Have you ever seen misinformation being spread that cut deep against you? It’s likely that you have if you’ve spent any time online. Every topic is of debate to someone, and every debate has “experts” on both sides. One of the hardest things to do is often to listen to harmful misinformation without saying anything. Sometimes I worry about what large task God might call me to do, what insurmountable task he might ask me to achieve. I often feel woefully unprepared then for what he more often calls me to do: nothing. That isn’t to say he calls me to laziness, but rather to an “active nothing”. This is to face a tough situation and resist the urge to react to it, because God has called us to wait and listen.
More and more I see those who claim to follow Jesus standing up to promote false beliefs. I see false teachers promoting sin, and pastors embracing worldly beliefs. Every time I feel this intense urge to jump forward and shout “No, that’s not what Jesus wants!” This desire isn’t all rooted in evil. I care about people, I don’t want to see them reject the eternity of peace that Jesus offers. But what I’m coming to realize more and more is that when God shows me these false teachers, he’s usually not using it to reveal something in their hearts, he’s revealing something in mine. Impatience, frustration, egotism, entitlement, animosity, a need for control. In these moments it’s rarely just about speaking truth, it’s about being heard. I want people to listen to me, when I should be wanting people to listen to God.
How many times in the New Testament did Jesus remain calm, even silent against loud and hateful voices? He had ultimate patience, because he knew ultimate love. God has placed the capacity for that love in our hearts as well. It’s not easy. The farther we fall to sin, the harder it is to lean into that love. But it’s still there as his gift to us. Let’s make ourselves a promise to lean more into it. This week, I offer you and myself a challenge. Let’s respond with love one more time than normal. Let’s be patient and silent for one more minute. In that minute, pray to God and ask for guidance. Listen to the opposition with the intent to hear, not respond. I believe that God will use this minute to work miracles in our hearts.
Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) – Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV) – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.