scarcity of humility
Who is my enemy?
Did no one ask Jesus that question? Was the answer obvious- the foreign occupying Empire? But there were so many different responses to the common enemy that divided Jews from each other. Keep the “peace”, cooperate, coexist. Or revolt, take up arms, crown our own king. At what point does our neighbor- collaborator or rebel- become the enemy?
“And who is my neighbor?”
Like the expert in the law, we know the commandments- Love God with our whole selves and love our neighbor as ourselves. (Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18 as quoted in Luke 10:27.) Jesus wasn’t the only one; the rabbis of his day agreed that the Torah was summed up in the commandments to love. But Jesus took it a step further, fulfilling the Law and articulating a “new” commandment:
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you….” Mt. 5:44 (CEB)
“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” John 13:34-35 (CEB)
How are we Christians in America today doing with these commandments- to love God, neighbor, enemy, and each other? On this election day, can we agree that we are doing this poorly, if at all? Or is there a way around it, by which we too can justify ourselves? Like the expert in the law.
I think the way to check those boxes self-satisfactorily is to conclude that the other people who call themselves Christians are morally depraved- not true Christians like we are. They are not our neighbors- not next door, not in our church. They seem to be our enemies; we think the way to love them is to take their power away so that we can do what is best for them and save them from their evil ways. Perhaps we use Paul’s admonition to the people of Corinth to justify ourselves:
But now I’m writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls themselves “brother” or “sister” who is sexually immoral, greedy, someone who worships false gods, an abusive person, a drunk, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with anyone like this.” 1 Cor 5:11 (CEB)
Or is this the scripture that justifies other Christians refusing to associate with us? Once we write off the other side as immoral or following America’s false gods- however we define them- we can comfortably embrace the separation of us and them.
This week’s lectionary passage from Philippians shows Paul’s other concern- unity.
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Philippians 2:1-4 (CEB)
Humility is where we get stuck. I know that I spend much more time wanting to prove that I am right, justify myself, rather than thinking of others as better than me and watching out for what is good for them, not just myself. Jesus knew he was right. He knew the Torah better than anyone. But he humbled himself, trusting that God would bring victory, even as he allowed himself to be killed by the Empire- the common enemy.
Do we have that radical trust in God’s goodness, God’s faithfulness, no matter what the Empire does, or who sits in Caesar’s palace? Can we submit, in humility, to God’s upside-down kingdom where apparent defeat is transformed into salvation? Can we ask for Jesus’ eyes to see beyond labels of what is Christian and what is not, who is enemy and who is neighbor?
It is uncomfortable to be in spaces where we are seen as morally depraved, ignorant, or enemy. I don’t want to show up where I am unwelcome. Yet, Jesus is beckoning us to a higher calling, beyond the polarization of our nation. And Jesus’ example was to show up- at every party to which he was invited, to convene dinners with public enemies, teaching and healing in the Roman-guarded temple and local synagogues, in Samaritan towns and seaside escapes.
As we pray and fast for our country this election day, may God hear our prayers, and may we continue to be transformed into the image of Jesus, our brother and savior.
Faithful and loving God, give me perseverance in whatever you ask of me. Help me to know which things I should accept and which I should work to change. Guard me in humility when others refuse to listen, when they do not understand your word to me or are skeptical of the mission you have entrusted to me. Teach me to rely on your strength when I am weak, your grace when I am overwhelmed, and your peace when I am frustrated or confused. Sustain me in faith, and keep me faithful in your service. Amen.*
-Pastor Renée
*30 Days with Joan of Arc, p.15-16