Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, Greg and his mother and I attended a 50th anniversary celebration of the dedication of Greers Ferry Dam, which was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy on October 3, 1963. Today’s keynote speaker was President Bill Clinton, who reminded us of President Kennedy’s remarks and the world events of that era. He noted the civil rights struggle and how Arkansas’ own governor disagreed with President Kennedy in this matter… that our country was just beginning to emerge from the effects of wars and global conflicts…and how there was a struggle in our country over voter rights. He also cited a famous speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which Dr. King reminded all of us to… “Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.” In other words, President Clinton used Dr. King’s words and those of President Kennedy to encourage us to set aside our personal affronts and differences, and reach out a hand to one another… to work together for a better future.
There is no room in this admonition for us to pick on one another… to argue and dole out blame. This is not just the wise caution of two former United States Presidents and a Nobel Peace Prize-winning clergyman and civil rights activist! These are also the words of Jesus Christ, as He tells us clearly to take a long, hard look in the mirror before we choose to criticize or belittle someone else. Jesus reminds us that we cannot call another person names, look down our nose at them, or demean them in anyway until we have become blameless, spotless, and inarguably perfect in every way! Can I tell you something? This will never happen!
We do have a choice. We can remain smug and find every possible reason to fail to get along. We can be critical and self-serving and find faults in others left and right. We can neglect to make any progress… and create a pretty sad legacy for future generations. Or we can heed the suggestions offered today in President Clinton’s remarks and this scripture passage… we can take the focus off of ourselves and our own agendas and find a way to get along. We don’t always have to agree. We don’t always have to be right. We just have to find a way to work together and make forward progress.
Our focus should not be on “us versus them”. Instead, we should be asking at every turn, “How does God want me to work with others for His purposes?” What does He desire that we build together? How does God want me to set aside my desires and differences for the greater good of His kingdom – and others? It’s simply not about you… or me! And the sooner we quit griping and complaining about the other guy and work on our own shortcomings… the sooner we stop being so critical of others and start looking for positives…the sooner we take the focus off of ourselves and put it where it belongs - on God and His plans and desires - the sooner things will improve on all fronts.
The choice is ours… the next move depends on us. How will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment