Every problem in the world

Dean Sherman has said that “Every problem in the world is a relationship problem”. This statement is probably hyperbolic, but it’s more impactful than saying something like: “93% of problems in the world are relationship problems”.

Here’s another statement that might be hyperbolic, but generally true: “The banana peel of every relationship problem is dehumanization”. Relational tensions and stresses are a normal part of human life. But tensions and stresses can quickly make a turn toward abuse. And we have been created in such a way that it’s difficult to abuse another person unless we first diminish them in our minds—make them just a little ‘less than’.

Whatever one believes about violence, it’s made bearable by labeling the Enemy—viewing them as animals rather than as people with hopes and dreams; people with parents, siblings, children, and friends; people with a generational past and a generational future.

Whatever one believes about abortion, its consequences seem less agonizing when a baby is referred to as a ‘blob of tissue’.

The crimes of gossip, rejection, bullying, slander, fraud, trafficking, and rape are easier to commit when we first believe “those people are just ____________”.

The same can be said about how we treat immigrants, refugees, people of other ethnicities and races, the poor, the ‘lost’, former spouses and friends, physically or mentally disabled, the elderly, generational groups, political groups, prisoners, and so on.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider one another better than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) Jesus himself said, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Matt. 22:39)

The Way of Jesus re-humanizes all people. When the Church follows him, we bring good to the world and show God’s glory. Relationships are hard but the weapons of Kingdom warfare are mighty. (2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Pinned

I had a conversation with God this morning.

ME: Father, give me the grace to follow you more fully.

GOD: My grace is sufficient for you.

ME: Well, then give me the grace to better appropriate that grace.

GOD: My grace is sufficient for you.

ME: But I need more of your grace.

GOD: My grace is sufficient for you. Desire me, not my grace. Seek first my kingdom. Love me with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and the rest will take care of itself.

At this point I wanted to ask for the grace to seek first his kingdom and to love him this way. But I saw that I was pinned.

Damp Logs

Our late Spring vacation in the mountains came with chilly mornings and evenings. It was too late in the season for the Park staff to restock firewood, but temperatures in the low 50s made fires something we looked forward to each day. My only option was to scrounge the few remaining logs that had been sitting around in the damp weather, probably for weeks.

Starting a fire with damp wood was a challenge to be sure. But with some persistence, we soon heard the crackling and popping of a fire that filled our cabin with warmth (and a little smoke).

What I discovered, though, was that I could never leave the fire for long. I had to tend it constantly. If the damp logs separated from one another, the fire would quickly die out.

I think Christians are like damp logs. Most of us don't burn hot alone. Separated and isolated from one another, the flame of our faith will die out too. So, I admire and appreciate people with the gift of connecting people—tending the community. It's a gift that stirs vitality and warmth for us all.