|
Our daily lives are often dominated by the language of conflict. Television programming and social media turn people into teams who compete with each other for our entertainment. However, these teams consist of ruthless individuals driven by self-interest rather than the collective good. Cynically, we are drawn into battle lines, fed the fodder for conflict and then left to “duke it out” until a single winner is crowned. This also seems to hold true for our spiritual lives. The question of “who is right” and “who is wrong” dominates religious talk rather than just trying to see “who is.” Once again, conflict is the point. The image of Christ as a lion supplants the image of Jesus as lamb. But what if we choose to look at the church differently. What if we take it out of the popular “battleground” tropes and examine it as a reflection of just social relationships?
What does it mean for the church to exist as a place of relationship and cooperative living? Ezekiel 33 and Matthew 18 help us see the role of relationship in the life of the church. To be clear, Jesus’ ministry was not about the creation of a political machine or an ultimate legal courtroom. He was not out to enforce random religious laws, gain the power of an empire, or bend every knee to a dogmatic deity. Instead, Jesus created a community that is built on foundations of relationship, empathy, support, and kindness. In short, it is based on unconditional love.
When Ezekiel 33:7-9 speaks of a "watchman," he isn't calling us to be hyper-vigilant morality police. For an honest Christ-seeking community, the sentinel role means looking out for the vulnerable and protecting the marginalized and forgotten from collective harm. It means recognizing our interconnectedness, not condemning our differences. When the church community is indifferent to the pain of others, we fail our calling as a community. It is even worse when the church community becomes legalistic, dogmatic and exclusive. Our covenant with God, the world and each other lies in our commitment to flourishing, “shalom” for all.
This concept, again reinforced in Jesus’ blueprint for conflict resolution in Matthew 18:15-20, is entirely anti-punitive and based in care for social relationships. It bypasses toxic gossip and public shaming in favor of tender, direct communication. The ultimate goal is never excommunication; it is always restoration to social connection. “I cannot flourish if you do not flourish” should be our collective goal. As members of Christ’s body provide a safe framework where relationships are mended and empathy triumphs over alienation. God is alive and doing that “new thing” I am so fond of quoting.
I pray that soon we can all move away from seeing the world in terms of individual winners and losers and begin seeing each as interdependent members of a society based in unconditional love and justice.
Be well my friends,
Peace,
Pastor John
.............................................................................................
Watch other Pastors' messages online: click here.
| 
