Talk Less . . .
I had never heard of Charlie Kirk before Wednesday night. I still have no real opinion on him because people on the left are just screaming about the horrible things he said and did and people on the right are just screaming about the wonderful things he said and did and I simply don’t have time to do the research to evaluate his actions and beliefs objectively, particularly when I suspect that such research would simply prove to me that he did good stuff and bad stuff just like all the rest of us.
The only opinion I have about the man is that he should not
have been shot.
And the fact that I even need to say that is distressing to
say the least.
And then Saturday morning, scrolling Facebook while waiting
for my groceries at curbside pickup, I had the opportunity to read through
somebody’s reposting from Thursday (September 11th) of the 9-1-1
conversation Todd Beamer had in flight before his death. I think I’ve read that
before, but this time, it almost brought me to tears. The whole picture in
front of me. Who we were 24 years ago this week . . . and who we are now.
Can I ask everyone reading this to do something with me?
Let’s all make a concerted effort to actually, genuinely
try to figure out if our words and actions are in line with God’s truth and
will.
Before we click the button to share something on social
media, let’s check with the Father and make sure this is something that will
make him smile and make his children know his love.
Before we pick up a sign to carry at a meeting or protest,
let’s stop and listen to see if Jesus is pleased with that behavior or has
something else in mind.
And here’s what’s important, friends: you have to be willing
to have the Lord shut you up and shut you down if that's his will. You have to be ready to either act or walk away based
entirely on what he says. As long as you are thoroughly convinced you are right
and justified, with no doubt in your heart or desire to change, there is no
opening to hear God telling you otherwise.
We are all wrong somewhere about something. All of
us. And the people on the other side are right somewhere about something. Humility
is required here. And listening ears. And submission.
God doesn’t force us to be loving, mature human beings. But
he’s quite willing to transform us into such if we’re willing to submit to the
change rather than enjoying the pleasure of whatever we are now.
As Aaron Burr says in Hamilton: “Talk less." LISTEN more. To each other . . . and to Him.
Lord, have mercy on us. (How many times have I prayed
that here in the past year . . .)
Such good words! No one should rejoice that the father of two and a good husband should be shot regardless of his political leanings. We have a right to our options and our beliefs, but so does everyone else. Violence is NOT an option for children of a loving God.
ReplyDeleteThis week has been so stressful on me, too. I agree with you. I wish we would have heard as much publicity on the democratic senator and her husband that were killed. Or Governor Shapiro whose house was set afire with his family asleep inside. All hatred and harming is wrong. I’ve gone off facebook for at least a week to let comments slow down and let me calm down. I like to ask myself, would Jesus have approved of this?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog.