In looking at 21st Century Christianity, reflections of Christ can easily be seen – soup kitchens, free medical clinics, homeless shelters, missionary trips, to name a few. However, present day society, also, depicts a vision where Christ is, tragically, not mirrored. Are political vigilantes to blame for this; or are we, Christ’s offspring and disciples, the one’s failing to shine forth the vigil light of reflecting Christ? I refer to how we act, and react, when rising tempers seem to run our lives, unkind words and deeds belittle or attack us, underserved punches pummel us or others, etc., etc. etc.
The common scene today is any and all of the above resulting in responses from an angry demonstration to full blown deadly rioting. Many take things into their own hands because they want to right a wrong. However, is this right or wrong? Shouldn’t we be looking at what Christ’s hands did when confronted with injustice and persecution, as opposed to the force with which our own hands can retaliate? In honesty, my words, in this regard, are neither significant nor Godly absolute; but Christ’s are. Thus, I share His not mine.
“While He was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize Him.’ And he came up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Matthew 26: 47-52) ESV
My intent is not to lecture or stand in judgment of any. It is only to remind us all of Christ’s example, both in word and action. I mean not to dictate but to suggest. Maybe, we all could find the best Christ-like reflection for today’s worn and torn world, if united we looked to our sacrificial Christ, not uprising mankind, to best mirror Christianity as founded, and entrusted to us, by our Brother, Jesus Christ.
TV cameras rolling carry current chaos into the shelter of our homes. In disbelief, we shake our heads and, sometimes, our fists. The real horror is not in what appears on the screen but what has disappeared. Christ’s example and words are nowhere to be found. Ever wonder how this world would change if instead of screaming blame, we would pray in the name of Jesus Christ and seek to mirror Him?
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 