"It may be said with a degree of assurance that not everything that meets the eye is as it appears to be." 

~Rod Serling  

Episode 4:

Double Blow

(www.ambassadorsforJesus5.com)

     So a couple coworkers told you about this nightclub they joined.  They say it has improved their on-the-job performance and invited you to attend.  You didn’t think you really needed one but being open-minded you decide to check it out.

     As you draw closer to your destination you realize it's in this shady side of town.  You eventually pull up to the building and look for a street light to park under anticipating the illuminated spot will deter any temptations to vandalize your car.  Driving by two, you notice their bulbs are out and hope it isn't an act of mischief, a deliberate attempt by others to conceal foul play.  After circling around the block a few times you come across a functioning light.  Feeling more at ease you park your car in the lit spot.

     Peering down at your wristwatch you realize that you are running a bit late.  You have some second-thoughts about attending, but you're already there and decide to see it through.  You then proceed to the building with renewed interest.

     As you approach the door and knock a large bouncer-looking dude opens to you.  After introducing yourself you tell him why you are there.  He looks you over and with what appears to be a good deal of effort on his part, lets you in.  You get the impression he didn’t take to you but you try not to jump to conclusions as you consider he may just be having a bad day.  You then enter in. 

     Conversations come to a sudden halt as all eyes focus on you.  Scanning the room you notice a good deal of the attendees are wearing shades and wonder why in such an already darkened environment.  They eventually return to their respective conversations and you are left with that uneasy feeling of disapproval once again.  You wonder if it may be your attire as it appears you came overdressed for the occasion.  Generally an outgoing personality, you don’t mind introducing yourself and jumping right in, but you are feeling a bit depleted so you decide to find an empty seat and put it in park.

     As you make like a fly on the wall you take in the ongoing conversations in an attempt to get a feel for the place.  You
 catch an earful from each and liken it to a volleyball match, the "subject in question" being the ball passed from side to side.  Each side does their best to give a grand serve, hold their defenses, and come back with a winning offense.  As you sit there trying to see what you can gain from this match, you notice things start to take a turn for the worst.  Instead of continuing with the ball, some of the players on one side are now angrily facing off with those on the other side of the net.

     The room starts to grow silent as they cross the line and deliver several blows to their opponents’ heads.  You watch the scene in dismay and now witness the opposing side attempting to defend themselves by taking a swipe of their own.  The initiators of the personal attacks are now hitting below the belt as they start to accuse their opponents of being troublemakers, even crazy and in need of counseling.  Astonished that they seem oblivious to the role their aggressive actions played in the reaction they received, you wonder, 'Are they for real or are they trying to pull the wool over our eyes?' 

     The assaults continue and you sense the tide rising in the room as others get all worked up, appearing blind to the foul play.  You want to scream, “Take off your shades so you can see!” But instead you find yourself standing up and yelling, “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!”

     All eyes are once again fixed on you.  Some appear to have heard you as you watch them remove their shades and toss them aside with a new sense of clarity written on their faces.  Some appear to be trying to make out what you are saying.  Yet others appear to grow the more hostile and look to turn on you. All sorts of accusations start being thrown your way, from religious nut to trying to rob others of their personal rights.  In spite of it all your eyes focus on this fellow that appears to be taking an unfair, brutal beating.  You make your way towards him and take a few blows for him while offering him your hand.  From his bloodied brow he also shoots you a disapproving look and you start to feel like Moses trying to save Israel from bondage in Egypt before God's time. 

     Sensing that your help is not appreciated or welcomed, you look for the exit doors to slip on out before you get caught up in the scene.  You then get in your car and head on home reminding yourself to have a chat with them coworkers about your view of the night.  

     So why did I offer this story?  This is something I witness in our relationships with others.  For instance, a husband may batter and / or cheat on his wife then when she starts to act up he acts as if she is nuts and in need of psychological help.  It is a real shame how blind we can be regarding the role our actions play in others' lives.  Less subtle forms of this can be when we continuously put down the differences in others (whether culture, personality, gifts, etc) and then wonder about their mental state or walk with God when they are not acting per our "view" of "the norm".  This is what I consider delivering a double-blow.  We take swipes at someone then expect them to shoulder the full weight of their behavior without taking into account how we may have negatively contributed to the situation.  If they snap under the weight, we take another shot at them by labeling them as insane, trouble-makers, or some other choice words.  To put it simply, imagine repeatedly kicking a dog then calling it crazy or mean if it snaps under the pressure and attempts to bite.

     Only God is good and can make such demands on us.  Even so, He offered us his helping hand by way of Jesus Christ.  How much more should we be willing to do the same for our fellowman?  

     I also truly recognize these situations can take place in our ignorance and as we are faced with hardships in our lives.  Thank God He sees our hearts.  Yet as we become aware of such matters we may be in a better state not to jump to our own conclusions.        

     One may also argue, "But who determines what a bark or bite is?  Whose measuring scale do we use?  Furthermore, aren't these things sometimes necessary for the greater good?" 

     There is a simple answer to the complexity of these questions.  The answers lie in abiding in Jesus, our measuring scale, so his Spirit who sees the heart can continue to flood it with his glorious light and lead us by his love.  I don't believe God is more interested in the accuracy and finesse of our surface details as He is in our bruised or stony hearts.     

     The scriptures are filled with stories on how our actions and behaviors can have far-reaching effects that move beyond ourselves.  May we continue to reach for that higher ground in Jesus whose heart of love surpasses both sides of the fence.  Likewise, we should take into account the progressive journey and God's wonderful grace on that narrow road that leads to life.  When things seem complicated and fuzzy we need only draw close to our Lord and return to the simplicity that is in him for our view to come in clearer as we encounter him face-to-face.  No matter how complex the questions are, the answer is always as simple as Jesus Christ.    

     Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Further Reading:  1 Corinthians 13:8-13