In ministry, I am given a voice. And
today I am torn between the prophetic and the political voice. This is
the anniversary of 9/11. It is a day that is ripe for prophetic
statement, but at the same time is very politically charged. One might
challenge, the other might heal. Or maybe both voices have the capacity
to challenge and heal; just like both have the power to alienate and
reinforce old, stale views.
In my weakness, I often default to the political voice, in the service of self-preservation and advancement. But in what I believe is a God-given strength, I deeply desire for humanity to overcome its old hatreds and advance toward things better than we've ever dreamed. And humanity has only ever advanced when it was challenged to do so; even "pissed off" to the point that it would do so. And that is the role of prophetic statements, to get people riled up.
In my weakness, I often default to the political voice, in the service of self-preservation and advancement. But in what I believe is a God-given strength, I deeply desire for humanity to overcome its old hatreds and advance toward things better than we've ever dreamed. And humanity has only ever advanced when it was challenged to do so; even "pissed off" to the point that it would do so. And that is the role of prophetic statements, to get people riled up.
So which do I choose? Am I so vain that I think my statements or views
would make any difference? After all, we live in an age of vanity, the
age of the "selfie" and twitter, where we broadcast our every thought,
whether people want to hear them or not. Or am I so cowardly that I
won't stand up for what is right?
I guess when it comes down to it, I have a simple mind and a simple prayer. I pray that today, instead of resorting to political speeches and rallies, we seek forgiveness for the fallen world we've made. I pray that we really think on the only two commands God ever really gave: that we love God with everything we are, and that we love others as much as we love ourselves. And I pray that God heals us, despite our immense stupidity in the face of such global challenges as we look upon today.
That's it; no support for one political side or the other. And this statement offered no real, concrete solutions to our problems (sorry to disappoint whoever was hoping for such things). No grand political statement to make. I'm just a big dummie that wishes people would come together and do the great things that we are able to do as a species, instead of killing each other all the time.
I guess when it comes down to it, I have a simple mind and a simple prayer. I pray that today, instead of resorting to political speeches and rallies, we seek forgiveness for the fallen world we've made. I pray that we really think on the only two commands God ever really gave: that we love God with everything we are, and that we love others as much as we love ourselves. And I pray that God heals us, despite our immense stupidity in the face of such global challenges as we look upon today.
That's it; no support for one political side or the other. And this statement offered no real, concrete solutions to our problems (sorry to disappoint whoever was hoping for such things). No grand political statement to make. I'm just a big dummie that wishes people would come together and do the great things that we are able to do as a species, instead of killing each other all the time.
