Today’s scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Squire):
The first couple times I tried to write today’s Be Still, they ended up as angry rants. Probably not what you want to read, and probably not what I want to be known for. 🙂
I was raised in a conservative Christian tradition, and the actions of the Pharisees in today’s reading brought up too many memories of too many stupid religious people. Rule-keeping (and keeping up appearances) often took precedent over love and the real needs of real people. The Christian high school I attended had an extensive handbook that covered every possible infraction, and I nearly titled this entry Smoking, Drinking, Dancing, and Movie Attendance in memory of one particularly detailed section.
As I meditated on this passage and some of Jesus’ other teachings (especially Matthew 5) I was reminded of Peaches.
Peaches was a nurse I knew years ago. (I never found out if that was really her given name.) When asked how she was, she always replied, “I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got.” As silly as it may sound, I’ve come to apply her philosophy to the religious leaders of my past, to the Pharisees in today’s reading, and even to myself.
It’s so easy to hear the latest dumb thing to come out of Pat Robertson’s mouth, and fly off the handle. I assume the worst motives from people like him, and they ascribe the worst motives to GLBT people and others they disagree with, and ’round and ’round the vicious circle turns.
But I’ve known enough conservative religious people personally — including my own family — to know that their motives are not evil. And as much as their actions hurt me, I knew without a doubt that they were acting in love, as best they knew how to show it.
So where does this leave me? Here are some of my thoughts:
- I shouldn’t assume the worst. Most people really are doing the best they can, with what they’ve got.
- There’s a time to confront. Jesus didn’t just leave the Pharisees in their ignorance. He challenged them with strong words: “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’”
- Physician, heal thyself. I wonder how many times I’ve been the self-righteous accuser, dismissing people because they didn’t follow my particular set of rules? Who do I look down on? Who would I not have dinner with? Does my church draw lines between who’s ‘acceptable’, and who isn’t?
Thought for the day:
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven.
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
–Matthew 5:43-46
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.