Take the Time

3–4 minutes

·

November 22, 2023

·

We are living in turbulent times. Rather than running for cover and allowing fear and imagination to run riot as we nibble on scattered bits and pieces tossed out here and there, it may help to take the time to explore, learn, dig deeper. There’s so much I don’t know.

I always begin with my foundation belief that all humanity is flawed and very far from perfect. The people I admire the most are those who demonstrate genuine humility and who are self aware. Meaning they appreciate their strength while having a good grasp of their imperfections; areas still in the process of growth. They can admit this reality with some appropriate self disclosure rather than only allow you to go as deep with them as, “I struggle with temptation when faced with ice-cream.”

The same principle is true for all institutions and nations. Unfortunately the majority of the time we are presented with cover ups and excuses, blame or justification. One of the most satisfying aspects of my Christian journey has been wrestling with hard questions and where is God? Where is God in suffering? Why are innocent people hurt? Why doesn’t he do anything? Why don’t we see more healing? Lots and lots of questions. And there are some helpful answers which make sense, to inform faith and to better embrace mystery for what it really is, rather than a convenient excuse for not knowing. When there’s something to hide the questions are discouraged. Always a red flag!

Imagine if you were face to face with God. My imagination used to take me there and I would cringe as I anticipated him scowling and naming all my wrong deeds and characteristics. I have fortunately learned that he begins with love and calling my name. He draws attention to all the positives before, if need be, addressing the stuff I’m more ashamed of. And when he does mention the negative? My immediate response would be to try to explain. To give a bigger picture – because wherever I failed, it didn’t come out of nowhere. I want to try and explain while I confess. There are always two sides. Try marriage counselling. Fascinating what is first presented by one party and then having a chat to the other later.

I’m sure you feel the same. One of the most painful experiences in life is to not feel seen, nor heard. To be judged from a distance, to be shunned, to be misunderstood, or worse – to be misquoted or misrepresented. Read God’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 to see how he loves and rebukes those for whom he cares.

In the current cultural climate we are not doing a great job of taking the time to look, to listen, to bite our tongues and remove the blinkers. There is so much we don’t know and are unaware of.

How is it that we can empathize with Ukraine when Russia invades, yet vilify Palestinians when Israel bombs relentlessly? The answer will be found in our perceptions. I’m working on learning more to try and have a better, wider, broader, and deeper understanding. I don’t find slogans, shouting, or a one-sided presentations to be helpful.

I’m conducting my own research. Perhaps one or two maybe interested.

I’ve just read this book focusing on Jewish and Christian Zionism. Like Birds in a Cage by David Crump.