Gracious as Doves

Wisdom in and of itself, however, is not sufficient to guide us through the opportunities and dangers that await the believer who seeks to express and practice his or her faith in the public arena. That wisdom must be expressed and exercised in the right spirit - not threateningly but with the graciousness of the dove.

Believers who by their words and actions give the impression that, if only they had the power, they would force others to accept their position on some issue are not walking in the footsteps of Jesus. He invited people to follow him; he did not compel them to do so. He and his teachings were a threat to many in authority, not because he threatened them directly but because of his appeal to ordinary people.

Jesus didn't just teach graciousness, he demonstrated it. He did so especially on an occasion when he was publicaly challenged by his opponents on a question of sexual morality - the one issue where we, his modern followers, most often falter and discredit him and ourselves.

You will recall the story, recorded in John 8. His opponents dragged before him 'a woman taken in adultery'. Then they asked Jesus: "In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women, but what do you say?"

 

This of course is again a loaded question, asked solely for the purpose of getting Jesus into serious political trouble - just like many of the questions on sexual morality put today by hostile media and interest groups to people of faith who venture into the political arena.

This of course is again a loaded question, asked solely for the purpose of getting Jesus into serious political trouble

How did Jesus handle it? Once again he didn?t answer immediately or impulsively - he took his time. But when he did answer, his response was a model of both shrewdness and graciousness.

First, just a dozen well chosen (inspired) words spoken in public - "He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone" - a shrewd rebuke of the antagonistic and judgmental spirit which motivated his interrogators.

And then, most importantly for us, some gracious words spoken in private to the unfortunate woman now left alone with Jesus. "Where are your accusers?" he asks. "Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she replies. To which he responds - with the graciousness of the dove - "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now, and sin no more."

Jesus knew what to say in private on such issues and what to say in public - something we need to learn. He also knew how and when to express understanding, grace, and mercy without compromising his convictions (that adultery was still wrong) - something we need to learn as well.

One wonders if his opponents had brought before Jesus two people 'taken in a homosexual act' - for which the Mosaic Law proscribed the same penalty - whether Jesus would have responded in the same wise and gracious fashion. I personally think he would have - the question is, would we?

Following Jesus

What is required of us to be able to speak and act in the public square, on public policy issues of concern to us as Christians and citizens, with the shrewdness and graciousness of our Master?

Knowledge will help - knowledge of our opponents and their objectives, knowledge of the broader audience, and the knowledge of faith inspired perspectives on the subject at hand - knowledge that comes through prayer (Solomon's prayer for wisdom), study (after the example of Paul), discussion with fellow believers and authorities, and the inspiration/guidance of the Spirit of Christ.

But if the experience of Jesus' earliest followers, as recorded in the New Testament, is in any way instructive, the most important thing is for us is to be in closer more constant fellowship with him - not just in private devotions and services with fellow believers - but out in the world - in the marketplace, in the prisons, in the hospitals, in the schools, in the ghettos, in the country clubs, in the media, and in the political arena - where Jesus himself continues to do his public work with the shrewdness of the serpent and the graciousness of the dove.

Preston Manning, a former Leader of the Official Opposition in the Canadian House of Commons, is currently President of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy. The Centre (www.manningcentre.ca) offers a seminar program for people of faith on 'Navigating the Faith/Political Interface'.