Don’t Be a Jerk
Don’t be a jerk.
Very wise words, from a podcast I just listened to. Yet I know I fall victim to my good intentions and become a jerk in some situations just as everyone else.
Was Jesus ever a jerk? No. Did he say things that were opposed? Yes. So, where is the fine line of having firm conviction in your beliefs and not coming across as a bigot or an elitist or even superficial?
Does anyone know how to walk that razor thin tightrope? If you do, can you give me lessons with a safety net, because I know I will definitely mess up along the short walk.
In my innermost circle I hope they would each say that in my heart of hearts my actions and words are true and pure. That I don’t harbor any ill will against anyone who may counter my thoughts and opinions with an opposing view. But that is what I, myself say about myself. But what if my inner circle actually thinks I’m a jerk? I hope we have a layer of honesty to have these tough discussions with those that we say are in our inner circle.
Now that being said, try not to be jerks.
Just as Peter wrote “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (An all time favorite of mine with another backstory from years ago)
When we talk about our opinions whether it be religion, politics, social issues, or any other debatable topic, where is your gentleness?
Shouting your theory doesn’t make you any more heard.
Where is your respect for your fellow citizen of this planet. A mere reflection of the God many claim to revere. Degrading their opinions doesn’t move you an inch closer to the divine meeting of introducing them to the God of love and forgiveness. It probably causes their feet to be dug deeper into their own notorious opinions of Christ followers.
Where is your clean conscience after you leave your tweet or Facebook post laced with a deadly combination of love and judgement.
Were you a jerk or just another beggar trying to show another beggar where to find bread?
So, may we all try to live better.
Wouldn’t it be horrible that at your funeral instead of your friends and family regaling of stories of love and loyalty all they could say, “He was a jerk…but with good intentions.”
You know what they say about good intentions.
So go forth. Not like a jerk but like Jesus. If you believe in him or not, His life was a pretty good example of how we should all live.
Gentle. Respect. And a clean conscience.
Peace
