« Violent Femme | Main | Broken Poem »
December 4, 2004
Sterotyping-Engagement
I think that some rigidly conservative people have the tendency to write people off, and then not engage them. On the other hand, while some liberal people theoretically accept everyone and everything, they also do not engage people.
Where am I on that spectrum? Or, more pertinently, where does Jesus call me to be?
I donŐt think I can ever choose to write any one off. There may be situations in which it is either fruitless or impossible or even unwise to engage someone, but I should never write them off as hopeless in my heart. That is GodŐs prerogative alone. And, I am not privy to his counsels.
On the other hand, while on a fundamental level I must always accept someone, I can, and indeed must, choose to not only Ňnot acceptÓ but rather Ňactively rejectÓ behaviors and philosophies which run counter to GodŐs will. And, this, not only in the lives of others but in my own life. Especially in my own life.
There are correctives for whatever side of the spectrum upon which one finds oneself. And while engagement is not the key to, it must be the path for a healthy spiritual life.
We must never write off people, never condone sin, and always be open to engaging people, no matter how different they our from ourselves. Hey, we donŐt know what GodŐs got up his sleeve for them or us.
Sermon over.
| By jackdas | 3:55 PM
