Seems like we hear a lot about injustice lately.
Pipelines. Trafficking. Racism. Sexism. Religion. Immigration. Even bathrooms! Seems like everywhere we turn there’s some sort of debate, discussion, or dialogue about injustice. The FREEDOM TOUR, of course, enters the discussion by supporting kids rescued from the horrible injustice of sexual slavery.
So here’s a question:
How should we respond to injustice?
When we see injustice, when we see something we know just isn’t right, how should we respond?
Point #1: I’m the wrong guy to ask, because I want to go all John Wayne. When I see little kids abused, when I see the strong prey on the weak, I want to nuke somebody. And I know that’s the wrong answer.
Point #2: I need better guidance, so I found three wise men: Jesus, MLK, and Yoda.
Don’t laugh…I take my wisdom where I find it. All three of these teachers made the same point.
When responding to injustice, our means and our ends must be consistent.
Dr. King advanced a beautifully courageous light-in-the-darkness metaphor.
Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Yoda, the wise old Jedi master from Star Wars, used similar language when he warned young Luke (and us) about the dangers of the Dark Side.
Beware of the Dark Side. Anger, fear, aggression; the Dark Side of the Force are they.
Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight.
If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will.
When Luke asked whether the Dark Side was more powerful, Yoda quickly replied, “No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.“
Both Yoda and Dr. King borrowed their metaphors, and their wisdom, from the ultimate teacher’s Sermon on the Mount.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:14-16, 43-44)
The Dark Side of anger, hate, and fear feels like, in Yoda’s words, a quick, easy, seductive short-cut when we perceive cruelty and injustice. “Nuke ’em” seems like the answer. But returning hate for hate only multiplies hate, and we become the very thing we once opposed.
Let’s not become Darth Vader in our efforts to defeat him.
Our means must match our ends.
Love it:)