“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:3

I’ve been examining myself regarding current events and have found that my attitudes and behaviors have been significantly and negatively impacted because of my involvement in them. Everybody has an opinion on everything and very few people are willing to really change theirs based upon the opinions of others. Furthermore, there is plenty of evidence that suggests we aren’t willing to change our position EVEN IF we are presented with proof that our viewpoint is false. In other words, we would rather believe a lie than to admit we are wrong. (See the June 2017 National Geographic article entitled, “Why We Lie: The Science Behind Our Deceptive Ways.” I’m not sure if this is part of the article title, but the Google hit includes this, “Honesty may be the best policy, but scheming and dishonesty are part of what makes us human.”

We have Side A and Side B. Both are yelling at each other. Both have their fingers in their ears. Neither are willing to give up on their position, so neither are willing to consider the other. Stalemate. Frustration. Anger. Hate.

You know, I can’t do anything about my governor’s handling of the coronavirus. I can’t do anything if Minneapolis wants to dismantle its police force. Arguing with people doesn’t change anything if people are willing to listen. And, to be perfectly honest with you, I’m pretty inflexible myself when it comes to listening when I’m in a defensive position.

Is any of this really my battle?

2 Timothy 2:4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Am I pleasing the one who enlisted me when I avoid family and friends because we have strong opposing positions on current events? Of course not! Especially so when I consider that my hard heart won’t change a thing anyway!

I don’t know, but I’ve lost my peace. I’ve stayed away from Facebook and the news. That helps. I think it’s far better to be oblivious to the stuff I can’t control and focus on the task my master has set before me. Remember, Jesus never went on a protest march or rallied against the government. He didn’t do any of that. Yes, he went into the streets but for only one purpose: to call people to believe and follow. Who? Him.

And, he left me with this simple command: Make disciples.

He didn’t tell me to make the world a better, safer place. He told me to make disciples.

Focus.

Father, keep me focused. Amen.

Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers

Photo by insung yoon on Unsplash