What can love do today?

Many words and positions flow from the District of Columbia on the Potomac River.  They are worthy of perspective-taking consideration.  If you are uncertain of what conversations, consider those that emanate from or near rooms in a white house that have been recently adorned with gold – yes – gold.

These conversations are heard by thousands, many thousands of people in this country hear this:  We are coming to get you – you aren’t wanted here. 

For perspective, turn to the eighth chapter of the good news as told by John, found in your available bible, or read the chapter here:  Click to Read  There are a few interesting conversations in this chapter, all having to do with perspective, and with the fundamental crux of what it means to follow Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus, the teacher, asks those with whom he is in conversation, to consider the truth of what they say.  He references God as the basis for what he says and for what he does.  Those around him would know the fundamental teaching:  Love God with all your heart and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus knows that he is in conversation with people who wish to eliminate him and his teaching of the fundamental truth as it is inconvenient to those adorning the temple with gold, those who are amassing power to trick, trap, and even eliminate people from their presence.

Jesus makes it clear that he knows who he is.  And he says to them:  You do not know who you are.  You are confused.  You profess one thing yet you do another.  Life, Jesus says, will not go on well with this double-message.  Either follow God, or follow man – they are not the same.

Jesus had followers – not because he was powerful and adorned with gold and making pompous statements and threats.  He posed this question in the minds of those who heard him: Do I follow the leaders, like those on the Potomac who say they are all about good, or do I look at what they do?  Do I see them caring for people, including the neighbor? – which is a symbol for alien, outsider, sick and and disadvantaged – many, if not most, not able or allowed to enter the temple.  Whose message aligns with the fundamental teachings? Jesus had followers in large part because his words matched his behavior – consistently.

A good question to shine upon the words coming from the Potomac. Do they align with fundamental teachings?  What are the behaviors?  Are they trustworthy and true?  Friend, consider.  And let your considerations lead you to action – not just a yes or a no –  also an action. 

In peace, may you consider, and may you be encouraged to act as your discernment leads you.