A trustworthy world is…

In the previous post, I suggested that one way to name the meaningful work we share here at RU is with the phrase “trustworthy world.” When we contribute to the creation or maintenance of a trustworthy world, we not only provide space for our students to pursue their vocation, but we also participate in the work of God in the world. The biblical themes of creation and new creation both portray God’s concern for a trustworthy world.

But what is a trustworthy world? What kinds of activities might be related to God’s work in this regard? These are the kinds of questions this blog will pursue during this semester.

With this post, I simply want to suggest words that would describe aspects of a trustworthy world and invite you to do the same. What are the elements that make the world a trustworthy place for all of us? I’ll offer a few. Feel free to provide your own in the comments section.

A trustworthy world is loving.

A trustworthy world is just.

A trustworthy world is dependable.

A trustworthy world is life giving.

A trustworthy world is communicative.

A trustworthy world is merciful.

A trustworthy world is hopeful.

A trustworthy world is healing.

The list could go on. I hope you will recognize that these are all things that we attribute to God’s activity in the world.

One way to think of these things is as forms of resistance against the powers of death and despair. When we pursue mercy, we resist the ways that our world would write people off or consider them sub-human. When we live towards dependability, we resist disloyalty which tears at the fabric of our shared life. When we advocate for justice for the poor or overlooked, we resist the ways our world is ordered for the benefit of some at the expense of others. You get the idea.

Hopefully, you also see what you do in some way in words like these. They may provide clues to understanding your life in relation to God’s calling.

Make our list longer. Maybe you have an entire post on an aspect of a trustworthy world that we could feature here in the next few weeks. Let me know.

Mark Love