Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks, Alice Paul and Jesus, Part 2
(This blog was originally published on Facebook on May 26, 2020, but I have waited until now to post on my blog website.)
In Part 1, I learned that I needed to work on the more rugged virtues like the bravery of Rosa Parks, the perseverance of Alice Paul and the courage of Corrie ten Boom. I also needed to tackle my fear of what others may think and be willing to say “Yes, Jesus” if He should call me to stand up for injustice or to protect those with no voice. So what would that look like in our current pandemic situation? Who do I stand up for? How do I do that? Or do I do anything at all?
Listening and seeing all that is currently going on around me with this pandemic has been, to say the least, quite overwhelming and sometimes downright confusing. Since the beginning we have heard conflicting messages from the media, from our government officials and even the CDC in regards to this virus. It has fostered an atmosphere of uncertainty and as a result
“fear comes from uncertainty.” William Congreve
There was a meme on Facebook recently with a picture showing Revolutionary War soldiers facing off with each other. One side says, “Wear a mask” while the other side shouts back “Kiss my a#%.” This is where we are at. This is where we have allowed our fears to bring us. Two distinct sides passionate about their opinions. And it is unfortunately causing division as we lash out at each other.
One area that has caused quite a bit of division is protesting. We see hundreds if not thousands standing in protest over the stay-at-home order, the closing of businesses, and various other reasons. It caused me to question, is that ok? God is working on me to be more bold and courageous, but is this the time and place? I’m not sure.
First of all, I needed to know if it was even alright to protest because as Christians we are told to submit to our government (Romans 13). We also hear some say Jesus would never protest. While others would say, we only protest if our religious rights were being taken away. I needed to process this so I began doing some research. Before I knew it I had written about 6 pages! After much thought, and my husband saying it was too long, I decided to spare you my long dissertation. However, if you would like to see it, I will be happy to send it to you. But I want to encourage you to do your own research and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
I did learn an important lesson in all of this. Seek wisdom.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
There is so much information out there, and deciphering what is considered truth has become even more difficult. Even pastors disagree on the idea of protesting. The good news is that we do have one source of complete TRUTH and that is God’s Word. But when it comes to issues or areas that are not really mentioned in the Bible, we need to count on wisdom, discernment and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
After much research, contemplation and communing with God, I believe “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1) There is a time to protest and a time to be still. A time to fight for biblical social justice and a time to be prudent. The key is that I listen and follow the Holy Spirit, and until He speaks, I seek wisdom through His Word.
The current issue of the Covid virus has pushed people into two corners. When I look at the issues of both sides I can see valid points. One side is concerned about people dying, the immuno-compromised, the overcrowding of hospitals and the burden it puts on our healthcare workers. The other side is concerned about people losing jobs, starvation, increase in suicide and domestic violence, and our loss of freedom. Both sides have worthy causes. Both sides have the desire to help someone in need and isn’t that what God calls us to do? To help the weak, the oppressed, the sick, the hurting, the hungry? (Romans 12:13, Proverbs 19:17, James 2:14-17, Matthew 25:44-45, Isaiah 58:6-11)
So which side would Jesus be on? I honestly don’t know. He loves and cares for all of us and expects us to do the same. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39)
And more than anything, I believe He cares more for our heart and character than what side we decide to put ourselves on.
So in the midst of this chaos what does loving my neighbor look like? And how do I help? This is where I believe God uses us in different ways based on how He made us, how He wired our personalities. For some, loving others may be staying sheltered and being a prayer warrior. Some may help hand out food to those who need it. Some may check on the elderly and immuno-compromised and make sure they have what they need. Some may pick up a sign and peacefully protest to impact our governing authorities.
While processing all of this, God laid this heavily on my heart:
Who am I to question how God can use people and in what way? (Romans 9:20)
Some Christians may be called to peacefully protest. When someone feels led by the Holy Spirit to peacefully intervene or protest, who are we to question God’s methods? He sees the big picture and we are but mere humans, incapable of totally understanding His bigger plan.
Regardless of what God calls us to do, we need to remember Jesus’ second greatest commandment which is to love others. We shouldn’t look like the angry protester in the picture, so we need to make sure we question our motives. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain concept. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phil 2:3-4)
If you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to protest, remember that God calls us to a higher standard. Protest well. Protest peacefully. Protest in a way that honors Him. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
For those with another opinion, please remember the second commandment as well. We can’t let this divide us, to cause animosity, to judge unfairly. Instead, pray for their protection as they venture into a difficult situation. And remember…who are we to question how God can use people?
My personal prayer is that no matter how God wants to use me, whether it is to peacefully protest, to stay still, to help others or any other action, I will listen, obey and have the courage to care more about what my Lord thinks than man. AND I will do all things with love.
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