10-29-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 29, 2024
During the Regional Assembly in Amarillo, I attended a Workshop on Christian Nationalism. This remains an ongoing threat, not only to democracy but to how people perceive the Christian faith. During the presentation, the convener talked about Motivation and Justification. Often, people are not honest about their motivations when making a decision, and later, when they are forced to own the decision, they create a justification for the decision that has nothing to do with the real motivation. They often make decisions out of fear or an underlying anxiety. Later, because they do not wish to be outed for the real motivation, they reach for a justification that hides their anxiety and insecurity. Lots of folks justify by scapegoating the powerless and voiceless. Others join the false justification because they too want to look justified for their fear-induced rhetoric or hateful actions. The interesting thing is that most discerning people can see through smokescreen motivation in real time. But even if only a few see it in the moment, history has never remembered well those who blame the innocent as a justification to hide their real motivation. It takes both humility and strength of character to acknowledge and own our true motivations, but when we do, we live a more healthy life and don’t bring injury to the innocent. In Ephesians 4:25, we read: “So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.”

We honor and serve you, Lord God, in so many ways, but among them is choosing to be honest with ourselves about who we are, what our true motivations are, and the fears that remain embedded deep within us. Remind us of how Jesus revealed great strength in humility and weakness, and in living the way of self-giving love, he participated in fulfilling your dream for this world. May it be the same for those of us who take his name, calling ourselves Christians. Amen.