Finding The Good: I Promise, It’s There

In my Christian ethics class, my professor has introduced us to various ideas that we can use to address the everyday issues in our lives. A well-known Christian thinker H. Richard Niebuhr said that before we arrive at a certain decision, we have to ask ourselves the question “What is going on?”. When we read this statement that Niebuhr puts forward, common sense tells us that this makes sense and seems like the obvious first step to tackling any problem. Yet is this what we really do? Do we really consider the circumstances around us before making a decision? Or in the world of instant gratification, are we quick to jump to impulse or act on conviction? Don’t get me wrong, impulse or conviction can serve its purpose. Nonetheless, our instant gratification can also serve us poorly. In this ever-changing world, it seems that we fail to develop patience, myself included, when we expect to receive something of considerable value. If we get what we aim for on time, we are generally satisfied. If we get what we want late, we appreciate that we received it, yet we can be upset about the timeliness. If we don’t receive it at all, well we aren’t too content. My point is that the way our society changes, causes us to see the world in a vastly different lens, almost so much that we tend to get caught up in the brokenness rather than find the validation in the goodness.

When sin entered into the world, injustice was bound to happen, and brokenness was soon to exist. Are we to blame fully for our brokenness? Well that is certainly a tough question that is meant to be discussed at another time. I do think some of our societal problems are a result of our sin and mistakes. Research indicates that naturally human beings aren’t as rational as we think we are, almost relying on intuition first and reasoning second. Jonathan Haidt, a moral psychologist, writes in his book A Righteous Mind, that this can be part of the reason why our world is so divided on issues that matter, particularly with religion and politics. On the problems and injustices that exist in our broken world such as poverty, mass incarceration, gun violence, political inefficiency, disease, etc., we owe it to ourselves to find a common solution. Not only do we have to ask ourselves “What is going on?” but “What is the good in this?”. This is explained by the work that Jesus delivered in his life, which was bore on the cross. Jesus saw past our brokenness, sin, mistakes, and injustices. He looked right into our eyes and saw the good in us. He pursued us with love. How do Christian ethicists recommend viewing social and ethical issues? Through the lens of Christ. If Christ wanted to see the good, then we are called to see the good even if it can be unpleasant and wearisome. We are called to engage with love.

The ensuing question would then be, where do we look? This is certainly open for interpretation, but I would first start with yourself. Scripture says that you were formed in the image of God, meant to beautifully created. If God values you so much that he brought you to life, then he intended for you to realize that you matter. Notice your strengths, your accomplishments, things you excel at. What have you done that has made a difference for not only yourself but for other people? These can be found in the stories that we have created and the stories that we encounter. While not every story is virtuous, there are some that are meaningful. The way that we stumble upon more stories is when we come into contact with others. God designed us with eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mouth to speak. He blessed us with the gift of communication so that our thoughts of reform can be cast out to be a voice of change. If we are sanctified with an indisputable capacity for reshaping our world, then let’s start somewhere. We have enough mess in our lives that makes us feel unworthy. If we feel stuck on where to begin, look back at Jesus. Even Jesus himself was a victim of injustice, yet defied odds through his death on the cross and the resurrection. I had a friend of mine tell me that throughout our lives, we experience multiple resurrections where we see pain and suffering at times but realize the meaning of how love can be applied to those situations. Jesus never said no to the blind man. Jesus never said no to turning water into wine. Jesus never denied calming the storm or denied healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus refused to cast a stone. Countless times again Jesus sought out the oppressed, the marginalized, the individuals with everyday difficulties. The real fully human, fully divine Son recognized the real needs at that moment. He was most importantly authentic and intentional with others, living a life that is worth imitating. As a result of our reflection on Jesus, let’s invite people to feel that they have a purpose, a belonging, and a story to share. If our narratives are meant to intersect with the issues that matter, then let’s cross paths with one another. We’ve been given the compass; Jesus is our guide. Let’s acquire the map, imagine the good, and venture on our story together.