Christian Math Problems

B3 x G2 = MC2

By Rev. Chuck Alley, Rector

Mathematically, how would you solve the above equation? It certainly does not appear to be solvable using the wisdom of the world, but perhaps the calculus of God might be the logic we as the Church are being called to employ.
First we need to define our variables. B3 = B x B x B. According to Scripture, B3 would be solved as Blessed to Be a Blessing. Therefore, B3 stands for our call as the people of God and is our theme for 2012. In support of that theme our focus Scripture for 2012 is 1 Peter 2:9.

“9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

The second variable is G2 = G x G. This is the mathematics of our 2011-2012 stewardship program. G2 represents Giving what has been Given. Like the disciples in the feeding of the 5000 in Matthew 14:13-21, we are to take what we have been given and give it to our neighbors. As we give it away, God will multiply it to meet their needs and more.

So how do we get from B3 (Blessed to Be a Blessing) and G2 (Giving what has been Given) to MC2? Once schooled in Scripture we can see that the answer is based on the simple math of the kingdom. Bringing God’s blessing to the world and giving of ourselves and what we have to our neighbors, identifies us with our gracious God and His self-sacrificial love. We have a missionary God, One who comes into the world with the Truth and provides people with the gifts by which to live into the Truth. MC2 then stands for St. Matthew’s being a Mission Committed Community (M x C x C).

The equation reminds us that as a church we are called to announce and demonstrate the purpose and direction of God through Jesus Christ in the world.

Yours in Christ,
Chuck+