“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ~ Edmund Burke
This blog has developed an interesting personality.to my previous thoughts concerning President Obama’s remark that his bowling style “looks like the Special Olympics.” A few folks asked a question that went something like this: “When someone does wrong are you claiming we should just ignore it?”This command is often simplistically cited as proof that Christians should never judge the actions of others. However, the subsequent context conveys a deeper message as Jesus embellishes His point:
For some reason, readers seem more comfortable sending reactions via email rather than commenting on the blog itself. I appreciate the feedback either way, and I’d like to respond to some recent messages.
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In Matthew 7 we find a verse that’s frequently mis-interpreted. Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7)
I don’t think the reference to eyes is an accident. Our eyes are among the most delicate and sensitive parts of our bodies. If even a small particle becomes lodged in my eye and I’m unable to locate or remove it, I certainly want a friend to help. Ignoring it makes no sense. But I want anyone who’s messing around my eyes to have clear vision, deliberate purpose, and a steady hand.
Jesus is clearly NOT admonishing me to ignore the speck in a brother’s eye. He IS suggesting that I make certain that my own vision is clear before addressing a delicate issue with someone else.
I absolutely believe we should confront wrong when we encounter it, but any confrontation must be done in love. Before I undertake criticism of another, I must examine my heart and my motives. When I’ve addressed whatever obscures my vision, I’m able to confront with clear eyes and a pure heart.
Christianity too frequently criticizes from a distance. Jesus did that with self-righteous religious leaders, but with others He formed relationships. He engaged them in meaningful, intimate conversations that challenged their thinking and changed lives. He didn’t do “hit and run” confrontation or “drive by” criticism. He wasn’t afraid to get His hands dirty and get close to those who needed Him.
I can, and should, address wrong. But I must do it in love, with clear vision. I must first take the time to create relationship, to show the other person why I can be trusted to approach a delicate, sensitive area with compassion.
As I continue to tell the story of Relentless Grace I am humbled by the characters who didn’t ignore my struggle. They traveled the path with me even when it wasn’t easy or pleasant. They spoke into my life not with words but with self-sacrifice, with relationship, with love.
Many folks recognized that I was going in the wrong direction and were eager to point out my mistakes. I’m grateful for people who walked beside me, engaged with me, and pointed me toward a better way.
It’s hard to get entangled in someone else’s difficult situation. Have you ever turned away from a friend’s struggle because you just didn’t want to get involved?
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