Interestingly enough, my parents had the same policy in our house. Raised in West Africa, war was reality and guns were no joking matter. The reality of death was evident from a young age and it wasn’t beautified by a plush morgue and men in black suits. To this day, my friends poke fun at me since I would choose to watch The Wedding Planner or How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, rather than Saving Private Ryan or Braveheart.
As the calendar turned over this morning, so did my age. Entering my 27th year of life, (indicating this is my 26th birthday celebration) there is a truth which is vividly becoming a trait I desire to portray. Martin Luther King Jr. said it well, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” We live in a world rampant with gossip, hatred, backstabbing, broken relationships, revenge, and fear. Though this is the normal course of human existence, we must throw love into the spokes of the status quo.
This only happens with a paradigm shift. Innately, it is our inclination and reaction to respond in kind. A beautiful articulation of this is in Matthew 5:38-42. Jesus declared, “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." This is completely contrary to our human nature.
But that is Jesus’ point. He wanted us to see our need for God. We live in a world where it is not politically correct to say we are “sinners.” People shudder when congregations sing, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me” or quote Romans, 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Yet, I find it more amusing that Isaiah states that our righteousness in God’s eyes is as “filthy rags.” (64:6) More literally, it could be translated as soiled “menstrual clothes.” (Which made one defiled according to Jewish law—Leviticus 15:19-33) No articulation needed. And that’s our RIGHTEOUSNESS. Imagine our sin.
If God offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with us through Christ, how much more must any follower of Jesus demonstrate that same love to EVERY life with whom they come in contact? Paul reiterated, “Repay NO ONE evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of ALL men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with ALL men… If your ENEMY is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink…do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-18, 20a, 21)
Note that we are not only to respond to the needs of our enemy, but furthermore, actively look to meet them. A peacemaker is not a pacifist. When Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” he wasn’t defining those unwilling to pick up the sword. (Matthew 5: 9) In fact, the other time that word for “peace” is used in the Bible, it speaks of Christ “making peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:19) That is not my definition of passivity. Rather, a true peacemaker takes action with love; not ignoring or avoiding the crisis.
In the words of Sydney Harris, “Once we assuage our conscience by calling something a ‘necessary evil,’ it begins to look more and more necessary and less and less evil.” We can easily convince ourselves that the course of action we are taking is justified and necessary, but is it our pride, self-preservation, and agenda obstructing our simple obedience to Christ?
When a Barbie becomes a gun, it is a reminder of our problem. Are we ready to “wear humility” and demonstrate love to those who have rejected, ignored, or wronged us/or others. As the apostle John stated, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." (I John 4:7) Thus, my prayer is this, as I launch into another year of my earthly existence. From the old Christmas Carol, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
