Gap Between Rhetoric and delivery

February 16, 2021

Scripture

“…. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ….  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

(Matthew 5:16, 43-45 NIV)

Gap Between Rhetoric and delivery

“Trust us” is the mantra we hear from our political leaders about vaccine delivery. It’s a greater faith exercise than many in the religious world would demand – millions of doses of vaccine will emerge “soon”, “by the end of Q2”, “by September”. Simple math tells us that for 20 million doses to be administered by early summer we’d need to see a million jabs a week – we await evidence this is possible or likely.

Not letting those responsible off the hook, I’m reminded about my own gaps between rhetoric and delivery. Most times I can tell you what my aspirations are in expressing my beliefs, but I can easily ignore the gaps.

Lately I have been struck by how little time Jesus spent teaching systematic beliefs and how much he invested in advocating love, justice, mercy and truth. It mattered to him how people used money and power – and that it mirrored the kindness of his Father.

When I’m frustrated by the gaps in performance of others it is good to be reminded that there is still much work for me to do on the integrity of what I say and what I do. I’m hopeful of being pleasantly surprised on both fronts.

A Prayer for Today

O Jesus who listened to us as you walked the dusty roads of Palestine. You know our frustrations with life and with ourselves. You hear us now and intercede with the Father on our behalf. Help us to express our faith in practical ways that reflect your character.  …. For Jesus’ sake.