I have been deleting my impulsive facebook posts lately almost as quickly as I post them. It's a sign. I'm too preachy for that medium these days or at least on this topic. But I'm also waking up early in the morning with this on my mind. So I've decided to spread it out here.
I'm hoping and praying for peace continually. News of gathering war ships is scary stuff for my timid soul.
I'm hoping and praying for peace continually. News of gathering war ships is scary stuff for my timid soul.
However, I'm also frustrated by the public reasons I'm hearing for keeping out of international events: "What's in it for us?" "How much will it cost?" "How better might that money be spent here at home?" "As unfortunate as it is to know human beings are being assaulted by nerve gas, face it, people suffer all the time." "A US military response may also harm civilians so we should do nothing."
As I hear and read these comments, I'm asking myself what they are based on. Among my particular group of friends, one answer is their faith. I'm guessing that their faith has been trumped by fear. I'm listening for conviction, for commitment that seeks (or at least, struggles) to transition from statements of faith to action.
As Christians, our actions need to flow from our moral core -- from our understanding of Jesus' example of humility, compassion, confrontive truth-telling, and self-sacrifice. "Let your attitude to life be that of Christ Jesus himself." (Philippians 2:5a)
For me, as a Christian, it's a question of HOW we will best help any particular group of suffering humanity. Here's my personal list of 'whether's.'
whether we stand up against their oppressors (verbally/ militarily/ influentially);
whether we can bring humanitarian aid;
whether we step back to let others take the lead, acknowledging that in this instance we are less capable of understanding and providing what is needed in ways that are most helpful;
whether, alternatively, we accept that we ourselves are, in fact, those to whom much has been given in this instance and, therefore, from whom much will be expected.
whether we stand up against their oppressors (verbally/ militarily/ influentially);
whether we can bring humanitarian aid;
whether we step back to let others take the lead, acknowledging that in this instance we are less capable of understanding and providing what is needed in ways that are most helpful;
whether, alternatively, we accept that we ourselves are, in fact, those to whom much has been given in this instance and, therefore, from whom much will be expected.
Looking to theology, history and culture is a way to acknowledge we aren't the first people to deal with difficulties and that we can learn from those who went before us. Debate on these levels makes sense to me. Just being able to make a good case for something does not automatically make that a valid biblical stance; on the other hand, discerning and following God's lead often isn't easily explained to others, but there we are met and blessed by God's promised presence and power.
Do we remember that Jesus is at table with us, at the computer, tablet? His companionship makes all the difference. All. The. Difference.
Following Jesus means I factor all of these weighty matters honestly, that I take risks with an attitude of humility, trusting that God will use my response. It means I throw my personal influence behind outcomes derived from such motives on local and national forums. The only cautions I find in scripture are to repress my instinct to stay where I'm confident and secure in my own understanding, to avoid judging others as having lesser insight or value than myself, and to self-examine my real motives.
Following Jesus means I factor all of these weighty matters honestly, that I take risks with an attitude of humility, trusting that God will use my response. It means I throw my personal influence behind outcomes derived from such motives on local and national forums. The only cautions I find in scripture are to repress my instinct to stay where I'm confident and secure in my own understanding, to avoid judging others as having lesser insight or value than myself, and to self-examine my real motives.
I guess, to be completely honest, I have never understood selective-biblical-literalists. Jesus says love your enemies. Surely the complexities of our decisions need to begin there.
Whether we work for peace by negotiating further or by taking action against oppressors, we need to re-frame the discussion so we claim and seek to act consistently from our core truths.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shirley
