Fanatics? Extremists? Or Wise?

I have just learned one more time that I don't know how a blog works (;  Yesterday I wrote a blog that this morning I somehow deleted *^*%&^$%*&

But it brought to my blog space two thought provoking responses.  One is apparently on my blog page sent by Rick.  The other one was in my email this morning.  I am assuming that you can all read Rick's for yourself.  I have printed the other one for you to read.  I am grateful that my thoughts provoke conversation.  I thank both of you for your insight.  And welcome more participation as time goes on.

Other response:

"I may wear rose colored glasses, but I believe and see God’s compassion, kindness and love in action.  I have experienced this in my life through kind words spoken when I am hurting; through a warm hug; even from the smile of a stranger on a bad day. Globally and in the news it might seem the arrogant and greedy win, but individually and in community God’s love is alive and well.  I have faith that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are at work in our messed up world. Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:38-39; Romans 8: 26-27. A thought provoking blog and certainly stirred my thinking and faith."

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So now allow me to say this about all of that!  Psalm 119 is the longest and most complete psalm written.  It covers just about all of human needs and feelings.  The particular section I am focusing on this morning is verse 33-40 (see Below); because this section asked for guidance as to God’s hope for the human heart. First of all the Psalmist asked for understanding.  Something that all of us could use a giant helping of.  Then he requests God’s guidance in staying true to the commandment to love our neighbor, by having the courage to act with integrity and unselfish ways.  To keep him from puffed up pride that gets in the way of doing what is right.

In these last few posts I have been aiming at the human quality of greedy power, and attitudes of arrogance, that seem to permeate our national and world leaders egos. They seem to give themselves permission to just do what they want, when they want, to whom ever they want. Just because they want to!  And, the most frustrating thing is, they seem to do it without any true resistance.  No one is willing to actually ‘do’ anything about it.  Oh, there is a lot of talk!  But truly, talk is cheap without action.  It is extremely easy to point a finger and accuse!  It is quite another thing to actually take action. 

When Jesus saw injustice, or arrogance, or rudeness, or meanness,  or any form of unkindness  he moved in and corrected the behavior.  Not only calling the wrong into question, but correcting the situation.  Of course, he was crucified for such boldness!   Today they would just continue to discredit him.   Or, fire him.

And when a group of people march for some cause they feel strongly about; they are called fanatics.   Excessive!  Extremists!  That is, people not in the know!  Without the intelligence to be in the ranks of authority. Or! Or, to call said authority into question!

And yet, we are told that: “one person can make a difference”!  And actually I do believe that is possible.  However when it come to politic, and other arenas of dominance, the statistics  are not all that impressive.  And when Jesus is brought up as the model for how to work together — Jesus doesn’t pull much wait.  The  subject of Jesus is put in the box with fanatic, and extremist or some other popular discrediting term that under minds the persons involved.  

Now, with all that being said, I am very much aware that God is the only true power in the universe.  And I totally have faith that God is quite active in our world today.  However, God does ask his people to help him!  That was clear from the first chapter of the Bible.  See Gen. 1:27-31 and Matt. 28:16f.

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. 39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. 40 See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. (Ps. 119:33-40)