We




We the people…We have a problem.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.  There is a time when each of us needs to grab a mirror and do some serious self-reflection and self-examination.  Generally speaking, if someone or something gets our blood boiling and so passionately riles us up, then it is actually an invitation for self growth.  We may or may not be correct in our assessment about that someone or something.  However, if that person or thing drives us so crazy that we go nuts when we even think about it, then it is a clear call for us to shine some light into our own darkness.  There are people on many sides of all spectrums taking advantage of we the people.  If we think this talk show host, that podcaster or a certain politician is going to solve all of our problems, then think again.  Generally speaking the focus is not on intelligent discussion and resolution but on manipulating you and me to keep watching.  The only people who can stop others from exploiting us, are us!


“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." (Matthew 10: 16 NIV)

Jesus sent his disciples out into the world with a message and a mission.  The message was that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.  God’s love is always at hand, dare to reach out.  The mission was to heal and to call out evil.  God’s love is always for the taking, dare to grab ahold.  Notice that a good leader always points to a positive, healthy and caring message that is bigger than any one person.  It is something that builds up and doesn’t tear down, even enemies.  If another does not desire to receive God’s message, then we are to brush it off and move forward.  Don’t worry, God’s justice will prevail.  Once again, the message of God’s love is always most important.  Nothing is to detract from it.  Even our pursuit of or trying to protect our precious “American Dream.”


Jesus also sent his disciples out with a warning.  He knew that his beloved followers would encounter hardship and opposition.  In the face of such hardships we can get lost.  We may lose track of why we are doing what we are doing.  It is easy to become defensive, angry, and even vengeful.  Jesus knew this.  It takes a wise and innocent person to stay prayerfully focused on God’s message and mission.  There are many tempting off ramps that actually wind-up damaging the message and hurting the well intentioned messengers.  There are many enticing and competing movements and leaders.  Some are political.  Some revolve around an issue.  They may initially be more attractive.  They may even seem to offer the best solutions for us, but they really don’t.  They are never to take precedence over God’s movement of love.  If a leader or movement has a message that is exclusive in nature rather than inclusive, then it is a false message.  If a leader or movement promises easy comfort rather than purposeful challenge, then it is a false message.  If a leader or movement focuses more on retribution rather than forgiveness, then it is a false message.  If a leader or movement focuses on winning at all costs rather than impartial justice, then it is a false message.   If a leader or a movement promotes selfishness rather than selflessness, then it is a false message.  Some good leaders and movements start with great intentions, only to become what they profess to stand against. 


There have always been poor leaders and misguided movements in the world.  The antidote needs to be we the people, who let go of fear and hate to courageously grab hold of a love greater than ourselves.  What is needed is for we the people to reconnect with our true Christian message and mission.  We the people need to reevaluate what we really trust.  We the people need to change the tenor of public discourse.  We the people need to turn off and not click on things that are clearly divisive.  We the people need to value healthy respectful discourse and debate.  We the people need to encounter others with care in person, not blindly on social media.  We the people need to act locally trusting it will affect things globally (the reverse mentality rarely brings positive results).


Despite the apparent, constant negativity we are surrounded by, We the people are actually living in an exciting time.  There is constant opportunity for change, and it always starts in our hearts.  God’s love is constantly at hand.  We have already been blessed with the eternal message and mission.  The question is always and forever, will We the people participate in God’s solution?  I pray that we might.


Today is God’s Present!


Popular posts from this blog

Humility

Image
  I know what I know, and that’s all that I know, You know?  I am what I am, and that’s all that I am, I am pretty sure.  There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.”  It can actually be quite liberating.  Moreover, it is not a crime against humanity to change your mind or have your thoughts and opinions evolve over time.  That is actually a sign of intelligence, not of being a flip flopper.  We are all constantly growing, being and becoming.  Having an open mind and a good healthy sense of humility helps each of us age well, like a fine wine.  We are unique gifts with so many possibilities.  We are each a treasure, and God desires that we become wiser and richer in love everyday.   At the same time, we are never perfect.  We each need constant refinement.  The great deceptive trap that we all fall into is the pit of pride.  Now, pride can be a positive gift (See SP on Pride).  However, here I use pride ...
Read more

Link

Image
The first team I was proud to be a part of was my second grade soccer team.  I liked my fellow teammates.  It was fun playing the game with them.  The coach was passionate about the sport, an excellent teacher, and he obviously cared about us.  I had a clear role on the team as a goalie.  It was truly fulfilling.  We won the league championship and I got my first trophy.  Our parents gleefully cheered for us as we received them.  There is something wonderful about being a part of a special team.   There are common characteristics that special teams or great organizations possess.  First, the mission of the group is clear, worthwhile, and benefits others.  Second, good teams and organizations have tremendous leadership.  The leaders are passionate about what they do, can teach/ communicate well, and care about each individual in the group.  Third, the group is made-up of people with high integrity.  They work hard, g...
Read more

Forgive and Encourage!

Image
  Is there someone you need to forgive in life?  Is there someone who needs your encouragement?  Maybe you need to feel the gifts of forgiveness and encouragement.  When asked how to pray, Jesus reminds us of the central importance of forgiveness. He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.  Give us each day our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And lead us not into temptation." (Luke 11: 2-4 NIV) Saint Barnabas was an inspiring early apostle whose feast day is celebrated on June 11th.  Upon learning about Jesus, he responded with excitement and great devotion.  Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36, 37 NIV)   He also took Christ’s teaching to forgive others seriously.  After Saul’s c...
Read more