As social media gets it deluge of people who think they know exactly what happened in the Michael Brown/Office Wilson grand jury, let’s be reminded that in times like this we are pastors, not prosecutors. We aren’t here to prosecute either side. We are here to walk alongside the wounded no matter which side of the line they have fallen on. We are like medics on the battlefield helping our wounded, the ones we tend to relate with or agree with the most but also realizing that humanity demands that we help those of the “other side” at times as well because a life is a life is a life.
So before you turn on prosecutor mode and fill the airwaves with rhetoric that only results in making things worse, remember, the most productive thing we can do is help people learn how to live the cruciform life as well as the resurrected life. That is the only thing that will enable us to get through the difficult times. We need our reverends and our pastors doing that, not riling people up. I challenge you to find someone you disagree with an instead of engaging them in an argument, engage them with a blessing and a prayer.
6 Responses
That’s so weak, lol
Matthew 5:9 KJV
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Amen to that!
Our politics and nationality too often trumps our Christianity! Thanks for this post;.
I couldn’t decide if it was sarcasm on Hank’s second comment but I think I understood the first comment clearly.I thank you Matt for the humble response. I agree that “leaders” of churches and communities should be careful in the things they express, especially preachers but members should be careful to also think before speaking. I recently had a brother that is a police officer say to me “let me know if you need me to shoot someone for you”.Kinda jokingly, but anyone with the authority of a badge and law enforcement brotherhood has a sort of built in protection of taking another human life. Policemen and women are considered heroes by many in society yet live and walk sinful lives before God.Even our praised military is always given the status of being so “right”.Everyone doesn’t have the same experiences with people that show . power through their authority positions. I’m so glad God is the final authority on our lives because he is Holy and just. We should encourage everyone in authority and all citizens to get our house in order.I certainly wouldn’t want a huge disappointment after this life on earth. hope that many will let go of hatred and embrace more love and respect for one another. God wills that for sure. To all commenters, be blessed and stay blessed!
Matt, written like someone close to the Word. Thanks for the reminder.