One of the bad amusements of naughty children is to through stones at windows and then run not to be seen nor to get caught. During my childhood I must recognize that a couple of times I did participate in this malicious action, but afterwards I did realize that this immature behaviour was not compatible with the Christ I wanted to follow.
In the world of adults is not much different, for whatever reason it’s easy for us to throw malicious criticism to others’ actions but we don’t appreciate receiving the same criticism to our own doings. The truth is that like stones, the malicious criticism become weapons with great destructive power.
The main users of this destructive arsenal are the politicians who throw stones at their opponents without considering the validity of the different arguments. Regardless of what it is, the ones from left wing throw stones at the ones from right wing and similarly the ones from the right throw stones at the ones from the left. The said thing is that this kind of behaviour infects all other groups of society.
Nevertheless, it is to this context that Christians are called to be windows and not stones. They are called to demonstrate, through their lives and actions, the values of the kingdom of God without aggressions to others. Knowing that it is from the Devil that comes the accusations but from the Holy Spirit the convincing, Christians assume their position as showcases of society without fear to receive some stones.
Christians refute anonymity and camouflage for they work visibly for the construction of the kingdom of God, being like windows and never as stones. To throw stones brings destruction but to stay visible in the showcase allows for the way forward to be exhibit.
- When have you being like stone and when as window?
- What showcase is needed in your community?
(Immaturity
of a child, 1 Corinthians 13:11 / Maturity of an adult, 1 Timothy, 4:12)
For all Christians 'we need to walk the talk
ReplyDeleteDefinitely
DeleteThank you Commissioner for showing us that we don't really have to be fearful towards receiving stones, but then to actually look at it in a way that we are demonstrating the Kingdom of God 🙏
ReplyDeleteWhen we showcase holiness, darkness certainly reacts
DeleteIf you are the target for the stone, it can hurt. Truth hurts. Our human response is to retaliate and throw the stone back. Instead, use the stone to search our own heart and, if the criticism is true, be an open window for change. If, however, it was unfair or untrue criticism, it will hurt as well, but be the better person and walk away. Keep cleaning your window. This will enable you to prevent the stones from hitting you! They may even bounce back and take down the critical Goliaths. Let go and let God.
ReplyDeleteYes, transparency is always important to create an environment of trust and respect.
DeleteChristians working visibly = glass window = transparency.
ReplyDeleteIf applied, nobody can throw stones.
The stones are thrown because of lack of transparency and secrecy which leads to assumptions, gossip and stone throwing.
The showcase we need is to open the doors, open the windows, answer the questions,
communicate the truth, say it the way it is, honesty, openness, consistency, transparency. The result = no need to throw stones.
To throw stones pointing mistakes is always easier than to demonstrate with our life what is correct and right. To role model what's correct takes persistancy and patiance.
DeleteYou are right Commissioner. Children who throw stones do so because they are mischievous. What tiggers adults to throw stones? One of the common behaviors of a protestor is to throw stones and even bricks. There are various reasons which can include frustration, determination to address an issue, the desperation for results, etc. The stones thrown are both verbal and actual. Desperate times lead to desperate measures. We too have a responsibility to ensure we don't get to the stone throwing point. At some point, when l've tried everything and l keep hitting a brick wall, l am tempted to throw stones with only one intention in mind... solutions, answers, action ... I agree, we need to walk the talk.
ReplyDeleteAs Christians we must support the development and improvement of society showcasing the ideals of the kingdom of God that we want to promote. Yes, walking the talk.
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