ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 5, 2023
How powerful is the voice of guilt in your head or heart? Now I am quick to remind people that guilt is not always a bad thing. It is a part of our broad emotional bandwidth that notices ethical or moral dissonance inside of us—that uneasy feeling that what I am doing may not reflect what I claim to believe. But let’s be clear—guilt is not a way of life! It is not a tool someone else uses on you, even when that person (or religion) dresses it up with lots of pretty religious language. John the Baptist might have been the Guilt Guy, though calling people to change can stir some of that dissonance within us. In the end, John spoke of one who was coming (referencing Jesus), as to say, “I know I’m the negative person, but the one who is coming is so full of grace that you’ll want to put aside whatever you are doing that may not be aligning with God because you’re so pumped up by the message of immeasurable grace and unconditional love.” That is, of course, Bruce’s interpretation, so take it for what it’s worth. With that said, I want to be overly cautious in suggesting that guilt has a place, simply because of the ways Christianity has so dangerously and destructively used it. If you’re feeling guilty, do a little assessment (maybe ask a friend, counselor, or minister to help), seek the source, and ask yourself, “Is it something over which I have some control and can make a change?” If so, you’ve learned something and can begin the work. If not, pack up the guilt and leave it for the next trash day. Remember, guilt should never be recycled.
Gracious God, by the very life of Jesus, you revealed how guilt is not a weapon or an emotion intended to hold sway for long periods of time. It can be a wake-up call, but it should not be a constant voice in our heads. You created us, not for guilt but for life… the abundant life. You desire to see us set free to live in such a way that we not only acknowledge the blessings we receive but also have the opportunity to bless others. Guilt is the blessing killer if we give it permission to stay, so help us learn and grow, make needed changes, and move on. This is our prayerful request. Amen.
