“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Mahatma Gandhi
When atheists blame Christians for the world’s problems, (a lot like Trump blaming Muslims or Hitler blaming Jews) it leads to division and fear. Finger pointing never leads to resolution, solution or unity.
We really must begin to look at ourselves, something unfortunately those who blame seem unwilling to do. I include myself in this exhortation, for I have been guilty of blaming, too. At the same time, I commit to listen to the Spirit’s guidance when He prompts me to seek the ways I have contributed to the divisiveness of groups within my reach.
I am never wholly – or holy – right. Even though I know God and hear His voice, I am not arrogant enough to be 100% certain I always speak for my Creator. When others boast of certainty, I always take this statement of pride with a few grains of salt. I hope you take mine as such too, and do your own research with other authors and, of course, in Jesus’ own words.
Look around you; take in the in-fighting and the name-calling. Is this the way we’re supposed to carry forward the Gospel? How many times did Jesus tell us to love one another? How many times did he urge us toward unity? And remember, his words came through the Father; they were not his own.
Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. (John 14:24)
The Spirit reminds me, when I’m about to judge, when I’m about to proselytize or preach, that Jesus’ words came from the Father and that I must examine the log in my own eye first. I must focus on allowing the Spirit to change my own mind and heart so I can see, hear and speak clearly, promoting unity, love and acceptance in Christ.
If I don’t reflect Jesus in my own image, how will others know Him? If I don’t emulate his words in my own, how will others begin to understand his unconditional love and compassion? If I don’t mirror his grace in my actions, how will anyone else see his invitation to mercy and forgiveness?
It is not my task, as His follower, to cast shame and guilt on the people He created. It is my task to open the possibilities of restoration, of family, of One People charged with the mission of restoration. As Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson wrote,
“There comes a time when we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all”*
“All people will know you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:35
*We Are The World, ©1985 Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson
Thank you to Mel Wild at In My Father’s House for the inspiration for this post.
Susan Irene Fox 
We all need to think before we speak and step up to make this world a better place. Very nice post Susan.
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Thank you, Peggy.
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I have been re-reading Carl Jung’s last book, Man and his Symbols this week. He points out the thousands of years of human emotions that bubble up to the surface without our conscious awareness and cause us to act out fluctuating moods. We really have little control over it as we, most of us, are only sporadically self-aware. I am clear that the majority of negative behaviors that we are seeing daily are antithetical to Christ’s message and example. Why we can’t remember that, we who call ourselves His followers, and curb our tongues is beyond me.
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Beyond me too, Beth, especially when the thoughts and words come from myself. 😦
Self awareness is the key, and it’s important to continue to look for the signs, the little ways we speak and act outside of our Father’s mission of restoration. When we catch ourselves in the little things and allow the Spirit to transform us, we won’t get to the bigger things that harm and hurt.
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Love this Susan. Mel’s post struck a chord with me as well. Even within the “body of Christ” there is so much division no wonder many view “Christians” as crazy. I am earnestly trying to do my part and not contribute to the madness.
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I agree, Lilka, and sometimes more peace and unity are found without than within the body. At the same time, it’s important for us to keep beating the drum to our own in hopes we all fall into the rhythm of Christ’s love and grace. (P.S. – glad you went over to Mel’s blog. He always inspires me. 🙂 )
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I’m finding a little more time for WP these days so I can wander more 😉
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“We really must begin to look at ourselves, something unfortunately those who blame seem unwilling to do.”
This is the biggest issue that leads to our self-deception. We don’t apply to ourselves what we expect from others, but when we finally do, we begin the path of true spiritual (and relational) maturity.
Very good, Susan. Amen.
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And thanks to you for the inspiration, Mel. ❤ ❤
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Yes, God is love, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ by our words and actions is our calling. This is a truthful and inspiring post. Thanks.
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You’re welcome, Dorissa. I pray more people would recognize the Good News is love, and the way to spread it is through “our words and actions.”
Thank you for your supportive comment today.
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Very timely given world events! At camp in the good ol days, we taught each group a song with a line ” and they will know we are Christians by our love”. Let alone the world, there are days when I could appear to be anything other than. Your post is perfect for communal prayer and meditation. Thank you for sharing your walk of faith!
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” and they will know we are Christians by our love”. Exactly, Rick. We too often forget this and go back to Old Testament thinking. If we are to follow Jesus, we must remember we are New Testament children.
Thank you for your thoughts today.
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thank you…I needed that.
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So did I, Susan; that’s why I wrote it. 😉
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[…] via Blame and Division — Susan Irene Fox […]
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Thank you again, my brother and friend. ❤
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You speak for many, including me, in this well written post. I am way too judgmental, and do not have the 1 Cor 13 love that I should emulate. I am a work in progress, and posts like those. help me see the areas that need work. Thanks!
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Pete, we are all a work in progress, all unfinished human beings. I find myself blaming, too. That’s when I know I’m not following Jesus. That’s when I know I must take a breath and once again turn my heart and mind over to Him through the Spirit, and trust He will transform me again to do His will – not mine. To think His thoughts – not mine. To speak His words – not mine.
It’s all too easy to follow the point of view of this world, especially these days. But if I am to continue to follow the Father through Jesus, through the Spirit’s guidance, I must listen to His words, not those surrounding me daily.
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