Feeding the Birds and Turning the Other Cheek

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Matthew 6:26-34 

God provides the seeds, but he doesn’t throw them into the bird feeder. I do, and it is a challenge sometimes.

I understand this is an option. The birds certainly get along fine without my putting food in a feeder, but I love seeing all the different species. The most prevalent are the house finches and a few golden finches. Quail and dove comb the ground for the spilled seed. A barn swallow stopped by, but didn’t stay. He must have come to investigate all the commotion.

The pesky squirrels chase everyone off, and the dove aren’t gentle as the old adage claims. They are bullies too. The finches will squabble if too many gather. I’ve seen flurries of wings I assume were actual fights. I’ve yet to see any of them turn the other cheek.

This week I learned the history behind that scripture. According to Jewish protocol, it was customary for a master to discipline a servant by striking them on the right cheek with the back of their right hand. If the servant turned his left cheek, the master was physically unable to strike servant’s left cheek with the back of his right hand, a sign the master was powerless. Even if he struck the servant again, his authority was diminished. In essence, Jesus promoted non-violent protest.  

Vengeance belongs to God, but we don’t have to submit to injustices.

This brings me back to the birds. Does God view us in the same way? He provides, and we squabble over his provision. Yet, he still loves us and keeps calling us to turn away from our bickering.

Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on us. Amen.

Conflicts, Disagreements, and Wisdom

“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”  Maya Angelou.

This quote resounded deeply with me this week.  A family member consistently posts hateful memes on social media.  Everyone has a right to their opinions and beliefs, and I respect that. However, “Your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins.”

These memes were intended to inflict pain and incite hatred. I had enough and posted a rebuttal. I did not name the person, but pleaded for respect for others, myself included. I added the fact Martin Luther King and Gandhi changed the world without promoting violence and hate.  

I rarely have outbursts like that, and it shocked everyone, but it worked. The family member agreed it was time to end the hatred and post positive, uplifting things. Isn’t that really what social media is for? To be sociable? I truly believe there are other forums better suited for political debate. 

I have friends both liberal and conservative, non-Christian and Christian, non-white, gay and straight. It doesn’t matter as long as their fists don’t connect with anyone else’s nose, including mine. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, just as I don’t agree with everyone either. That's okay. Diversity is part of God's design and we should celebrate it rather than disparage it. 

When do we turn the other cheek? When do we stand up for what we consider is right? I believe it depends on our motives. Are we standing up only for personal satisfaction, pushing our agenda on someone else, or do we see an injustice that needs to be addressed? Even so, the latter should not be done through violence to others and we have a right not to become victims.

Another quote helped put things into more perspective. “You can focus on the person who hurt you, or the God who healed you.” Christine Caine.

I stood up for what I felt was right, and now it’s time to forgive and let it go.

I pray for all who are hurting and suffering in this broken world. I pray they open their hearts and minds to God’s love and healing. I pray for an end to hate and violence in word and deed. Amen.  

Choices

It's been another tough week personally and professionally. Traffic during my commute was horrendous and drivers were rude, work was challenging and disappointing, and my personal life took a nosedive as well.

 I wanted to stand on the street corner and scream, "Why? Where is the peace you promised? Where is the justice?"

As expected, God answered.

First, I read a quote by J.C. Ryle: "Better to confess to Christ a thousand times now than be disowned by Christ before God on judgment day."

It seemed irrelevant to my situation. I wasn't a prophet or a martyr for my faith. I may not be the most popular co-worker or member of my family, but I did not feel persecuted. Yet, it was there.

Not Peace?

Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword.  Matthew 14:34

For those of us seeking and praying for peace, these are harsh words. The text goes on to say there will be strife among families as well as neighbors and anyone who loves father, mother or siblings more than God is not worthy of Him.

 In Matthew 10: 16:23 Jesus further reveals the turmoil Christians will face. The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise u against their parents, and shall put them to death.

In light of these passages, my personal experience this past week should not be such a shock. Family issues related to religion and politics and co-worker provocations knocked me off my feet and sent me reeling. I have tried to swallow my anger with limited success. The above scripture continues with the assurance that the kindnesses we do will not be without reward. Does holding my tongue and restraining my anger constitute a kindness? In some cases, absolutely, to myself as well as others.

A recent meditation from Richard Rohr suggests we rush around hanging onto our nothing by any means available, including anger, violence, lying, and theft. What exactly do we think we hold onto? In my case, my way of life, my possessions - my pride. After years of attempting to relinquish my desire for anything but God, I still cling to things, still cling to my ego.

How wise Jesus was to remain silent in the presence of his accusers. Anything He said would be used to further inflame the crowd. The same is true of many of our personal situations. In the instances mentioned above, any comment I made spurred more insults and arguments.  Silence was the only way to cool the fire, on the outside anyway. I seethed for days at the false accusations and insults, until God pointed out my error.

Jesus was right when he said all sin comes from a man's heart. It is what lies hidden in our hearts that define who we really are. The situation isn't hopeless. Through prayer, God can change our hearts. He can change stone to compassion. The trick is to keep praying, to keep trying and not give up when we fail or those brandishing the sword seem to be winning.

Will vigilant prayer change anything? Something will change, that is a guarantee, even if it is only my heart. The above passage brought a degree of solace. When I stand up for my faith and for my principles, in either word deed -or silence- I can expect to be insulted, and to be the target of others' anger. What I need to guard against is my own hate, my own anger.

God has promised whatever we seek, we will find. I have made a vow to seek peace, not necessarily in the world around me, but in my heart. I mean to curb my anger at injustices, replacing that emotion with prayer and action, where and when I can.  Jesus didn't swing a physical sword, inflicting wounds on those deserving His justice, and I am personally glad, because I too would fall under that sword. Instead, He prayed for those who afflicted Him, even from the cross. He did so without hate or anger and He expects no less from me. It's a tall order, but I am willing to try.

This morning, I lay my sword aside and pray for those who hurt and chose to inflict that hurt onto others. I pray not for peace in the world but for peace in every heart, beginning with mine.