History can help us understand the conflicts in today's society

CHARLES F. GILLIES

How many times have you heard or said, "I believe in God, but this church business? Forget it! The church is full of people who say one thing and do another, hypocrites, backbiters, gossips; people who don't daily live what they profess on Sunday."

I have heard this used to avoid worshipping together. Those who say such things often amuse me. To paraphrase one great leader, "We all have big pieces of lumber in our eyes as we criticize our neighbor about the small splinter in his."

We also readily forget that there is more to life than what we are currently experiencing personally and immediately. Israel did that often in their move to the Promised Land. They regularly stood defiantly before God saying, "It doesn't matter what you have done for us in the past. What are you doing for me today?"

In the midst of our own personal struggles we also find ourselves forgetting the past and shouting out, "What have you done for me today?"

The same goes for those who are critical of the church community. They so often forget what the church did yesterday. They see only the perceived discrepancy between that which is claimed and the immediate actions observed.

In the ping-pong battle of the current cultural war that is raging across our nation over definitions of family and what is a marriage, we have been caught in the middle, damned if we do and damned if we don't agree.

At the same time, we are reaching out to others as instructed by Jesus and sharing the bounty of food, clothing, shelter and other assistance in near-record numbers. It is dizzying to be the ping-pong ball in this cultural war, and it is tempting to fight back in anger and self-preservation, forgetting that God has called us to be servants of all with no need for self-protection.

As I look at history I see hospitals, educational systems and social service agencies with roots in the Christian community's perspective on the value of each human life. I note the first responders to most disasters, natural and man-made. They are there as a result of religious conviction. I see the contrasting value of women that has again become evident in recent world events.

Yes, I see the blemishes of our own history, i.e. our slavery history, the submission distortion in the husband/wife and man/woman relationship, our "manifest destiny" actions, and the inexcusable detentions and reactions toward those of other races based upon wartime fears. These are real lessons for us. But they do not negate the positive developments of Christ-driven actions in history or today.

I just read "The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw. I was impressed with his efforts to tie experiences over decades into the movement of history as one river flowing together in the lives of my parent's generation. He showed the 1930s were tied into the '60s closely and consequentially.

Therefore, in judging current situations, look at history, both positive and negative. Do not be deceived by its proximity to determine value or harm. Strive to see each situation in the context of history, basic value and group wisdom. That is why we are instructed in the Bible to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together." We all need the collective insight and support of others, and the balancing influence of his story.

This week's perspective was written by Major Charles F. Gillies Jr., Corps Officer, The Salvation Army, Olympia Corps. Perspective is coordinated by Associated Ministries in cooperation with The Olympian. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by Associated Ministries or The Olympian.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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