Truth

"I get back from Iraq, where I sat with women who witnessed genocide, and at church somebody tells me, "It's nice that you care about those people over there." And I stop. Turn. How do I translate it? We aren't where we are to care about those on the margins — some nice gesture or token concern.

 

The reason we are here is to risk everything for those oppressed people over there outside the gate. You are where you are to help others where they are. This isn't a Christian's sideline hobby; compassion is our complete vocation. We do not just care about people; caring is our calling. That's it.

 

God forbid, you don't get a roof over your head and food on your table because you deserve more, but so you can serve more. God forbid, you believe you're a little better than others instead of making another's life a little better.”

 

Ann Voskamp Be the Gift

 

Because I'm human I want to respond sharply at times. Thank God mercy, the very gift I sometimes despise, trumps judgement. Most of the time. 

 

The grace of God.

 

Thank God. 

 

Recently a comment was made concerning other countries, propaganda, and how 'other' countries are brainwashed, believing lies their leaders and media spew. They think their country is beyond compare. 

 

Data driven misinformation is alive and well around the world, every nook and cranny. 'Those' people aren't unique. A few of my personal observations, you don't have to agree. 

 

When fed a constant diet of intentional obfuscation it is easier to comply. Truth can only be found layers deep. Too many countries punish, often brutally, questioning status quo. Does this mean good people of many countries don't realize truth? Far from it, I believe. 

 

We've been fortunate. We aren't immune, however. We've seen first-hand the last few years what happens to those who dare question purported science, which isn't science at all. 

 

Deflection: Look over there, while we do this over here. Nothing to see here. 

 

China, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, or America, none are immune to groupthink. The very definition of groupthink, "The practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility" should ring our warning bell loud and clear. 

 

With international laws in place why are horrific war crimes occurring in 2023? Do we make more laws, laws that make some feel warm and fuzzy but will never be enforced? We have enough laws. 

 

It starts small enough, sneaking in a tad here and a bit there, slight untruths with dinky legitimacy. 

 

Hubris and greed eventually overtake minds of those previously held in high regard. 

 

Pride.

 

Pride from the beginning of time. 

 

“For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;

 

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

 

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

 

The truth will set you free.

 

Truth will defend itself.  

 

"It's nice that you care about those people over there." This nauseates me. I will use caution passing judgement. I've had the same religious spirit in the past. I'm not immune to it today or in the future.

 

What's nice is when everyone cares about those people over there. And here. Not only in words but in deeds. 

 

For the Christian this isn't a sideline hobby.