We have to stop

Come to Calvary? Really? Why? So we can be reminded what our sin did, what our sin does?

We do need to be reminded what sin does. Right now, we’ve convinced ourselves lying doesn’t hurt. We think we can condemn other people, become cynics ourselves, and pretend it doesn’t have any harmful effects. We don’t pray for misguided people. We don’t ask for wisdom to see situations better and respond with more mercy. We just point, criticize, and laugh.

It’s not funny. We have to stop this.

We need to bring our enemies here to Calvary. How free do we feel to criticize?

Something happens to us at Calvary. For sure, a bit of shame seeps in and stops our ignorant rantings. But if we stay long enough, something else begins to take shape within us. It is strange. We don’t expect it. What is it? Strength. It’s strength. And it’s not ours; it’s God’s. Wielding it is strange, too. It’s refined, yes. It’s devoid of sarcasm. It has no fear attached to it. It doesn’t require the other to not matter so we can matter. It is sharp. It is precise. And the more we wield it, the taller we feel. The more we wield it, the taller we are.

Reflection

What is the difference between strength derived from a purely human source and strength derived from God?

Prayer

Dear God, I’ve become a cynic. I point and condemn. I pretend I know it all. I pretend “my side” is right. I’m acting without mercy. May I come to Calvary, Lord. May I stay here until I see as You see. May I pick up Your strength and learn slowly and deliberately how to wield it. Amen.