For the last several months I have been observing our
culture. Reading angry blogs and even angrier comments that follow. Seeing
posts demanding that something be done about the condition of our society, government,
world. And what is most astounding is the majority of these angry, outraged
people claim to follow the ways of Christ.
I hate tension and conflict. And I certainly do not enjoy
being the cause of it. I am quick to apologize when I’m confronted because I
don’t want to be known or perceived as divisive or intentionally malicious.
That is not my heart. I am very aware that I am not perfect. Reminded on a
daily, minute by minute basis.
I don’t like calling things out. I’d rather be behind
someone else doing it. And my understanding of all that is going on in the
world is so very, very limited. I won’t even begin to assume I know it all. And
let me also make clear that those who choose to be politically involved have my
deepest respects. I do not covet positions of power in politics and I am
grateful that people step up to act in that way… whether I agree with their
stance or not. You may say my involvement has been apathetic. That is
actually what I have claimed. I don’t care.
Whatever. (hence the title of this post)
But lately I realize I am far from apathetic. I have been
downright disturbed and ashamed. I am unsettled because I feel so passionately
about all that is going on. Yet, I just remain silent. Mainly because the last thing
I think we need is another disgruntled voice yelling their (my) opinion as gospel truth from
the mountain top. But, to be honest, I do want to yell and scream. Really, really loud.
I’m frustrated. But I am having a hard time identifying why?
I just want to say, Can’t we all just get along?? Make love
not war? Spread peace and joy instead of division and enmity. So much yelling
and fit throwing. I get that enough day in and day out from my twins. Then I
hop online and hear it some more and then I’m wrestling with the same voices in
my own head… and I long for silence. I wake up and I just want rest.
It is inescapable. And I could hole myself up and pretend it
isn’t happening. Avoid pretty much any and every post on my fb wall and blog
being written for that matter. I may find temporary peace. But the war
continues whether I participate or not. And it’s unrealistic to think my voice
would have any impact. But I have decided that maybe I’m not the only one. Just
the only one willing to say it.
And what exactly am I trying to say? What solution do I
propose? How can the world’s problems be solved in one blog post? Lord knows I
wish I had the answer.
I really think it all boils down to one question posed by
Jesus himself, “Who do YOU say that I am?”
Behold, the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world.
We are so caught up in so much. We point fingers across the great political
divide. Cast stones at one another in an attempt to influence one another’s
point of view for the better. Clinging
to our pride, adamant that WE have the right answer. And I literally ask myself
the cliché question, What WOULD Jesus do? Undeterred by either party he would
enter the room, acknowledge the presence of people, remove his cloak and wash
their feet. This man/God would SERVE. He
would serve the raging liberal demanding equal rights for all people. He would
serve the dogmatic republican staunch in his views on capitalism. He would
search deep beneath the surface of these issues and touch their heart. Simply
with His love. And in that moment, in that room—there would be no divide
because He would have bridged it. Black, white, gay, straight, Catholic,
atheist, feminist, menonite, JUDAS Iscariot. Jesus is not partial. For the son
of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom
for ALL.
This is when losing my life makes sense! Surrendering it all
for the sake of serving and loving. Not for fixing people because they are so
messy. Or convincing them that I have all the answers and that if they just
believe the way I do they will live a richer, fuller life. But simply humbling
myself, releasing any impartiality or prejudice and graciously meeting someone
where they are at, reaching down removing their shoes and washing their feet
with the overwhelming love of Jesus. Not out of obligation, or because I’m
supposed to. Not so others can see me and witness my amazing ability to be so
humble and Christ like. God no. May it never be. But completely out of the
sheer desire to love because I have been loved and they are an image bearer of
the King and DESERVE respect, honor, grace and love. No matter their social
standing, sexual orientation, incarceration, political party, religion,
ethnicity, drug use or lack there of, mental stability, etc.
Is anyone else tired of the endless finger pointing and name
calling? Is it possible for us to take our eyes off of everyone else and what
they think and point our focus on the ONE that matters most. Is it really our
place to point out where everything is going wrong? Can we be a part of the
solution rather than the problem? Focus on simply loving God and loving others.
Then is all the rest even necessary?
I’ve come to the conclusion in all my wrestling and inner
conflict that I am responsible for myself and no one else. I can’t control or
convince others to agree with my opinion or viewpoint. I am unable to force “Christians”
to live up to their namesake. I place unrealistic demands on people I don’t
even know expecting that they understand love and peace the way I do. I have taken on the worries of the world
thinking I might actually influence the world. Who do I think I am?
I am drawing a circle. And I am going to commune with Jesus.
I am going to ask Him what the best choices are for my life and I am going to
do my best to respond obediently. And my prayer would be that as I follow hard
after Him; that His love would spill over to those around me. That they would
SEE the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self control and THEY too would want the same for their lives.
And who am I kidding really? When I see the discord and
disunity. Dissention and disgust. Who is behind it all? I can almost hear the
maniacal laughter emitting from every fiber of his being. Relishing in the slander and sacrilege. We
are his actors putting on a brilliant performance. He directs, we acquiesce. He
prowls around just waiting to jump at the chance to cash in on our hurt
feelings. He knows how to soothe our precious egos by convincing us we are
every bit justified in retaliating with our words and staunch opinions. He
seems less concerned with the outcome and more entertained by the process. We are so convinced the opposing side is our
enemy. But it’s the one whispering those juicy lies we love to hear in our
ears. Coddling the idol of self worship
and self elevation. Or keeping us quiet. Don’t get involved. It’s too risky.
People can be awfully mean. Stay safe. Comfort first. Me first.
So if you too are in a funk, please know you are not alone.
If you hear things that make your skin crawl from people who supposedly
represent your faith and values, you are in good company.
I could spend time bashing and retaliating against those
types of comments.
Then I’m just as guilty.
The one place where I know we are on the same playing field
is at the foot of the cross.
All of us. Same boat. Regardless of our political agenda or
theological interpretations.
There is none righteous.
Not. EVEN. ONE.
Not even ME.
I am forced to look up and acknowledge without Him, I am
nothing. And He took it upon Himself to keep me from having to hang there
myself. My peace. My rest.
Christ alone.
Maybe that is the answer to the world’s problems. In one
blog post.
Join me as we wrestle with the uncomfortable reality of unrest
and instability looking to the cross as the source of our peace and the solution to our pride.
