Moving on from emotional disappointments or bitter disputes is difficult but it is possible. In the previous blog, I discussed one of the first steps in moving forward is to recognize our calling. The second principle that we need to move forward is to humble ourselves. Politically the framers allowed a transition period where political power was ceded after acknowledgment of a electoral win or defeat. The founders framed this transition time as one where political leaders would realize that it is the electorate that determines their political fate, and a humble acknowledgment would preserve the unity of the country At the end of the day we are bound by a set of beliefs, and norms established in the constitution.
While the nation struggles with dealing with the fallout from leaders who fail to humbly place the nation above their personal interests the church itself is dealing with its own fall out. There were those who prophesied another four years led by our current president, and many of the leaders who were caught up in the allure of greater influence and stature politically. These leaders are dealing with the fallout of having misplaced hopes and expectations. The church has a higher calling than to be political pawns for elected officials. We are called to be the people of God, united in mind and purpose bound by our common belief in Christ’s redemption of our souls but also his redemption of all of fallen creation and civilization. As the church contains people of different cultures, languages, sexes, and different political persuasions and affiliations we must always reminds us on what unites us; our mission to proclaim the coming Kingdom of God and to live out its values and ethic to a world that is crumbling and tearing apart at the seams.
When we prioritize our calling and mission we gain perspective on how to deal with secondary issues that sometimes get in the way. This is why it is important that we assess our priorities and values. When we fail to regularly guard our hearts with all diligence, we allow idols to creep up and find ourselves serving them instead of the mission of God.This is particularly relevant in a relationship context. In a relationship we often find ourselves valuing competing interests differently, and fail to see how our actions, beliefs, and interests affect those we are in relationship with. This is where Paul’s exhortation for humility comes in.
In Paul’s exhortation to the church he paints a picture of the mission of the church and reminds this mixed multitude that their calling is to be one. He then gives another step to working toward that unity and asks this diverse group of people, who are comprised of different cultures, histories and languages to do the following:
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Paul stresses the importance of humility. Humility is a spirit and an attitude where one subjugates one’s own interests, rights, beliefs, attitudes, culture, politics for the sake of relationship. Humility does not mean that those things are not important nor does it mean they are not to be valued, but humility prioritizes relationship and mission over those things. If you look at the text it says to be humble and gentle. Those two words are related. When a person is humble one won’t harshly impose one’s beliefs or one’s correctness on others because that person is sensitive and aware of other perspectives. A humble person is gentle in dealing with others, because he prioritizes relationships over being right. This principal is critical in all relationships particularly marriage. There are times when we have to pick our battles, because we don’t want to waste our relationship capitol. There are times where I have to watch a boring romantic movie, or go shopping, not watch an entire sporting game or go out when I want to rest, not because those are things I want to do, but because I’m sensitive to the needs of my wife and value our relationship. Many a husband can relate to giving in to something simply because they don’t want to be worn down by an argument. Obviously there are extremes we have to avoid, but a healthy relationship involves give and take, it involves taking turns and being sensitive to the needs of others.
I think one of the most damaging aspect of today’s current climate is the complete lack of humility by our leaders that has created toxic culture of divisiveness and factions. Leadership has to be aware of contrasting beliefs and values and learn how to navigate and reinforce calling and mission when we find ourselves getting lost and mixed up with competing ideas, interests and methods. The more diverse an organization, the more sensitive, the more humble and the more redirection is needed. If we wish to establish a culture of humility we need to identify and silence the voices of stubborn pride and arrogance.
Our culture has encouraged a hyper critical and judgmental environment where everyone needs to express their opinion, consent, on any issue. What is unique about our time is that rather than debating the merits of an idea , there is a dehumanizing and depersonalizing that occurs where we mock, belittle and view those who hold opposing viewpoints as less than, and as people unworthy of honor and respect. We put whole swaths of people in a box and we make assumptions, proudly championing our beliefs while we caustically lampoon and denounce those who think otherwise. It is easy to simply ascribe this behavior to media personalities, or politicians, but this thinking has always sadly been part of the church. Tribalism in the church has been a growing problem in the church as much as it has been in the culture at large.
There is nothing wrong with having different opinions, cultures, beliefs, and political persuasions, however it does become a problem when we treat others differently based on how much their opinions and beliefs align with ours. It is a problem when we exalt ourselves, our rightness or correct thinking and we shame and asperse those who are different. This is why we need to go back to the Word of God and really ask ourselves a question? Have I been humble? Have I been gentle? Have I been quick to label people?Have I belittled and make fun of others? Those liberals, those conservatives. It is easy to fall victim to this type of thinking because it is all around us, but it has to stop.
We need to repent. All of us. Humility needs to be preached. We need to examine ourselves, our homes, our conversations. Some of us need to fast from social media, because that is often a breeding ground for toxicity. Lastly we need to engage with others, and learn to hear from them with a humility. We don’t always have to agree, but we can always listen. Jesus was the greatest demonstration of that. He came and dwelt with sinners, and he renounced all of his glory in order that he may gain others. Our God values relationships. Our God values diversity. We must do the same.
A voice in the wilderness 