A Victim Of Shame

What a week it has been! The news is filled with war, ebola, crime, economic woe and more. How can anyone find hope in the midst of all of that? Jesus. He is in the midst of all of that. He alone is where we can place our hope.
One news story that caught my eye recently was Houston, Texas pastors being requested by the city government, led by an openly lesbian mayor, to hand over their sermons for review. Wow. This has brought about such turmoil in the Christian community and there is no way this conflict will end well. I know nothing about the pastors and have no idea what they have preached or what they believe when it comes to homosexuality or anything else. These pastors might preach grace and forgiveness or they might preach hate. I have no idea. But, what stands out to me in this conflict, is that the belief that shame can bring about a desirable end result. That is simply insane.
Shaming someone into certain behaviors or beliefs is disgusting, offensive and never really works. Sure, a person might agree with your point of view temporarily or modify their behavior to appease you. But, deep down, their core beliefs are the same. This shaming can come from within the Christian church and from without. This shaming is seen in the church and in the government. Isn’t shaming someone into doing what you want really bullying?
Now, the Bible is clear on sin. No sin is worse in God’s eyes than any other. Certainly, there are sins that have a weightier consequence in this lifetime than others, but sin is sin. Sin muddies our relationship with God even though His love for us never changes or wavers even in the midst of our sinning.
I know I have been saved from having to pay the price that God’s holiness demands only by the grace of God and through Jesus’ free gift. I did nothing and can do nothing. So I realize I have nothing to bring to the table here. I know the Bible is my guidebook on how to live a life that pleases God, but He knows I will still make mistakes. I will still sin. As a human being I just can’t help it. But, Jesus doesn’t shame me into changing my behavior or beliefs. He never said the things I oftentimes hear coming from the government or the pulpit. Jesus didn’t bully people. He loved them. He spoke and lived the Truth and through loving grace showed people a better way.
I feel sorry for these pastors that are now being challenged for teaching what they believe to be the truth. I feel sorry for the Houston mayor who possibly believes she needs to shame these pastors to feel better about her own choices. Both “sides” feel they are protecting their followers/flock/citizens. Again, I don’t see how this ends well.
Jesus gave a perfect example of how to love others. He just did it. None us will lead a perfect life because we aren’t capable of it. Instead of seeking to shame someone to elicit a change in behavior (the mayor to the pastors or the pastors to the LGBT community) maybe if we lived a life of grace someone might actually be reached with the hope that is Jesus.

We all need more hope these days. I hope I have given you some today.