Holy Currencies
January 26, 2025
The scripture lessons that we have today are two of the best known when it comes to understanding the mission and membership of the Christian church. Paul’s image of the body of Christ is not striking for us because we have heard it so often. Indeed, the ancient writings of various faiths use a similar metaphor. The big difference between Paul’s imagery and these other traditions is at Paul maintains that though there are differences according to function within the body that doesn’t mean one part of the body is more important than another. Preacher, prophet, priest, or pew sitter are equally valued and loved in the body of Christ. And not only are we equally valued, but we cannot do the work of the full body unless each part is given the opportunity to express its ministry. What good are eyes if we never allow the body to see or ears if we never allow the body to hear. We need each other. Which interestingly the gospel lesson points out about Jesus. Although Jesus alone is a Messiah, he is not the Messiah alone. Jesus is sustained by the Holy Spirit, guided by God, the creator and joined in ministry with the disciples and all the other followers. Without those who followed Jesus, his ministry would have ended with him.
In the gospel reading today, we hear what Jesus believes his mission is and by association, what our mission as his followers are. We are to care for the poor, speak of peace to the powerful, and the release of captives from whatever prison that holds them. We are to consider the powerless as equal with the powerful within the church and outside and treat them accordingly. Too often when we think about the health of the modern church, we focus on money and numbers of members. So, we answer the question “How are we doing as a church,” in those terms. The real question is: as a church, what are we doing for God? History has shown us that whenever we step away from the mission of Jesus, there is a corresponding depletion of the life and vitality of the church that he founded.
So it is Forest Hill has invested in following the program called Holy Currencies. This program developed by Reverend Eric Law proposes that there are six blessings or currencies that we as a church are to be engaged in to create sustainable missional ministries. The six currencies are truth, relationships, money, wellness, gracious leadership, a well as time and place. In the next six weeks, we will be exploring each of these currencies.
A current or currency is literally anything that flows. And so for a church to be healthy, there has to be a movement within these 6 currencies. One way to look at it is that a $10 bill in your pocket has no value until you spend it. It is in the using of that $10 that we see it’s true value otherwise it is merely a funny piece of plastic in our wallet.
Today we briefly explore the value of relationships. Do you know about the theory of 6 degrees of separation? It’s the idea that we are connected to almost everyone in the world through six connections. For example I don’t personally know Prime Minister Trudeau, but I have met my local MP who has met the Prime Minister so I am only one connection away from the Prime Minister who has met Donald Trump. So I am only two connections away from the president of the United States. And believe me I’m not bragging about that. Rev. Law says there also is the law of 3 degrees of influence. This means that who you are, has an influence on your circle of family and friends. If you are an honest, happy person then you share those values and that joy with that close circle. And because of your influence on them, they are much more likely to be honest and happy. In turn because they’re more likely to be honest and happy they influence their circle of friends out to three levels connections. Pass three circles there is less ability to influence others. But what Rev. Law is trying to say is that relationships are important because they have the power to change the world, one connection, or one relationship at a time. Think about someone who has been a big influence in your own life. For me it would be Rev. Don Boothroyd who was my minister when I was a teenager. His influence changed my life. Knowing that my life has been changed for the good by him makes me ponder who might have influenced in my ministry and in my being?
As well, using Paul’s image of the body of Christ, when we are in relationships with each other, we are going to be able to know the gifts and strength as well as weaknesses of those in our circle of friends. Before we sold our house in Kitchener, we got new neighbors. The neighbours knew a lot of trades people that could help them fix up their new house. Because of their friends they could re-drywall, re-carpet, fix windows, do fencing, painting and plumbing. The only trade not in a circle of friends was electrical. But I marveled at how all these friends and relations were able to help them as they rebuilt their home. Eric Law says the church is just like that. Working together we are able to build a church, not just for ourselves, but a church, where others feel welcome, valued and their gifts are celebrated. The larger the circle of relationships the more the church can be involved in fulfilling the mission of Jesus. Seeking to be in relationships with others opens the doors for others as well as ourselves to offer our best, so that the church can be vigorous and joyous in the ministry that is both Jesus’ and ours. Amen