In any disagreement it is easy to lose the plot. What was the real issue? If we were to resolve things, what would be our desired outcome?
In British politics I find a common denominator. Frequently conflicts go away when there is a fall-guy. Are we struggling with bad exams and testing procedures? Fire the Education Minister. Don’t worry that most government employees involved have no reporting line to the Minister, just fire the fall guy or woman! Is there a problem with the amount of spin with every news event? Ignore who is behind the manipulation, fire the senior Press Officer!
Corporate falls guys lost their jobs while those who could have made a difference along the way appear to win in the short term. In military terms it appears that the Privates are used as sacrifices while the generals continue to break our trust. When truth comes along it is hard to see that it makes any difference. It is almost too easy to be cynical about who is winning. Yet I wonder if we are seeing the whole picture.
Jesus confronted his accusers in days of old. They were looking for a fall guy to blame for their condemnation. His response gives us a model and reason to be encouraged.
“But don't think I'm going to accuse you before my Father. Moses, in whom you put so much stock, is your accuser. If you believed, really believed, what Moses said, you would believe me. He wrote of me. If you won't take seriously what he wrote, how can I expect you to take seriously what I speak?” (John 5.45-47)
Life is ugly, that is reality. Identifying falls guys and women may feel good but they are not the real problem. The problem is god of self and all the ways it shows itself. Incarnations of this god include greed, arrogance, price, exploitation, deceit and many more. The solution is here, beautiful and present; the God of love; manifestations – compassion, mercy, acceptance, diversity, and celebration.
Our choice is simple, to love or to blame?
