There is a problem with teaching vs trying to control the narrative. Imagine a great music teacher. They work hours to train an amazing and beautiful art to a student. They might expect that student to become a great musician. They might project their own wants and goals in life to their prodigy. Truth though is God is in control. Maybe they are needed elsewhere. Or maybe God will increase their abilities at a later time in life. We should not place our own self worth in the actions of others. If we do then we risk trying to control God’s narrative.
People are difficult at times. A piece of steel can be hammered into different shapes. It holds its form well and it can be counted upon to act in a similar way at all times (granted this changes in extreme conditions). People are not a piece of steel, they are not animals to jump through hoops. They are extremely complex organisms with a spiritual component. They are required to constantly balance priorities in life. A sick child or family member can change plans dramatically. The idea is society should be there to pickup the slack. Hopefully others have had this as their life experience. From my life experience I have not seen this as much. Multiple times I was left without, making me question where and when to give resources.
I think going to Church is and acknowledgement that we are not perfect and we need more than ourselves. Problem is we tend to expect more from the people at Churches. Ideally God’s people would work together during the tough times. Oppressive systems might be mistaken for apathy.
Teachers, Authorities, and Politicians all invest time and effort into people. Is it wrong for them to expect a return on investment? I don’t believe so, as long as it doesn’t get to the point of trying to control the narrative of the lives of others. True love and investment in others leaves them with the ability and freedom to make their own decisions. It does not force their own narrative or path upon the choices of others. It does not withhold support for those who choose to paint the picture in another way. It does not use silence as the means to achieve that goal. Silence because we don’t have the words is different from silence because we don’t like their choices. Silence because we don’t have the time or didn’t think of that is different than silence as a means to an end.
There is more than one way to fix problems. Some can do so with overtime and working to exhaustion. Some can fix problems with words. Some can fix problems with a paint brush, a medicine, a screw and a board. All fixes have side effects. They fixed it in a way different from me, but they made those people’s life better at the same time. I didn’t see that. Hard to have faith in what we can’t see. The unknown that God knows.
What appears to be the optimal way to fix things is not always the optimal way to fix things. Can we deal with each other in a civilized way when we disagree upon what the optimal way is? Can we course correct without judgement and unmercifulness when we think someone or some project is on the wrong path? Can we allow people to do things different than ourselves, knowing that the lessons they will learn are more valuable in the end. I get it right always the first time? No. I am perfect in the way I make decisions? No. Can God still make the best of things in spite of perceived problems? Yes. Excuse to leave my life or others lives in the dump? No. Excuse to leave anyone under labels and unforgiveness? No. Judge others for a problem we can’t, won’t, or chose not to fix? Don’t
Wiser to make sure others are onboard with a plan beforehand. Not always time for that and not always means of direct communication in oppressive systems. What is the damage in the silent treatment? What is the damage in severing support? What is the damage in oppression? What is the damage in tryin to control the narrative? What is the damage in cyber security problems and oppressive surveillance systems? What is the damage in contracts that make us remain silent?
No need for prayer with this kind of stuff going on in the world?
My prayer is people understand the true cost of what silence means. Always wrong to be silent? No. Wise to always be silent? No. The cost of a missing voice? One lost life too many. No excuse for silence forward.
Silence better?
Someone who follows a contract is valuable. Someone who chooses to break a contract because of a higher priority is also valuable. Always easy to get that right the first time? No. Reason to be careful with the contracts we expect others to follow? Yes. But it said do it that way. If we did they would die. How would God want it?
Breaking a contract can cause more problems short term. Long term is important too. Break contracts and laws always? No. Higher priorities sometimes? Yes
Don’t write laws and a contracts you wouldn’t want to follow yourself. Try to think of the exceptions and try to include them in. Realize you can’t think of all possible exceptions. Have mercy for the fact that laws aren’t perfect. Have mercy for the fact that there are some things we can’t see.
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