If Ignorance is Bliss, What is Apathy?

I’ve noticed something weird on social media.  (Besides the 30 second recipe videos that actually take 3 hours to recreate In.Real.Life.)  Okay-Let me qualify that previous statement because, as we know, strangeness abounds in an online environment.  Recently, I posted 2 things to FaceBook on the same day: 

#1- A call for Jesus followers to respond to publicized suffering happening in America.  
#2- A picture of me playing a mini-banjo at my library.

Can you guess which post got nearly 3 TIMES the interest and comments above the other?  Oh, the banjo. Obviously.

Just me doing something NOT eternally significant.

Listen: I realize that some of us are over social media being a soapbox for people to voice their infinite ideas and opinions.  I get it; it’s easier to not engage. Sometimes we simply want to see a cute picture of a kitten snuggling a baby because we need a mental break.  But -the question remains- if we are willing to speak up/comment on the silly things in life, why on earth would we ignore the HUGE ones?

As I’ve said before, God has given me the gift of being able to see multiple perspectives on almost any given topic.  (Except supporting Patriot football. I just can’t.) He’s also enabled me to write my thoughts in a semi-effective way on said things.  I take those abilities -and the use of them- VERY seriously, especially as David’s and my views are a tad progressive for our rural community.  I try my hardest to use words as Jesus did- To build bridges, remove barriers, promote justice, communicate Truth, and show love.

But it’s a struggle lately.  Because the present-day “Evangelicals” I keep hearing about in the press are sharing company with very strange (Some might say questionable) ideals.  It’s like the church has a few token issues they’ve grasped onto with both hands, to the exclusion (or blatant disregard?) of many pressing others. When personal gun rights become more of a conversation in the Christian community than seeking rights for refugees, it disturbs me to the core.  (And please don’t misunderstand- I appreciate both as valid, relevant topics. But one is about establishing WHAT I DESERVE as an American. While the other is about Americans establishing WHO IS DESERVING as a person. And, from what I read, John 3:16 clearly demonstrates God’s view on both: What I deserve=Forever death.  Who is deserving of God’s love=The entire world.) Jesus followers-The Bible tells us “this world is NOT our home,” but many of us have settled in like we own the damn place. We have prized our particular comfort and legality over love. We.Are.Refugees.Here. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat -or- a bleeding heart for All.The.Things.  It doesn’t mean that legislation has to be either NOTHING -or- EVERYTHING to you. But, Heavenly citizens, it DOES mean that your silence/inaction speaks VOLUMES. Because you are the hands and feet of Jesus Himself.

Last week, I spoke to Elijah about the practice of separating

Dr. Seuss throwing shade back in the day.

immigrant families from their children as a border crossing deterrent.  We prayed for our government to show wisdom and grace, we prayed protection over those scared kids, we prayed for change and opportunities to help. After we finished, Elijah looked up at me -tears in his giant blue eyes- and said, “But Mom, where are the kids being taken?”  My sweet boy. He wasn’t concerned about their legal status or what precipitated their families’ journey to America. He didn’t question what their presence would do to national job security or if they had a right to stay. He simply wanted to know was if the babies were okay.  He boiled it down to the basics real quick. I think that’s why Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." Often Christians complicate the issues, adding prerequisites for people to meet before sharing the love of Christ.  But Jesus did the opposite; He simplified. During the crucifixion, the thief dying next to Him pleaded, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Then Jesus demanded a list of his community service hours and most recent drug tests. He also scrutinized his irregular church attendance and need for Welfare. NOPE! Instead He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Friends, let’s not add obstacles to the gospel.  Don’t underestimate the power of speaking a kind word, a true word, a just word.  Remember, we aren’t citizens here. People pleasing by being complacent and accommodating isn’t our final goal.  Neither is being an outspoken jerkwad. Consider: What matters in the long run? How can my life make a difference?  In what ways could I represent my Savior better? And I sincerely hope your answers have nothing to do with mini-banjos.