Armchair Quarterbacks

October 5, 2020

Scripture

An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” (Luke 9:46-48 ESV)

Armchair Quarterbacks

Sitting around with a group of friends after golf, on a day retreat, over a coffee, on a Zoom call – the conversation has inevitably turned to Covid 19 and what should be done, what will the next thing be or why don’t they do…?  I don’t envy the role of government and health policy leaders who actually have to make decisions and implement policies.

Already Doug Ford is being both ridiculed and lauded for his respectful reply to a question from former Premier Kathleen Wynne because “she has walked in my shoes.” Given the behaviour of politicians in many cases this is a remarkable exception – her question apparently was couched with the same respect for the incumbent’s challenges.

There are plenty of debatable decisions that have been made over the past many months. Mistakes have been made and decisions may have implications for decades to come. Healthy debate, expressing profoundly different views about a situation can be done without personal attacks and character assassination. The hubris of “my way is the superior way” needs to be tempered with “perhaps someone else has a good idea that I’ve missed.”

It is incumbent on me to be aware of what’s going on and express opinion where necessary. Even more I need to pray for the folks making the decisions, that fatigue, arrogance or political calculus don’t produce destructive decisions.

A Prayer for Courage

God of all wisdom and comfort, you engaged in healthy exchanges of views with any and all who chose to take you on. You enjoyed sharp exchanges with outsiders and really got into it with those who led blindly and arrogantly. But love for all and opportunity for change for all was your passion. Grant us your love in a similar way as we navigate these days to care for the outsider and challenge the arrogant – recognizing I may be the arrogant on occasion….. for Jesus’ sake