ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 23, 2022
I have been thinking a lot about consistency, the language we use, and responsibility. I think about the core values I claim to embrace, values I believe are central to what it means for me to be a good human being. The question that comes to mind is in regard to the values I claim and the language I use. Does my language, what I say, (or even what I share on social media), reinforce my values? And if the two do not necessarily communicate consistency, is there not a responsibility to do whatever is necessary to bring them into alignment? I’m not suggesting it is always easy, and sometimes it can be a bit messy and imperfect. At the same time, I have heard in recent years from people who I think should know better, people who make dramatic and lofty claims about their values, yet they offer rhetoric that is painfully destructive, demeaning, and seems to encourage violence while providing sanctimonious sanctioning of the violence. We do not know all the details around the mass shooting in Colorado Springs, but I know a lot of religious leaders, politicians, and other folks have made horrible statements, scapegoated others, and even suggested violence is a solution. And so much of this rhetoric is simply baseless. Truth-telling is a good value, yet when people make up facts, frighten others with groundless claims, and can only promote themselves by tearing down others, then truth-telling is probably not a value they really embrace. And what exacerbates the pain is when such folks are quick to tweet their condolences, yet the word “condolences” means to suffer alongside another. It does not mean I helped instigate the suffering, though that would probably be a more honest statement. Confession, being accountable, and seeking the path of mercy and repentance might make for a more truth-telling tweet. Being consistent is always a work in progress, but being responsible to the process is another value worth living.
I’m not seeking perfection, Merciful God, but I am not allowing my imperfections to be my excuse. Continue to give me strength and guidance as I strive to align what I claim to believe with the life I live. I pray in the name of the one who modeled such a life, Jesus Christ. Amen.
