Chris Rice, in his song about the Eighth Grade, makes a far too truthful observation about life. “Why does the past always seem safer? Maybe because at least we know we made it.” I find because of this reason, probably “primary” due to its many truth filled variations, the status quo is very important to everyone. One might think that progressives, growth oriented, and liberals might abandon the status quo more easily. In my experience, I do not find this to be the case. What each clings to is unique, but cling is something common we share.
In my life, I wrap status quo up in a variety of papers. They go by the names of traditions, customs, habits, practices, and routines. As much as I like change, I revel in the status quo. While some are good – reflections and meditations in the morning, reflections towards the end of the day, daily writing, and my morning coffee ritual – others are far more indulgent (self focused). I find I enjoy the repetition of my experience because of the past and all that comes with the memories. I know things have worked out! I have confidence in the facts of the matter. There is no chance that something bad will happen with my customs.
In the midst of this, I find that we, especially I, have missed part of the point in living. Living is about making the world a better place, in reaching for goals, in change. This is not being comfortable with the past or the status quo. Peter understood this and risked everything to follow the Spirit. Yet, “when Peter got back to Jerusalem, some of his old associates, concerned about circumcision, called him on the carpet: ‘What do you think you're doing rubbing shoulders with that crowd, eating what is prohibited and ruining our good name?’” (Acts 11.2, 3) I want to scream across time, “‘our’ good name! What in this world are you talking about?”
Anything could potentially happen today. Exercising your freedom and mine will help determine the outcome.
