July 16

Day 124: Frequently and Quickly

Perhaps in just the past decade, we've become a society of people who now form their identity on the platform of their own opinions. Church people are not exempt.

Rene' Descartes once said, "I think, therefore I am." But that has now morphed into, "What I think, and what others think of what I think, is therefore what I am."

Many are frequent and quick to post their views, usually in the form of like's or dislike's. And then spend the time in between those posts looking for the dopamine hit that comes in the form of agreement from others.

Somehow, agreement is translated into approval; and approval then informs identity. So we then frequently and quickly return to expressing our views, to repeat the cycle.

Agreement and approval are not experienced in isolation. Other people's participation is required for us to form our opinion-based identity. Thus, more often than not, our stated opinions are really just a thin veneer over our own reactions to the reactions we receive from others.

And if someone disagrees, let alone challenges our opinions, we resort to passing judgment. On them. Frequently and quickly.

Romans 14:10-12 says, "Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, 'As I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."

As believers, how is it even possible to extend grace toward people who do not agree with us?

When we take a stand on something, frequently and quickly stating that position, is it because we love others and want to do what is right for them?

Or is it simply we just want to be right? (And rightness is determined by how many dopamine hits we receive in response.) Almost like Descartes had said, "I am right, therefore I am."

In an age of "tolerance," am I ultimately only tolerant within the range of my own opinions? Am I only tolerant of those who agree with me? (Because to be otherwise is too great a threat to my cultivated self-image?)

Is it about being seen as "right," or seen as successfully defending (justifying) my wrongs?

Tolerance of differing opinions, even bearing with the "weaker brother" is not possible...unless we discontinue wrapping our identity around our societal opinions.

And it must be said; our positions and opinions must be shaped by something other than our relentless search for a positive but fragile self-image.

A judgment other than from the court of public opinion.

A Judge, before Whom we will all bow, confess our sins, and give an account. An account of our opinions, yes; but more so an accounting of how frequently and quickly we felt the need to post our views, in our attempt to put a glossy shine on the idol of Self.

And how frequently and quickly we pronounced judgment on those who disagree.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau