Finding What We Stand For
Rev. Erik Swanson
March 9, 2025
When I was younger, I spent a challenging summer selling books door-to-door in New Jersey to fund my final year of college. The experience was grueling—facing rejection, loneliness, and moments of despair. However, it became a profound period of personal growth, teaching me perseverance, resilience, and ethical conviction. Unlike some of my book selling colleagues who resorted to manipulative tactics or dishonesty to pressure people into buying books, I was determined to remain committed to integrity. This experience became a "wilderness moment"—a time of struggle that revealed my inner strength and clarified values.
The Wilderness Reveals Who We Are
The concept of "wilderness" extends beyond personal hardship; it is a period of testing that reveals who we truly are. The season of Lent mirrors this experience, offering an opportunity for deep reflection. Lent calls us to examine what we stand for and how much we are willing to sacrifice for our convictions. The wilderness removes illusions, forcing us to confront our deepest truths.
Pressing Questions
This reveals pressing questions: What do you stand for? What lines will you not allow to be crossed? What actions will you take when faced with injustice? This is especially relevant in today’s world, where issues of race, immigration, and human rights force us to declare our positions. Saying we support equality, peace, or justice carries consequences—true commitment demands action. The current social and political climate is a wilderness, exposing uncomfortable truths and forcing difficult choices. Will we rise to the challenge, or will we retreat into complacency?
Jesus in the Wilderness
Jesus’ time in the wilderness provides a powerful parallel. He endured 40 days of testing while fasting, yet he remained steadfast in his identity and purpose. When faced with temptation, he resisted, not because the temptations were weak, but because they contradicted his core values. His clarity made it easy to reject what did not align with his mission. Similarly, we are often tempted to abandon our values for comfort, convenience, or self-interest. The question is: How do we maintain our convictions when tested?
Misuse of Scripture
A crucial warning in the passage is the misuse of scripture. Satan used sacred texts to try to manipulate Jesus, demonstrating how religious language can be twisted for harmful purposes. History is filled with examples of scripture being weaponized to justify slavery, oppression, and injustice. This highlights the need for discernment—understanding the deeper message of faith rather than allowing it to be distorted for personal or political gain.
We Are Not Alone in the Wilderness
One of the most powerful insights from Jesus’ experience is that he was not alone in the wilderness—the Spirit led and sustained him. This is a vital lesson: the wilderness is not about easy escapes but about divine guidance in the midst of struggle. Instead of resenting hardship, we are called to lean into it, allowing the Spirit to lead us toward transformation.
We See Examples – We Can Be One
This past week revealed a real-world example of courage. Rep. Al Green stood up for the vulnerable at the State of the Union and was removed for his protest. His actions demonstrated the cost of standing for justice, yet he remained unwavering, willing to do it again. While we may not all face such public trials, we are each called to take a stand in our own ways. The wilderness invites us to seek clarity, embrace our convictions, and take action. Will we accept the challenge? Blessings on this journey. Amen.