This difference between us has led to some very interesting conversations. Just this morning we were talking on the phone and I approached the subject of politics. Joy and I actually share some similar political views on certain topics, like for example abortion. The way that we approach these views however, and the action that we feel should be taken is actually quite different as a direct result of our personalities. I tend to lean more toward political action, legislation, and civil action to help prevent abortions and to raise awareness of the danger and horror of abortion. Joy’s perspective is more of a relational one. Where I see the movement of a society, and want to change that, Joy sees the individual, and longs to reach them in their hurt. Joy’s approach is to reach out to the young women who are faced with a difficult pregnancy and to help them through it on a personal level. Joy wants to help them see the consequences for their child and themselves that come from abortion.
After a long and confusing conversation, I think we’ve both learned about each other a lot. I think I’ve come away a little better as a person. I’m coming to see that I need to not forget the people in my attempts to accomplish things. I need to learn to see the hurting individual, not just the flawed system. I think that’s how Jesus would have approached it. Yes, He would have been ready to engage the political system (and He did by taking on the religios leaders of the day) but He never forgot the person. When the adulteress was brought before Him, Jesus did both. He challenged the system and convicted the men who were there, saving the woman’s life. Then, Jesus touched her life too, by forgiving her, and sending her on her way.
So, I don’t have a corner on the market on Christlikeness. There are still many things for me to learn. Thanks Joy, for helping me learn today.