Saturday, October 9, 2021

 

Faith & Values: When iron sharpens iron, everyone is sharpened

By Steve Shussett

For The Morning Call |

Oct 09, 2021 at 6:19 AM

Divisive times do not mean we have to be a divided people. We can disagree without being disagreeable, and when iron sharpens iron, both conversation partners can be sharpened.

We live in complicated times. Divisiveness in our nation and world has only increased. That, in turn, has spilled over into other areas of life, to where once seemingly inviolable communities like families and school districts are now threatened. And religious communities are no exception.

No religious leader goes out of their way to upset people, but when it happens, we are in good company. Some people heard Jesus and grumbled. Others complained, “This teaching is difficult.” Others still heard Jesus’ message and turned away from him. And Christians believe his words ultimately led him to be mocked, rejected, and killed.

If said faithfully, what preachers have to say will sometimes offend. Out of self-preservation, rarely will someone intentionally “poke the bear” just to stir up trouble. But there are times when what must be said must be said.

As Jesus stated, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).

A high wire act is often required in communicating matters of faith, a message that is challenging enough to move us toward God’s intended future, yet not so challenging that unsettled people stop listening. Like any high wire act, there are no guarantees that the message will not fall flat.

There are unpredictably high winds, such as people coming in moods good or bad, distractions and lapses in concentration that may cause confusion more than clarity, and language that is rarely as precise or careful as one intends. And then there is the wildest wind of all: the Holy Spirit, who takes the static letters on a page and, as the author of Hebrews writes, makes “the word of God… living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (4:12).

Listeners may react differently to any given sermon. Some respond immediately from the gut, positively or negatively. Others need time to think about it, perhaps finding it takes days for God and life to reveal something important. Sermons are neither written nor understood in a day.

So when you find yourself thinking on the day’s sermon, particularly if you are upset or angry, what are some things you can do? After all, as good as stewing in anger can feel, it isn’t very productive.

When distressed, ask yourself “What in this message challenges me and my beliefs? Could there be any truth in it, from another perspective?” You don’t have to agree with what is bothering you, but by putting yourself in another’s shoes, can you see something new?

Perhaps you feel like you have heard a message before, or believe that while once something was an issue in your congregation, it has been resolved, and everything is fine now. Remember, worship isn’t all about you. There are people there who don’t agree with you, then or now.

Others need to hear that message again — or for the first time. And given that “the Word of God is living and active,” what you heard or experienced years ago may reveal something new today.

Finally, the 16th century Protestant Reformation, and other steps toward modernity, were about not having to rely solely on someone else for your beliefs. The Bible is in your language, not only Latin, so you can read what the preacher read.

You have your faith and experience. If you don’t like the preacher’s sermon, then what is your sermon? Don’t just complain about what you heard. Risk listening for how God is inviting you to change your life and the world. Yes, Jesus loves you, but that is hardly all he has to say to you. He loves you, but he also wants you to be who God made you to be.

Divisive times do not mean we have to be a divided people. We can disagree without being disagreeable, and when iron sharpens iron, both conversation partners can be sharpened.

Steve Shussett is a pastor and spiritual director living in Reading, Pennsylvania.