Wednesday Word with the Pastors
Feb. 8, 2012
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
A man buzzed the door at the church late into the cold night. Some of us were there, gathered for a meeting, so I went to open the door. He was disheveled and wanted to come in. I told him no as this was not the appropriate time. Probably I thought, “Here’s another guy just trying to get something from me.” Or, possibly I was scared – what does this man want at this time of the night? I began to close the door, but he yelled out, “Please! I’m homeless and cold. In the name of Jesus please help me!”
That got my attention. There I was meeting at the church acting like I was about God’s business, and yet I was about to shut the door in his face. I did not know how to respond or help, but I knew that if I were homeless on a cold night I would want someone to help me. I asked him to wait, and another within our group, who is gifted with such care, volunteered to assist him. We prayed with him, and they went to look for shelter.
Caring for others is hard – especially hard when we must care for strangers. It is scary. It makes you vulnerable. Because of this, we have a tendency to become hard-hearted to others’ needs. We convince ourselves that the other is unworthy of help. “They’re just using the system! Helping them isn’t going to help anyone.” We reason within ourselves that they managed to get themselves into the mess so why should we help them out of the mess? We grow hard in our hearts and refuse help because of fear! We are scared to be vulnerable to someone else’s need.
In the political world this fear of vulnerability is turned into catchy slogans that are used as weapons against imaginary groups of people. We listen to the rhetoric – get riled up – get angry – and all to what end? To effect change? No. All of this anger is just more of the same. The true end of it is a hard heart towards the other. And the frightening end of it is a hard heart towards God. For if you are unable at least to deal with other people as human beings made in the image of God, then you are unable to receive the grace of Jesus Christ that was given for the world. And, what do we have if we do not have God’s grace in Jesus Christ?
Politics is the public expression of the people of the land. The people of the land are composed of the individuals of the land. And, since we are such a diverse group of individuals it is truly difficult to agree on minor issues, yet alone major issues. But that is no excuse to allow our fear and anger make us hard hearted towards others.
Jesus calls us to love one another. Does this include even the people we do not agree with? Yes. Even the people who do not deserve it? Yes. Even the people who do not belong? Yes. WHY? Because at some point each of us will experience life in these categories too, and at that time how will you want others to treat you?
Peace,
Aaron Teter