Common Ground Song 8 ‘As a fire is meant for burning’
Words: Ruth Duck © GIA Publications Inc. / Music: traditional
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHrncqGAABA
Featured image: urban rainbow © estate of Linda Craven

This song is from the USA, using a traditional folk melody from that land, which is why I have chosen to link a performance by a folk singer rather than a large choir (alternatives are available online). It sits firmly in the liberal tradition of looking outwards from the Church to our service in the community.

The message is clear: ‘the Church is meant for mission, giving glory to God’s name’. The emphasis here is on mission by means of ‘gentle, loving actions’ and ‘finding neighbours everywhere’, rather than by ‘preach[ing] our creeds or customs’. This is always a delicate balance to be achieved in the way we do mission. At one extreme are threats of hell, forced conversions and being intolerant of other religions. None of that should be practised or condoned these days.

At the other extreme, though, is what might fairly be criticised as ‘wishy-washy’ Christianity which is only about being good neighbours. Because we do have a message that is distinct from that of any other religion or philosophy or worldview. While welcoming others to work with us in social action, we must also claim our right to proclaim what we believe to be the Gospel truth. God’s love was shown most clearly in Jesus, who not only came to heal the sick etc., but also to turn people away from sin, forgive them and offer eternal life in his Kingdom. No obligation, no pressure, but an invitation to join us in faith. By this, we ‘show that Christ is light’.

In the last verse of the hymn there is a brief reference to the storms of life. Many people come to faith at times of trouble in their life, when the message of God’s presence, his salvation and eternal life becomes irresistible. And so it concludes, ‘As a rainbow lights the heavens when the storm is past and gone, may our lives reflect the radiance of God’s new and glorious dawn’.  The featured photo is one Linda took in 2018, of an urban double rainbow. It was shining not above mountains and meadows, but in the midst of everyday city life: a bus, power cables, traffic lights and a tree bearing the fading leaves of late autumn.  As the Church, we can bring peace and beauty to the busyness, ordinariness and sometimes ugliness of modern life, in Christ’s name.