The Baptismal Covenant in Reverse

After spiritual direction a couple weeks ago, I decided that it might be a worthwhile exercise to write statements opposite of the Book of Common Prayer's Baptismal covenant. As an Episcopalian, the baptismal covenant is the way in which I have promised to live as a follower, a disciple, of Jesus Christ. In some way, these promises  made in baptism and reaffirmed at confirmation are the marching orders of all Episcopalians.

Now I am going to blow right by the first three questions.  Essentially those questions are a restatement of the Apostle's Creed and while worthwhile to rewrite, that is not something I wish to rehash here in this blog.  What I would like to focus on are the last five questions.

1.  Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? 

Opposite:  Will you forgo participation in Sunday worship, denying the traditions of the church, refusing to experience the presence of God through the sacraments, missing out on the wisdom of the gift of Holy Scripture, forgoing daily connection to the divine by not setting aside time to rest, to be in God's presence?

2. Will you persevere in resisting evil, and whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

Opposite: Will you actively allow evil to infiltrate all avenues of your life and this world, therefore allowing those things which seperate you from God to continually  thwart your reception of God's grace and mercy?

3. Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

Opposite:  Will keep your mouth clamped shut, will you refuse to share through word and deed the hope that is within, the Good news that Christ brings to your life and this world?

4. Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

Opposite:  Will you actively ignore the image of God within all people, failing to seek the best for all, engaging in activities that denigrate and disrepect those whom you encounter each day?

5. Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the the dignity of every human being?

Opposite: Will you bring strife and injustice whereever you go, will you refuse to work to bring change to the systems that oppress, disregarding the worthiness that lies within every single one of us?

Well there it is. While I still like the Baptismal Covenant as written on the pages of the Book of Common Prayer.  I find these statements challenging me to live more fully, as a disciple, as a follower of Jesus Christ.