. When the tree ceases to grow taller, the roots continue growing more deeply into the ground, providing durability as well as access to nutrients.

This reveals a fascinating characteristic of the cedar tree. It has approximately 500 years of upward growth and then, potentially, another 2,000 years of outward and downward growth.

Again, the analogies flow.

Once a person reaches a certain age, there are perspectives within society which cause us to limit, or question, our effectiveness, or relevance. In addition, our culture is full of people who are confused about their own sense of meaning and purpose in life, often resorting to striving upward in our careers. But the cedar tree provides an illustration of individual maturity. Upon reaching a certain age, our role is not to rest or stop growing, which can cause us to wither. But, like the cedar tree, continuing maturity requires a change to our growth trajectory. As the tree redirects its growth, creating opportunities for increasing its own resilience, we too, become more mature as we redirect our goal from an ‘upward’ focus toward an outward focus, creating a canopy for others.

Reflecting on my past relationships, I have been most impacted by people who have achieved a milestone in their career and are equally focused on their outward growth and their ability to create a canopy for others. People who have worked hard to reach a stretch goal, as impressive as that achievement may be, are not always the people who are able to provide guidance, insight or wisdom to those who follow.

I learned a long time ago that I can only give away something that I already have. Whether that be wisdom, experience, skills, time or resources – if I don’t have it, I can’t offer it to anyone else. Like the cedar tree, there comes a point where my striving for the heights of success must be redirected to create a canopy for outward influence. At the same time, I must dig deep so I remain firmly rooted where I can access the necessary nutrients to sustain myself. In this way, I will build my resilience and flourish through the challenges and have something to offer those who come around me. Hopefully, for many years to come!

Sean Copeland, September 2023

Giving Thanks

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5.16-18)

“You expect me to do what?!” My friend seemed incredulous. She was deeply upset. We were discussing her distress and she was seeking my guidance. My suggestion confused her and, I gathered from her demeanour, angered her.

“How could you expect me to praise God for this?”

She had been expressing the lingering pain from a relationship breakdown and I was attempting to help her break the cycle of bitterness that was evident in her language – although she was unaware of this evidence. My suggestion was that she simply begin thanking God for his goodness every time she experienced a painful memory.

This is a practice I have been attempting to form into a habit in my own life.

Many years ago, I wise friend guided me through the reasons for being intentional in giving thanks to God in all circumstances. I had experienced a deep hurt which had impacted every area of my life. The pain and confusion would regularly return and, it felt, I would never really ‘get over’ it. One of the significant healing moments was when a friend asked me, “Is God only worthy of your thanks when things are going well?”

His question made me realise that when I focused on my own hurt, I did not relate with God very well. In fact, I usually forgot he was with me. When I felt the pain of the memories, I became self-absorbed. I would often repeat the conversations and each replay provided further reasons to feel justified in my hurt which increased my anger, which led, I’m sorry to admit, to a growing bitterness. My friend’s question forced me to realise that not only was I behaving very selfishly, but I was also ignoring God at a time I needed him the most.

Since that realisation, I have attempted to practice the three instructions Paul gives the Thessalonian Church: Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks. These three practices, taken as a group, are a wonderful way, I have found, to break through the walls of bitterness and dismantle the infrastructure of self-reliance.

Rejoice always. I have much to celebrate. Even if life throughs me a curve ball or I come up against an unforeseen obstacle, there is great freedom in remembering that all things will work out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28). And, the act of rejoicing, even in difficult times, is quite different from optimism. While optimism may be broader trait, or tendency of personality, rejoicing is a decision, an intentional act.

Pray without ceasing. I will not pretend to have grasped this but the writings of Desert Fathers, and contemporary mystics have created in me a thirst for a life of prayer. Daily habits of scriptural meditation, scripture memory and trigger prayers are helping form within me an ongoing awareness of God and interaction with Holy Spirit. The more I am able to consciously work toward this unconscious consistency, the less I find myself able to indulge in the harmful negativities of life.

Give thanks in all circumstances. To grasp the import of Paul’s instruction more fully, it is essential that we move beyond merely having an attitude of thankfulness. Having an ‘attitude of gratitude’ may be helpful baseline, but I believe we must learn the discipline of actually giving thanks – of verbally expressing thanks – in all circumstances.

This is where I felt the challenge from my friend all those years ago. It is easy to thank God for a situation that has worked out well, a particular blessing, or a joyful experience. But it is not so easy to give thanks to God in a difficult situation. Even though I would say he is always good, when I’m in a difficult situation it can be hard to stop and remind myself to give him thanks. But doing so, gives him honour, helps me keep my eyes off my circumstances and helps me realise that the entirety of my life is bigger than what I feel in this singular moment.

The fact that we are in a singular moment in time leads to possibly the most important principle to the act of thanking God in all circumstances. Regardless of how long it may feel, the time we spend in a struggle, a painful experience or a loss is a relatively short period of life. I am learning how beautiful it is to give God my thanks and praise when I’m in the middle of difficulties. My intentional choice to verbally thank God for his goodness while I’m hurting, confused or struggling is a gift I will never be able to give God once these emotions pass. Once the moment passes, I will be able to thank God that he was there while I was in the challenge. But when I’m in the challenge, struggling to find a way through the fog of confusion or wrestling with gut-wrenching disappointment, my ‘sacrifice’ of thanks expresses my thanks for his goodness with a genuine authenticity and humility that I’ll never be able to recreate. I want to become a man who can honour God with the glory he is due, regardless of how I may feel in challenging circumstances of life.

“I’m doing much better. I feel a new freedom and my relationship with the Lord is more real.” It had been several months since I’d seen her, and she looked like a different woman. “I’ve been trying to give thanks in all circumstances, and it is changing my perspective.”

She, too, is learning the blessing of rejoicing always, praying consistently and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Sean Copeland, September 2023

Reflection and Reset

This blog is an excerpt from some writing following the deaths of my father and my mother-in-law; both of whom recently passed away within a few days of each other. This writing focuses on ways those who have passed have informed my life choices, but I wish to alert the reader that the topic of death is discussed.

We have an uncomfortable relationship with funerals. We know they are part of life, yet we often try to avoid the awkward conversations about them. We recognise the importance of making the time to be present at a funeral no matter how distant the relation or acquaintance. When the funeral is for a loved one, we cherish the expressions of condolence whether written, spoken or demonstrated through presence.

Many factors can cause this topic to raise emotions and grief. There are many realities of the world in which we live which do not reflect God’s intended design or desire for creation. Disease and death are realities of a broken world infected by sin. So, somehow, we must attempt to wisely and humbly live in the tension between what Scripture reveals as the purposes of God and the myriad of injustices that exist within the world we inhabit.

A funeral is often a time for reflection; an evaluation of one’s past choices and consideration of one’s future options. When we pause to honour the life of someone close to us or someone we respect, these assessments have potential to carry opportunities for significant decisions.

As a young man I wrote a personal mission statement (yes, I am one of those people!). I did not think this was unusual until I got older and realised a majority of people have never done this. I use Scripture in most of my goal setting. One of these Scriptural goals arises in my thinking at the time of a funeral. The disciple Peter, in his second letter said, “…I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things” (2 Ptr 1:15). For a long time, I have endeavoured to pass on to those within my circle of influence what God has spoken, in a way that can be remembered and applied in their life.

A few years ago, I attended the funeral of someone who impacted me – and a lot of other people. This man did not have an impressive job title or a long, high-powered corporate career. He didn’t drive a high-end car, nor would anyone have considered him wealthy. But he had a deep impact on the lives of many people. He did this by investing time in others. He would come alongside, support, encourage and, when he thought necessary, he would challenge. Many of the people in whom he invested are now in positions of significant influence and they have, in turn, continued impacting the lives of even more people.

At his funeral it was evident this man’s influence reached many people across a wide cross-section of society. Sitting alongside those whose names would be recognised sat the nameless, faceless people who, in equal measure, benefitted from this man’s sincerity, integrity and desire to leave the world a better place.

During his funeral one of his pre-selected scripture readings was from 2 Peter 1:12-15. My heart stirred as the verse was read. This man recognised his purpose. He knew his life held a greater purpose. He, too, was committed to doing all he could to ensure we would remember what God has spoken. He did this through his simple lifestyle, purposeful relationships and sharing his wisdom so others would grow in their own experience with God. I am convinced he believed his influence would be multiplied through those who benefitted from his personal investment – but he was humble enough to not allow that be anything more than an objective outcome of his efforts.

Two funerals of close family in recent weeks have prompted me to venture into some periods of deep personal reflection. Saying goodbye to a parent, thanking the Lord for them and embracing the grieving process with my family and my extended families has been a difficult, but good and healthy process. In the weeks since I find myself benefitting from what a friend has called the supportive, relational scaffolding provided by family and friends.

At the same time, my reflections have allowed me to review my major decisions, actions and impact on others. How am I using what God has given me to benefit, inspire, equip or challenge others? In what ways is my love for, and apprenticeship to, Jesus growing? My conclusions from these considerations have reinforced my convictions. I will continue pursuing my transformation through the renewing of my mind as Christ is being formed in me, so I can live up to what has been attained. And, through the fruit of the Spirit, I will live as a child of God, doing all I can to help others remember all Jesus taught so we can grow mature and, somehow, experience the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.*

(* see Rom 12:1-3; Gal 1:20, 5:14-24; Phil 3:12-16; 1 Jn 3:1-3; 1 Ptr 1:15; Mt 28:18-20; Eph 4:11-16)

Sean Copeland, August 2023

Risking Love

The noisy cafeteria went instantly silent. I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest as I locked eyes with the ringleader of the three bullies who, two seconds ago, had been laughing. I was enraged. I was also frightened as I my mind raced through multiple scenarios of what could happen next – most of those scenarios involved me getting hurt.

But I had taken my stand and I knew I could not back down. I could feel the attention of every eye in the cafeteria as I stood between the three offenders and the nearby table where their victim sat.

Tears streamed down her teenage face and her hair was littered with pieces of the lunch the offending boys had been throwing at her while they laughed. I had seen it happen. She cried as she yelled at them to stop. They laughed some more. Lots of people watched them throwing food at her. No one did anything. They were big, muscular and had a particular reputation. She was a girl with special needs, recently mainstreamed into our inner-city school. This was wrong. I didn’t think of what I was going to do before I got out of my chair, I simply knew I had to do something to stop them.

I don’t remember the exact words I said to the ringleader, but he stared unblinkingly back at me. Offender number three stood to square up to me. Offender number two looked for direction from offender number one, who silently, slowly shook his head. Number three quickly sat down with a tirade of words he probably didn’t understand.

It was over. Indistinct chatter refilled the cafeteria and a few of my friends took the crying girl to help her clean up.

The lessons I learned that day were foundational to my formation. Sometimes doing the right thing involves taking a risk. I often think of this episode when I’m confronted with decisions of right and wrong, standing up against injustice or protecting the vulnerable even if there is a threat to my personal safety.

When I read the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) I frequently think back on my cafeteria experience.

Jesus used a story about a man who was attacked, beaten, robbed and left injured on a roadside to illustrate how he expects us to behave toward our neighbour. In the story, Jesus included individuals who would have been expected to help but did not stop to help the injured man.

Familiarity with the story can, if we’re not careful, bring us to swift judgment about the two representatives of religion who demonstrated a lack of care for the injured man. Likely the men feared for their own safety. Perhaps they considered this a trap, the injuries were fake, and the actor’s co-conspirators were ready to pounce on them. Or, possibly, they were on their way home from religious duties and wanted to see their family. If they touched an unclean person, they would then need to isolate themselves according to laws of purification and this would delay them being able to see their family. Regardless of the reasonable-ness of their motives for inaction, Jesus highlights their choices as falling short of his values and expectations.

I’ve often heard this story used to explain a model, or standard, of how love is exemplified. This is understandable because the conversation began with a reference to the commandments about loving God and loving our neighbour (Lk 10:27). But at the end of the parable, Jesus did not ask the enquirer, “Which of the three showed love to the injured man?”. Rather, his question was, “Which of the three proved to be a neighbour?” (Lk 10:36).

At its simplest, the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the expectation that being a good neighbour is challenging, inconvenient, even risky. This raises an uncomfortable question for me…. if this story illustrates neighbourly behaviour, then what does real love look like?!

Reflecting on my cafeteria confrontation, at no point in those moments did I consider the philosophical, theological or sociological nuances between being a good neighbour or demonstrating loving behaviour. I simply knew I needed to do something to protect the vulnerable girl and stop the bullying and injustice.

In the journey of life since that day I’ve had numerous opportunities to make similar decisions. I frequently pray that the record of my actions will outweigh that of my inaction. Through it all my desire is that my love for the Lord will become so encompassing that it permeates my interactions with others to the point there is no distinction between love for my neighbour and general neighbourly behaviour.

Sean Copeland, June 2023

SeanCopeland.org

Learning to Live Up to What We've Already Attained