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| The good guys always win. |
When we read the scripture, specifically any interaction the
Pharisees have with Jesus, we read as an innocent third party. We see clearly
where they failed to understand and act. What would happen if we quit
condemning them? Would our eye be without plank? What if we placed ourselves in
their shoes, as if Jesus were speaking to us? I think, many times we would find
ourselves condemned with them.
Matt 23:23-24 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and
Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices — mint, dill and
cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice,
mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without
neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a
camel. NIV
In many positive ways we are like the Pharisees. We have the
right Book, God and religion. We endeavor to do well abiding by the principles.
We desire to fit into the religious institutions by saying and believing the
right things. We even work to get the correct wording of doctrines. At times we
are very meticulous.
Put simply, they did the religion. If asked (which happened
more than once) how to get to heaven they responded correctly. But that wasn’t
the problem. Yes, they fit well into the religious community and gave the
correct answers. However, the problem was they didn’t love as Jesus outlines in
the Sermon on the Mount and Matt 25 (unto the least of these).
A young man, newly a Christian and also a new acquaintance of
mine, saw a lonely attractive 15 yr old girl walking a country road by herself
late at night. He hesitated to stop and help because of the obvious awkwardness
of him, a young male and her, a young female. He wanted to help but didn’t want
to frighten her. Fortunately, he had his toddler daughter in the car with him,
which he thought might help. He picked her up and it turned out they had
previously met at a recovery class.
He found she had been kicked out of the house and had nowhere
to go. He knew he couldn’t take her to his house since he was single and lived
alone. So he called the best Christians he knew. He requested her a place to
stay the night. They refused. Instead, they gave my name and number. As a side
note they think it is my ministry to help people, because I say yes to needs. I’m
not joking, that is what they think: It is my ministry. Very bazaar!
Unannounced, after 10 at night he arrived at my house. She
had no clothes or undergarments so we took her to Wal-Mart. That night she
stayed with us.
Before you judge the people who refused, know this, they are
fine active Christians. I think they are some of the best in the community. But
what is the disconnect? What excuse would justify not taking her in?
These Christians are not unique, they certainly do not see
themselves lacking love for people or God, but neither did the Pharisees.
Lest you think this story is about me, it is simply a
comparison and contrast that is uncomfortable. It is a contrast in Christian philosophies
of love. I know these Christians and they are reflective of the predominant attitudes
of the Church at large.
The approach we need is twofold. Make ourselves available to
help and say yes. Be where people are who need help and make sure everyone
knows you are a “company man”: a ”yes” man. Therefore, when the opportunity
arises take action.
The Pharisee is no different than most of us. We aren’t available
and we pick and chose who and how we will help. This is not being the Neighbor
to the one in need. This does not fulfill the Law of Love.
By the way, It isn’t that heroic to help people.
It is the most basic
element of being human: even more. a lover of God. If we want to be the White
Hats we must act.
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