Meditation: I'm a Tiny Judge
Monday, April 22, 2013 at 09:55AM 
I used to think this was so clever: as a Protestant pastor I would refer to Roman Catholics as our “cousins.” I thought it highlighted our close association with Catholics while subtly reminding the listener of the differences between the great Reformation divide. Those Catholics are family, but only cousins. Pretty witty, eh? Not really. I’m ashamed to say that I did so for years.
Eventually the still small voice of the Spirit began to get through. “Really, Ray? Do you really mean to say these people do not have the same Father?” I tried to argue with the voice for a while. “These people have such different practices.” I answered. “Their church is full of cultural influences that have nothing to do with the Scripture.” Case made, right?
The Spirit’s voice is gentle but strong: a velvet granite breath. “And your church? Don’t your practices seem strange to Baptists or Presbyterians? And what about the cultural influences in your church? Perhaps the Apostle Paul would have a thing or two to say about them?” Eventually I acknowledged these billion-plus people as part of God’s family. They are brothers and sisters, who call Jesus Lord and King. My opinions of their practices did not matter. God’s opinion does.
Then a marvelous thing happened. I discovered the Banqueting Table was longer than I had imagined. It stretched beyond my fleshly vision. I discovered I had been invited to come and feast, not criticize. I beheld sisters and brothers I had never known before. If I revered the Father why not revere the family?
And one more thing happened. A spirit of criticism began to lift from my mind. The real issue had never been about Protestants and Catholics. The issue was my critical, demanding heart. The issue was my self-appointed position as judge and jury over all God’s Kingdom (such a big Kingdom, and such a tiny judge!) I no longer felt the need to walk the police beat of orthodoxy. If a few impostors came to the feast, I knew the Father could choose who should eat and who would be shown the door. I was free to find the best in people and ignore their flaws. The same Spirit who corrected me could correct them.
So I suggest this week’s meditation: Is it possible we criticize other Christians publicly because inwardly we don't see them as family?
Reader Comments (9)
Is it possible we criticize other Christians publicly because inwardly we’re just a hopin’ and a wishin’ they’re more imperfect than us? Maybe, just maybe, this time Daddy will focus on their splinters and not my plank. Is this sibling rivalry with an eternally full time Father who is just too darn faithful in applying His omnipresence? Thank God our Eldest Brother has the ability, experience and relationship with the whole family and has accepted the only divine office for the application of judgments and interventions that can be trusted by us all to be best for the holy family.
Or perhaps we think we have the entire picture correct and that they need to get on the same page. I think we each carry a small piece of the picture and need each other to see the entire message. This kind of thinking leaves no room for criticism and rather thrives on giving and receiving.
Oh yes we need each other, even the "will work for food" blind veteran with no arms, no legs and a dog begging on the corner just after I get off the freeway going home after work.
Hi Luke: Yep. A little humility could take us all a long way.
Herm: I think you raise a good point when you remind us of the "need" to feel superior.
I have a certain nostalgia for the "like" button on blogs because I loved this blog post but haven't got anything to add or say that is witty or wise :-) I just really, really like both the spirit and the thinking here, Ray. We don't always give Jesus credit for his ability to handle building his Church.
Marcia, your post is witty, wise and very likable. Oh, did I say it is, also, true? I hope that my pitiful efforts to communicate through any of those attributes are not taken as something competitive. I pray that we all can sincerely congregate together as each different and special students of Jesus Christ to share “all” that we think and feel. It is not necessary in the church of His that we know to agree or disagree but it is a must that we love. Love requires communicative relationship even from those of us that communication may not the strong suit that we wear to His church service. Love
Thank you, Herm. I appreciate that!
Hi Marcia:
I just saw this -- thanks so much for dropping by, and thanks for your very encouraging words.
Peace to you!
Ah...What I wrote on the reunion FB page about Catholic education was supposed to imply that in going from religion to faith, I went from rote liturgical exercise to walking through life with a living God. Not sure I was clear, but you were. Thank you!