For The Common Good

Whatever happened to the Christian foundation values of loving others as Jesus loves, utilizing God’s gifts for the common good, laying down my life, serving, sacrificing, and understanding that we, who are many, are one body. The eye can’t say to the foot I have no need of you? Judge not, Father, forgive, they know not what they do, remove the plank from your own eye; in Christ there is neither Gentile nor Jew…

Instead.

The airwaves are choking with finger-pointing and blame as we grapple with these strange and turbulent times. No one is spared. Anyone who dares poke their head above the horizon will be shot down before the sun has set on their appearance in whatever arena they enter.

Issues are seldom debated, reasoned discussion is facing extinction, and being friends who disagree seems a rarity. It is quite possible for good, Godly/or ungodly, genuine people to have different views and be friends (but it takes two).

Nothing is new under the sun.

As I often do, I reflect on the times of Jesus, the politics, and the culture. It was a cruel and harsh environment into which Jesus was born, grew up, taught, and was crucified. Leaders were self-absorbed, justice was hardly democratic, politics was corrupt, and leadership was compromised at every level.

Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, who lived 800 years before Jesus, understood his frail humanity. When he heard God’s call on his life, his first response was: “I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” In other words, just because God has called you, it does not mean that you cease to live with very human limitations (often on display).

People who have failed, know their weaknesses, admit to their imperfections, and keep learning usually make the best leaders. The wisest leader ensures that he or she is surrounded by others with strengths they do not possess.

We often judge others by standards we refuse to apply to ourselves. Over my life in ministry, I’ve known many people’s secrets. Everyone falls short. Everyone has things they regret. Some have their actions revealed in public, and others have indiscretions that have never surfaced in a manner that demands accountability or explanation. Some are aware, others not so much. God is under no illusions about any of us. That’s why He stated through Paul: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory/perfection of God.”

Paul himself was guilty of murder, persecution, distorted teaching, arrogance, cruelty, and who knows what else? He never deserved to be called by God nor entrusted with a leadership position representing Jesus. God calls and equips men and women who know their frailty (usually, as they try to follow him, they discover their need). Imperfect people who have learned to confess to their failings, turn from their blind wrongdoing, ask him to forgive, and pray for strength in their weakness. More than once. It is called grace, amazing grace. We learn to lead from God’s strength and provision, not our perfection or performance.

When people point fingers at those in public office and tear them apart for past indiscretions, I am more interested to know how those seeking office own their unfortunate choices, whatever the reason. Do they admit it? Have they learned? Are they more humble? Are they empathic and kind? Have they stared in the mirror? I’m looking for character, courage, integrity, and humility, at least somewhat visible among the inevitable imperfections. The end does not justify the means.

Most of us have ideals we seldom live up to, make promises that we fail to keep, and have ideals we frequently betray in our daily lives. God is the only one I trust implicitly, even when I do not understand so much about his ways, my life with him, the state of the world, and why, why, why?

Enough said. Tough love, truth, and transparency are essential. Surely, we can be kinder (salt and light) to help make things better? The early Christians died in the Coliseum of Rome rather than submit to Caesar as Lord. The church was built on the blood of the martyrs. Perhaps those who follow Jesus need to be prepared to shed their own blood rather than stab at others, whatever the ‘others’ politics or beliefs.

The early Christians’ worldview was turned upside down. The disciples were offended when the Samaritans refused to welcome Jesus into their town. They wanted to have him ‘rain fire down upon them’. Instead, Jesus rebuked them. They had all manner of ideas and opinions about the Messiah and his role. Jesus was nothing like what they expected!

Whatever happened to the radical message of Jesus, salt and light? If the flavor is lost and the light is hidden, evil and darkness prevail. Good people blaming, accusing, and doing nothing pave the way for…..

Surely we can do better.