A couple of weeks ago I had been reading Donald Miller and talked about divisiveness. Our society right now–both civil and religious–is marked by often bitter divisions. If you look within the church whether it be the Christian church as a whole, a denomination or a local congregation, there are people who choose to argue points of law or matters of opinion.
A friend I was discussing this with last week on a trip mentioned his difficulty with most of these divisive types of people was that they were so self-righteous. “I’m right, and nothing you say could convince me I’m wrong, and if you don’t agree then you’re wrong (and will roast in Hell).” That seems to be the attitude.
Donald Miller was concerned that this attitude drove away many sincere people from the church. He is probably on to something.
Jesus said (in Luke) that a kingdom divided against itself will become a desert. Is it possible that that is the likely future of your congregation, your denomination, the church or your country?
Richard of St. Victor begins his description of the contemplative life talking about wisdom and justice. Those are two really excellent things to pursue. Wisdom teaches us that we cannot know everything that God knows. That we pursue a life that is right with God. When we speak, we tell others of the fruits of a life lived with God and the struggles to maintain it. (First commandment “Love the Lord your God”.)
Justice teaches us to take into consideration others–their needs, desires, welfare–(second commandment “and your neighbor as yourself”.)
In all the talk I hear around me, I hear nothing of wisdom and justice. I worry that I’m not teaching that either. If you are walking with Jesus, those should be the foundation of your life.
(I’ve been traveling again and slipped on a lot of my writing. For that I apologize. I guess I don’t have the stamina I used to have.)
Faith Venture 
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