I am convinced that developing an attitude of humble certainty about the issues we debate is really important, particularly for Christians.
The general consensus is that those who claim to be followers of Jesus are, at the same time, the most divisive, unkind, judgmental and close-minded of arguers. And I can’t honestly say that view is wrong.
At least…not as far as I am concerned. All the “we” and “you” in the previous two posts should have been “me” and “I” (feel free to read it that way). And that’s why these three Soapbox #2 blogs were very hard for me to write. I think the idea is valid and often overlooked.
But I’m really bad at doing it myself.
In the last few months especially, I have come face-to-face with my judgmental attitude, my unkind heart, my overall lack of anything that could even remotely be called grace or humility. Frankly, it’s not a pretty picture. Almost every time I open my mouth, I’m hit again with the reality of my own ineptitude in this area. And I open my mouth a lot. I like to hear myself talk. I do not like to be wrong. Or even think I’m wrong. Because, of course, I’m always right. Just ask my husband.
But I am (very slowly) getting the heart of this Soapbox. I know it’s a good idea, but it’s only been recently that I’ve really had the desire to see it be consistently true in my own life. Partly because I have been surprised to discover, over time, that people usually are willing to listen to ideas that they may not agree with…depending on the attitude with which those ideas are presented. But more importantly, because it is the attitude that Jesus portrayed over and over in his years of ministry.
To most people that Jesus interacted with, his attitude was grace incarnate. He dignified people when he interacted with them, looked them in the eye, touched the most untouchable. And even when he did confront, debate, or take someone to task over some idea or question posed to him, he never threw them under the bus. He responded to their worst accusations with truth and better thinking. Of course, He is God. And He is love. But still, the manner that Jesus used when he interacted with people ought to characterize the manner that his followers present, even two thousand years later.
And so often it doesn’t. So often, those claiming to be Christians are the worst offenders for demeaning their opponents, for arrogant certainty, for refusing the acknowledge any possibility that their view might be even slightly flawed. Or maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s more accurate to say simply that I am nothing like Jesus when I decide to challenge an idea, debate an issue or even teach a lesson.
And I so desperately what to represent my Jesus well in this area.
So I’m learning. And making lots of mistakes. And for the first time in my life, starting to care about what taste I leave in people’s mouths when I’m done talking. It’s not easy, this attitude of humble certainty. But I know how ineffective my responses have been up to this point, and I am convinced that letting Jesus break through my heart so he can use my mouth more effectively for his kingdom will be worth the effort.
