This past week I spent about 20 minutes on the Interstate
behind one specific truck. No room to pass him, just stuck there. On the back
of the truck was the logo for the company that owned it. It was a tree in a
beautifully manicured plot of land. The truck was owned by a casket company! In
my mind I thought “Fitting. We’re all just chasing our caskets to the grave.
Might as well follow them on the Interstate too!”
58 years is a long time on this earth, although it’s not
as long as it used to be. Still, I’ve developed my beliefs, my way of thinking,
to the point that I don’t need to apologize if someone believes or thinks
differently. I’ve done that, a lot. And at 58, no more. I will no longer
apologize for thinking or believing differently. While I will honor anyone’s
basic right to believe or feel what they wish (no matter how wrong they are-I’m
always right, right?), I’ll stand firm on my own unless persuaded otherwise by
logical argument. (Then again, if it’s based on MY logic…well you get the
picture!)
I remember, when I was directing, getting the chance to
have my old piano teacher to play for me. We were “discussing” a particular
song that I wanted to do one way, and she kept playing differently. Finally,
she said, “Mark, I’m old enough to play this my way. If you don’t like it, I
don’t have to play!” Needless to say, she played it her way!
We spend a lot of time as Christians, it seems,
apologizing as well. Sometimes, we should. When things we do are fueled by
hate, or oppression, or anything other than Love, then we should not only
apologize to the person hurt, but to God for being so far out of His will. This
happens WAY too often. But we should never be ashamed to stand up for our
faith. Never be ashamed to do what is right in God’s eyes. Never be afraid to
live our lives so that we are a “light of the world.”
“You
are a light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people
light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to
all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”
Matt. 5:14-16
You see, our job is not to condemn, only God is allowed
to judge, or exact revenge. (Matt. 7:1-2) (Rom. 12:19-21) Our job isn’t even to
convert, only God can give salvation, God alone. (Eph. 2:8-9) Our task is live
so that we are a beacon for others to see what God can do for us, and to us,
warts and all. To show how much He loves and cares for not just us, but all men
and women everywhere. (John 3:16-17 – yeah you know it, but read it anyway!) We
who know His light must walk in that light, so that His light can shine for
others. There is a difference between being a light and being a flame thrower. When
our actions are fueled by fear, or hate or even just a sense of
“judgementalism”, we cover God’s light, put it under a basket, and no one can
be drawn to Him. No one can know the inexpressible beauty of His love, His joy,
His peace, His security. And that would be the greatest tragedy of all. If our
religion were to stand in the way of His salvation.
Back to the casket. We are only given a short time here
on earth. I resolve to stand firm in what I believe, and not apologize. I
resolve to try to love others as unconditionally as I can, so that God’s love
can be seen. I resolve to leave judgement to God, so that He can show
compassion, just like He did for me. I will not apologize for loving others as
I love myself, and am loved by Him. Call me a stubborn old man (you’d by
right!), but as a dear pastor friend once said “There it is if you like it.
There it is if you don’t. Anyway, there it is!” (Thanks, Bro. Rock Hardaway –
miss you!)
Love.
