squaring off with the self-righteous busybodies by bruce w fong

This week I was out for a walk and deep in thought.  A thousand thoughts flooded my mind.  Beyond my immediate thoughts there were intense feelings bubbling up from my contemplation.

I was wondering about these unfamiliar feelings.  They were dark and foreboding.  My habit to be optimistic and hopeful were not reacting.  Instead, my dependable life skills seemed to be leaving me vulnerable.

One of my sheep, someone in my congregation was hurting.  I did not like what they were facing.  Accusations were running wild by irrational people. 

When the objective skills were applied to the story, I could see possibilities and many problems.  But, why do we have to always conclude on the side what is bad?  Is seems far too human to judge others, be a part of casting stones.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.  She was trying to be brave.  Words from accusers were intense.  They did not make sense, they were disorganized and irrational.  Others sitting in judgment were afraid to set off the one who had a vendetta.  They were bowing to the pressure of emotion.

Abandonment colored the moment.  Those who should have protected and advocated on behalf of the accused buckled.  They were weak.   Again my question was simple, "Why do people choose to believe the worst?"

The decision rested with me.  I was glad to have that role.  Standing against an accuser who was a gossip, slanderer, liar and meddler seemed simple to me.  Today I stood up for someone who was being victimized in our Christian world for matters that were none of the business of the busybody.

It was a judgment call I know.  But, God called me to shepherd His flock.  I would not let someone, an intruder assume a self-righteous role and bring hurt into the life of another.  Nothing good could come from the intrusion of the wicked finger-pointer. 

The accuser turned to me when I announced my decision.  The decision was mine.  My role was to adjudicate the interrogation. 

That ugly episode was not long-lived but it was highly impactful in the life of someone whose pain was already addressed at the cross, dealt with before the proper channels, monitored by spiritual people and under clear spiritual authority.  No public scrutiny was either Biblically nor reasonably legitimate.

But, sinful carnal humans have a way of creeping into other people's lives.  Come on, Christians!  Let's mind our own business.  The church does not need self-righteous judgmental crusaders spying in on the lives of other people.  We who are in pursuit of righteousness have far more pressing real life issues to address.