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Responding to the Queries |
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When Ohio Friends respond to the Queries, we seek God's guidance, not merely as Christians answering as dedicated individuals but as an organized body listening as well as obeying our precious Lord whose power is everlasting. We regard the Queries as a challenge from God to live obedient lives as a body that recognizes Jesus as Lord of our lives. Small wonder when God asks the Meeting if they are willing to ignore worldly concerns, to be able to hear the great Truths that God is revealing to us similar to the commands He afforded early Christians. We cannot and must not answer God's challenges without waiting on His presence in the true silence; if and when we are obedient, Christ enunciates what God expects from His people. But first we need to overcome our human anxieties. Small wonder, when answering the Queries, it is necessary to indulge in intense prayer. Then we will be aware of what the Lord expects from us as the body of Christ. God is extending His love as well as His expectations when we open ourselves in prayer. Yet, despite our sincere efforts, God may not be satisfied with our responses. But because our Lord exhibits love beyond human understanding, He will reveal how we need to change in our aspirations to become servants of the Lord. Christ expects us to be humble listeners and, therefore, affords His people the guidance that enables us to become closer to God. God continues to minister with the expectation that we will abide in the Lord's grace. In our second Query, God asks us, "Do we cherish a forgiving spirit, and strive to 'walk in love as Christ hath loved us.'" We need to wait on the Lord to discern whether we are obedient to that spirit. When we acknowledge our weakness in adhering to the Spirit. God will give us the inward love to be responsive in the love of Christ.
Arthur Berk |