Dave’s Monday Blast – November 18, 2019
A well-known conservative commentator noted of late, “almost every cultural institution…universities, the public schools, the NFL, the Oscars, the Tony’s, the Grammys, late-night television, public restaurants, coffee shops, movies, TV, stand-up comedy…has been not just politicized but also weaponized.” In the most polarized and politicized culture of my lifetime, Henry James’ advice is more urgent than ever, “There are three things that are important in human life. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.”
It is certainly true that Christians must speak up and stand up for truth today. It is difficult to identify an issue on which our culture is not moving further from Biblical morality by the day. On the other hand, it is urgent that Christians speak up and stand up for truth in a way that ultimately leads people to the Truth.
Pastor Jim Denison comments, “Jesus taught us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). The second imperative amplifies and applies the first. It is hard to hate someone for whom we are praying. The more we pray for them, the more we come to love them. And the more we love them, the more we will pray for them.” That’s good isn’t it!
Jesus explained why such kindness is so important: “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (v.45). Just as a father loves his children whether they love him or not, so we must love each other whether they love us or not.
Denison continues, “It’s easy to love those who love us: Jesus asks, ‘Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And when you greet only your brothers, Jesus asks, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?'” (v.46-47). But when we love those who do not love us, we stand out in a way people cannot forget.
Have you heard of “Golden Rule 2020: A Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics.”? Its organizer explained that the goal is “to remind Christians that our faith has something to say about how we talk to each other and that these insights are relevant to our political discussions…particularly in difficult times like these. Within our cultural conversations we must be INTENTIONAL about practicing Biblical teachings when we chat with people with contrary worldviews.
It has been said that the truest test of character is how we treat people we don’t have to treat well, but Jesus says we have the privilege of loving then by praying for them; treating them with kindness x times 3. Maya Angelou said it well: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That’s good isn’t it!
