Warning flags lead or lag. Leading indicators give one the opportunity to be proactive in reducing or eliminating the negative that has yet to become real. In contrast, everyone can see the flag that lags an event; usually it is the event itself. The question is always “so what” or “why should it matter?” Sometimes the event is formal while at other times it is more a phenomena. The question is always that same; are we will to do something, be accountable and responsible for the future because of what has occurred in the past?
Today the people in my community face a question of the world coupled with one in a small village. Both lagging indicators; one is the theft of a political election’s result, and the other is death of an innocent teenage boy, stabbed on the streets of his community as he walked home. The indicators scream that “when wickedness arrives, shame’s not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.” (Proverbs 18.3)
Yet what are we going to do about it?
I have heard the arguments that the problems are not on our doorstep so they are not our problem. I listen to the logic suggesting another slant to indicators and their meaning. Either way, the end of the discourse comes with a suggestion that these indicators do not require action or thought by anyone not directly involved.
I disagree.
You and I must take a stand. If we are to be true to our values of compassion, mercy, and love then any indicator of evil must be responded to for what it is! In some cases our stand is our words, yet they indicate the direction for how we respond to the immediate within our grasp. Standing for what is right in elections far off reflects our commitment to fairness in the relationships around us. Responding to the abuse and murder of a child can be demonstrated through our compassion and care with those who are growing and learning in our presence.
God faced the same questions. His answer was Calvary.
