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I am writing this the
day after members of Dallas police department were ambushed and killed in the
streets. I have read people’s blogs and posts regarding this issue. Some
say these attacks are symptomatic of the deeply embedded racism in our country.
Others say it is the natural consequence of years of lack of respect, or even
rejection, of authority, tracing its roots all the way back to the 60’s. Still
others say it is the result of our narcissistic society, the outgrowth of too
many reality shows about people who have nothing to contribute to society other
than being famous for being famous.
I wish to put forth a
more accurate scenario. Our present trouble is the result of sin. We wish to
rule ourselves, we have rejected God rule for self-rule. The problem with
self-rule is that everyone is rule to themselves. We each become little gods.
There is no way we can tell anyone, “You can’t do that,” or, “That’s wrong.”
In the last 24 hours I
have heard numerous pieces on how we need to embrace love; then we can begin to
learn to live together. Unfortunately, we live in a society that knows nothing
about love. Society labels love as acceptance. Acceptance means that I
take you exactly the way you are. As soon as I make a call about morals or
ethics, I am labeled as judgmental, racist, sexist, whatever –ist fits the
topic at hand.
At First Presbyterian in
Ennis, we sing a chorus in response to the benediction. The current one we are
using is an old camp favorite, They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.
Unfortunately, most of
us, myself included, stand little chance of being labeled as a Christian if the
only thing the world uses to make the decision is how we love. . .how we love,
not just the people like us, not just the people who will vote like we vote,
not just the people who have the same skin color or cultural values that we
have, not just people from our church, denomination, or who share religious
prejudices with me.
We fear one another.
Presently it seems minorities fear the established powers, while those same
powers do not feel that they can trust the very people they are entrusted to
watch over.
If perfect love does
indeed cast out fear, then it is our goal to seek that perfect expression of
love. As we seek common ground where all folks can stand equally we must come
to the knowledge that the only place where all people are equal is on their
knees at the foot of the cross asking forgiveness. Therefore, let us be Gospel
people, people who share the Good News frequently, not just so bad people can
become good people, but so fearful and anxious people can find that peace which
passes all understanding.
