Deliver us from Smugness

I love Americans.  There is a confidence, a fearless embrace of our freedom-of-speech rights. We troll with abandon on facebook, drop Twitter insults, and converse readily with hands on hips and chins stuck out.  There is a fierce joy in verbal rumbling that excites us. I admire our spirit! It’s inspiring, fun, get’s things done, but sometimes, it’s really sad.

I am among the first to encourage folks to speak up. Jumping in with both feet is something I do without quite enough thought at times. It’s the Apostle Peter, ready to chastise and correct, eager to share what he knows, but not quite ready for the results.
We’ve all heard Jesus’ rather pointed,”Satan, get behind me,” response. Uhm….maybe should’ve thought that one through, Peter.

Easy for us to see from the outside, but let our own words be seasoned with salt, in 1/4 teaspoons, not cups full. Let our kindness be evident to all, as we seek to be full of grace and full of truth.

How? Still working on this one. Restraint. Thinking before speaking…or posting. Listening to listen, rather than for responding. Prayerfully considering when to communicate, and when to quietly keep scrolling. Conversing over coffee, rather than computer? Many of us wrestle with this. I’m not ready to opt out of the great conversation, but want it to be good. Possibly productive? Can I share and see good fruit?

Because, there is certainly a time to speak up.  Jesus, perfect god-man, was not just a silent nodder, smiler, hugger, listener. My model for life, He spoke with stories folks could relate to. He taught from the sages of the ages. He piled the littles on his lap. He fed people. He called people to something better, and when they could not follow, He let them go. Perhaps most “contemporary” of all, He asked thoughtful questions.

While there was that “brood of vipers” comment, it was reserved for hypocritical religious leaders who were hurting others. He wisely worded calls to repentance, and when folks would stop in to engage, He took the time to caringly guide, whether reformed hypocrite, recovering tax collector, woman of easy virtue, or disabled soul. He wanted the tombs not only whitewashed, but mopped with bleach on the interior, as well. Too big a job for us to do alone, He volunteered to do the scrubbing.

There were times of silence. Most memorably before His accusers, on the way to the cross. This is something to study as well.  There are times when silence speaks more loudly than words. Jesus, ridiculed, spit on, lashed, tortured….quiet.

What we don’t ever see from Him is contentious smugness. Pride. Disdain. Mocking.  Rather than passive aggressive behavior, He just says it. He speaks the truth with grace.

Even at age 53, I hope I can still learn from His remarkable example. Lord, deliver me from smugness. Let your kingdom come to earth, and make our hearts like Heaven.