In our desire to be empathetic to those who are hurting in our world today, there seems to be an effort to remove the ability to have independent thought.
The prevailing sentiment is, if you do not agree with one thing, then you are against everything.
The irony is the very fabric of the diversity that makes us unique requires a diversity of thought and a willingness to listen to those who see things differently.
The many who give an impression of meekness in the face of controversy also adds to my claim.
Even as I write this, I know there are those who will choose to see what I have written as an affront. Though I do not wish to create controversy or offend anyone, I need to have the freedom to express myself without worrying about how I am perceived.
I truly want to model Christ with what I say and the way I live my life. However, I do not want to be “too meek to be unique”.
If we are ever going to be able to be the Church we have been called to be, we are going to have to speak out against injustice, intolerance and things that grieve the heart of God. But we are also going to have to strive to maintain the mind of Christ and not become subject to the ever-changing whims of the world.
I always hear those jeering at Jesus as He hung on the Cross when I consider the group think that seems to be louder than any other voice today. Those people were only thinking of themselves when Jesus was dying for us and them.
We are at a place in time where we can stand together as the Church and pray for healing and understanding. We cannot, however, join those who are of the world in the process.
You see, meekness is simply power under control. This is required both when we listen and when we speak. We must do both with hearts filled with love and compassion. What is not required is for the thoughts and perspectives that make us unique to be shouted down or dismissed as more than they are intended to be.
I do not claim to have the answer to the ills that have and will always affect mankind. But I do know the One that does.
In the end, I hope we will all strive to listen more than we speak. I also hope we will never become “too meek to be unique.”
Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
