I haven’t written in a while because, frankly, I didn’t know what to write. What do I say? What do I not say? I’m a non-confrontational people-pleaser. I get anxiety watching the news and getting on social media. I’d say I just want to lock myself in my house and not deal with any of this, but even that could be construed as an argument.
But then, a few days ago, I felt God reminding me that when Jesus was on earth, he lived in a tumultuous political climate. How did He deal with that?
He didn’t.
The religious leaders expected the Messiah to “clean house” politically – to make changes, establish His kingdom, punish the opposition. In fact, that’s why they rejected Jesus: He wasn’t who they expected.
What did Jesus do? He loved people. Especially the outcast and marginalized. He didn’t condone sinful behavior. Rather, He sat with sinners, told them the Kingdom of Heaven is so much better than their sin, encouraged them that what they were thirsting for couldn’t be found on earth.
Jesus did what His Father told Him to do – even when it was unpopular, even when no one understood, even when it made Him unpopular.
In considering this, I am reminded that my people-pleasing attitude is sinful. It places the focus on me (What do others think of me? Do they like me? How can I make sure they like me?). God has called me to think about others, to love others, and to seek first His Kingdom.
This world, with its problems and its pleasures, is temporary. I shouldn’t spend my energy on it. I can have opinions, but those opinions shouldn’t be what drive me. When I see the anger and fear in others, I shouldn’t be anxious, I should be compassionate. I should pray for them – this is a difficult time for so many. We’re all trying to navigate a world that is changing faster than we can keep up.
I need to be like Jesus, knowing people disagree with me, but that their frustration doesn’t need to be mine. I can respond with grace. I can spend my days looking for people to love, to encourage, to point to Jesus.
Let’s remember why we’re here and Whose we are. Let’s never forget that we have a real Enemy, but that enemy isn’t flesh and blood.
Friends, we can see this time in history as awful and scary, or we can see it as an opportunity to be reminded of what really matters. I’ve personally spent too much time being afraid. I want to live in victory, in love, in grace, and I want to share that with those around me.
