"EX-clusiveness" has always "disenchanted" me. As I recall times of feeling excluded in gradeschool, whether it was because I couldn't catch a ball (true story ;), or because I wasn't in the "in" crowd, I am still physically familiar with the sadness that comes with being excluded. Everyone is, I'm sure. And even more sickening, I can recall times when I was somehow supposed to "be" exclusive..... and to remember that others were not "included" because they were not the same as me. But we won't go there. Not today.
As the quote somehow continued to "follow me" into situation after situation over the past few weeks, I couldn't help but to over-hear, and feel drawn into a conversation today. The discussion involved a birthday that an entire family was very much looking forward to celebrating. It was a big event, a milestone birthday, and everyone was excited. There would be a bonfire, and S'Mores, and games for the kids, and birthday cake and ice cream, and memories of running around playing outside that would surely last a lifetime for young cousins. But as the news came that the family's "church friends" would also be in attendance, eyes wide with excitement quickly morphed into overwhelming disappointment, and yes, an obvious sadness.
I wasn't at all curious as to why the change of heart. I somehow knew I was about to be disappointed in people who claimed to know the same God as me - The God of inclusiveness - the God who excludes NO ONE from His love and from the opportunity to be saved and reconciled to the Father.
As I found my way into the conversation, I asked what was wrong with attending a party where "church people" were in attendance, and the reaction was exactly as I had expected. Among the reactions were "They don't associate with us because we don't attend their church." "They don't talk to us or have anything to do with us." "They think they are better than us." "They only talk to people who are in their church circle." "We feel purposefully EXCLUDED."
Many things make me angry, but nothing as much as exclusivity. I know this feeling, and I know it well. It was EXCLUSIVENESS that lead both of my children down a (thankfully) very short path to identifying themselves as athiests. But thank God, it was also exclusiveness that lead to the EASY identification of INclusiveness once they met people who truly followed Christ. And not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the people who showed me how to not just believe, but also to follow Jesus. A true follower is inclusive. I'm blessed to know some ;)
John 13:34-35 says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Yeah, Jesus doesn't really beat around the bush with that one.
Tonight, I'm recalling something I have often told my kids. Unfortunately, sometimes we need a good example of how "not" to behave.
We can't get so comfortable in our church groups that we exclude ourselves, and thus, exclude others from knowing Christ. He told us to GO! and make disciples. He didn't tell us to join some exclusive church and exclude anyone who doesn't belong, or somehow make others feel they are less worthy of His love.
The preaching about Jesus meant NOTHING to my sons, when it was followed up by a behavior that was polar opposite! This leads me to believe that the old saying, "actions speak louder than words" really is quite true. So as I head to bed tonight, I am praying that my attitude and my treatment of others is ALWAYS inclusive. I never want to be that good example of how NOT to treat others. I'm also reminded tonight of the Parable of the Good Samaritan this evening, and am recalling an incredible sermon I heard preached on it only a week ago.
Below is the Parable, and below the Parable is a link to the sermon.
And as I head to bed, I'm also asking myself this question. Would MY behavior, the way I treat people, the way I speak with and engage with people, the way I interact with others, and the things that roll off my tongue, make others want to know Jesus? Or would my behavior make people want to stay home from a party I am at?
Thank you, Jesus, for not just leaving us, but for sending us your Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, to teach us and remind us of Your ways. Thank you, for the person who posted on facebook, "Only country clubs are exclusive. Be inclusive." Thank you for my friends and my co-workers. Amen!
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
(Luke 10:25-37)
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In reply, Jesus said" "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. but a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "GO AND DO LIKEWISE."
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