Sometimes

Sometimes, being nice is just not enough.

Sometimes, the world we live in seems in turmoil, with chaos in every direction and ugliness and violence increasingly the tolerated and accepted norm. Common sense is drowned in the deepest sea of denial and deception, and not a rock is found to stand on solid ground.

Sometimes words, semantics, and accusations are cruel. Opinions tickertape across social media, garnering likes or hates, while those in the crosshairs of the topic continue to suffer.

I witness the atrocities of Gaza, and there is no way in the world I comprehend how such cruelty can be defended or justified. Of course, there is complexity and culpability on every side. But the unequal scales of justice are jaw-dropping, particularly when supported by those professing faith in God. The same goes for the insane war between Russia and Ukraine and probably every other conflict on earth.

We have a pandemic of blind eyes and deaf ears. There is a rampant disease of selfish opportunism among politicians and a shrivelled, human-size version of religious christianity without power that’s only made matters worse.

The God I know, revealed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, is passionately loving and caring for all humanity. He never takes sides and never condones violence. He was prepared to lay down his life before a brutal Roman dictatorship and a duplicitous and cowardly Jewish leadership. He challenged both parties and shed his blood to offer forgiveness for all: “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”

Sometimes, we must look in the mirror and face our misguided thoughts and blind spots, or at least consider the possibility. Righteousness and truth are rare and hard to find; they demand real courage to manifest, defend and apply without prejudice.

Sometimes, we must slowly pick the fruit, taste, chew, digest, and reflect. There is a palpable difference between the character and values of a personal follower of Jesus and a religious zealot. When people grab their image of God from heaven and pressgang him into their agendas, politics and worldviews, they are manifesting religion. That’s why they can commit all manner of atrocities ‘in his name’ without a conscience. Their end always justifies their means. The ways of Jesus take too long, appear weak and ineffective, demand too much, and are not gratifying or often well-received.

Religion separates church and state, but not always. Neither Putin nor Trump would be in power without ‘religion, church, and ritual’. Religion quotes the Bible to justify actions (usually the Old Testament). Followers of Jesus allow the Bible to be God’s source of instruction, their revelation of how He views them and the world, and their guidance in the ways of justice, truth, and love. There is a world of difference between submitting to Jesus’ teachings and quoting them.

Followers of Jesus choose to fight battles with his weapons; forgiveness, truth, mercy, justice, sacrifice, and unconditional love. If force is to be used, it’s a reluctant last resort to be utilised for as short a time as possible. It’s tough to do in the face of military power and highly financed political campaigns. Slick marketing seems so much more effective in the short term.

The worldviews of Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu are so far from the heart of Christianity, Orthodoxy, or Judaism that it would be a joke if it were not so serious. I’ve lost friendships with those who fly Trump’s flag because he purports to support their pet stand on abortion, Israel, freedom, or whatever. Intimidation is rampant, invariably a weapon of choice for bullies, autocrats, and religious leaders.

The God revealed through Jesus invites us to say anything, discuss, argue, and wrestle. Truth has no fear, insecurity, or the need to control another. For light to shine, we have to name the darkness. Truth is truth is truth, like gravity to the spirit. There are many opinions but only one truth. Our truth is our opinion, for starters, whether universally valid? That is the challenge.

God has no favourites.

“It’s difficult to live in this country in this moment and not come to the conclusion that the principle concern of the modern American liberal is, at all times, not what one does or believes or supports or opposes, but what one is seen to be. From this outcome, everything is reverse-engineered. Being seen as someone who believes in justice-not the messy fraught work of achieving it is the starting point of any conversation on justice. Saying the right slogans supersedes whatever it is those slogans are supposed to oblige. It makes sense-when there are no personal stakes, when the missiles are landing on someone far away, being seen as good is good enough. (One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. Omar El Akkad)

The toughest pill to swallow is that the world we live in is of our own making. God has given us the freedom to choose, live as we please, and govern according to laws unto ourselves. It’s not a pretty sight. It is the same as two thousand years ago when a Saviour was born in a stable in Bethlehem, while other mother’s sons were killed to alleviate the paranoia of Herod being challenged by rumours of the birth of an unknown King.

Jesus’ message remains true to this day. Even when still mired in our mess, he continues to bear witness to a better way, truth, and life. His hallmark is peace.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

History repeats itself because we are hard of hearing. The Good News is that God repeats himself as well. Which gives us the opportunity of new beginnings, hope, and turning over a new page.

Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

In a land of my heart
In the valley of my soul
When the waters of my fears begin to rise
I feel your love taking hold

In the valley of my mind
On the road of the unknown
When the shadows of my doubts are closing in
You are the light that brings me home

And when I’m breathing
I don’t understand
But I can feel it
Every waking moment
In your presence
This peace won’t let me go

There is freedom
Laying all my worries
At your feet again
Even in my struggle
I’m surrendering
Your peace won’t let me go

When my strength is nearly gone
When my wells have all run dry
It’s your kindness that will lead me to your arms
Where I find grace that you’ve supplied

And when I’m breathing
I don’t understand
But I can feel it
Every waking moment
In your presence
This peace won’t let me go

There is freedom
Laying all my worries
At your feet again
Even in my struggle
I’m surrendering
Your peace won’t let me go

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
Surely all that you’ve promised
You’re so much more than I can see
I will rest in the assurance that I have all I need
Here in the Father’s peace