Dealing with the criticism that comes from ‘outsiders’
Scripture reading: Matthew 26:69-75. Text: “After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, ‘Surely, you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.” – Matthew 26:73. Our scripture reading deals with that episode when Apostle Peter denied Jesus. From this story, we wish to emphasize only one event, namely the confrontation between Jesus’ followers and the “outsiders” who prefer to keep a safe distance and also assume the position of those who know more and have the privilege to criticize.
One of the acrimonious statements that Mark Twain had made concerning religion is this: “It is a very dangerous thing unless you get it right.” No doubt, Twain had a valid point, but who will be that judge who can say with authority: “This is the church where religion is preached and practiced in the correct way.”
This time, do we dare to listen to the criticism of the “outsiders” and try to face what they have against our beliefs? We do not want to blame and argue with them, just to see both sides of the issues and be as objective as possible.
The constant threat of being condemned is not healthy. No doubt we have such biblical verses: “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:31. But we have this promise: “Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” – Joel 2:13, and, “God is love.” – 1 John 4:16.
“As it is written, ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.'” – Romans 3:10-12. But on the other hand: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:7.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other, also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak, as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” – Matthew 5:38-41. However, we are also challenged to: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8. The “new” that has never been tested before can come from an evil source; only what has been “approved by God” can be accepted. The flexibility of Apostle Paul should be our example: “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” – 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. In the New Testament, we read: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21. Apostle Paul gives us a very practical advice: “Test everything. Hold on to the good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
God wants us neither to be bullies nor bashful. As our diet should be well-balanced, so should our spiritual life equally deal with the life here an earth as well as in heaven. Faith and knowledge, carefulness and boldness, imagination and inspiration, love and action, fervent prayer and hard work should complement each other as we try to do our best to live and serve, following our Master.
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The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.