I felt shame when I read in the news that the Christian organization that I love had allegations of “sexual misconduct” splattered across their building.
I felt shame when I read in the news that the country that we are associated with, that is our friend, has allegations of “extortion” splattered across that beautiful landscape.
Why did I feel shame?
- I am standing a bit close and am splattered a little by the mess.
- “Sexual misconduct,” “extortion” and other stuff like that is wrong.
Similarly, I read Lord of the Flies this week, and when Jack stole Piggy’s glasses and purposely smashed them, that was wrong.
Jack stole Piggy’s glasses just before he and his cronies felt justified to do worse stuff.
And so, if we wonder where some parts of Christian culture and some parts of American culture are headed, check out Lord of the Flies to find out.
Thankfully, Jesus is seated on his throne, far, far above those who define themselves by His name. Thankfully, He sits far enough above us that the splatters of dirt and messes we make on Earth don’t reach His robe. His identity is not affected by what we do in His name.
HE defines US, instead.
And this is the good news.
Jesus, when He walked on Earth for thirty-three years didn’t intentionally pick up the banners to support the various political or religious quarrels of His day, and so neither will I.
Instead, I will continue to receive the love the Father so generously pours out when I stop to listen to His whispers.
And I will give away some of the overflow of the love I receive to others.
Jesus’ kingdom of love is the only powerful kingdom still standing thousands of years after Jesus roamed a tiny piece of Earth for thirty-three years. This kingdom of love is the only powerful kingdom guaranteed to stand indefinitely in the future. (For example, a dozen uneducated followers in a remote unknown town have turned into almost one third of the planet who claim to follow Him.*)
Thankfully, I’ve found a leader I am always proud to serve.
And so, I can curl up next to Him, feel the comfort of His presence, and know that since I’m His child, bearing His name, I can soar on the wind of His presence into whatever turbulence I encounter in the world.
Who defines you, friend?
When the lyrics of the song below sing, “You are the peace that settles around us,” are you ready to reach down in humility and pick up this peace, friend, carrying it close to your heart? God, we pray that everyone reading these smudged, messy, and grimy words will be surprised to find a handful more of peace they can carry today.
Footnotes
*Have you carefully examined some of the evidence for why?
Photo Credit: Dirty hands by Stormseeker on Unsplash
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Restoring Life 