Every noun has a defense. Sometimes it is the nature of the object, i.e. a rock that gives itself a natural guard. The house I live in has a token fence for keeping intruders at bay. The type of defense can reflect the value within, however I am not sure it is a leading indicator.
As I reflect on the “big” people that have come through my life, above all else there are two defining characteristics. First in line are those that defined themselves by towering intellect and honesty. While knowing that they were human, I found myself resting in their shadows because I know that this was a safe place. Their personal integrity would not allow anything else! Secondly I have always experienced the fact that there was no agenda when it came to our relationship. The relationship was defined by mutual respect and nurture, even when I was quite different from the other.
It seems that in the short term it can be difficult to believe that “the person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined.” (Proverbs 19.10) In experience the opposite seems to be true. Flagrant liars get ahead, those living as parasites on society seem to be in the candle’s eye. The weakness inherent in their lives always leads to a different end. It is as if their armament is forever weak because of their souls.
What do we do with those who seem rotten to the core? Are we the instruments that bring them to justice? Do we need to be weapons of truth?
Perhaps we do. If it is so, I am sure that it is not in the way that is most obvious. If compassion, mercy, and love always won the battle against exploitation and self-gods what arms would we go to battle with? Does respect open the door to relationship?
The answer comes in a question. Are we in the business of destroying souls or restoration? It is not enough to knock down walls. We are here to bring in a new creation.
