A QUESTION OF FAITH
With Rev. Simon J. Wearn Rector, Holy Trinity Church
WARNING: If you campaign about climate change and then get on a private jet; or sing of harmony and wave protest banners but leave your tent and rubbish at a music festival – you’ll face the accusation of double standards.
Whether it is the media or a group of friends, people are quick to spot inconsistency. And we know it in our own lives. Maybe you’re trying to lose a few pounds, but get caught with a donut. Or are we teaching children patience, but fume in a traffic jam!
One of the biggest criticisms that Jesus had for the religious leaders of his day was hypocrisy. That they said one thing but did another – or outwardly they presented themselves as respectable, but inwardly were harbouring hate. He called them whitewashed tombs – smart on the outside but dead inside! Jesus saw right through the double standards, and yet lived consistently himself.
Jesus displayed great compassion and integrity. He spoke about love for God and neighbour, and lived it out – befriending and helping those on the margins of society. He called his followers to forgive, and as he hung on the cross he prayed for the soldiers executing him – “Father forgive them, for the do not know what they are doing”. He practiced what he preached.
Jesus calls us to follow in his steps. To be people of our word – ‘let your yes be yes and your no be no’. He calls us to integrity and consistency in our lives.
In different ways we all face the challenge of consistency with the many pressures we face. Keeping your cool with the kids when you’re running late for school or watching your carbon footprint whilst you’re travelling on holiday.
Our culture is full of fads – we get excited about an event or cause and it’s in the spotlight and everyone’s talking about it one moment, but soon its time has passed. Responding we can become weary or cynical. But is there a better way?
The prophet Micah put it like this: ‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ We should be concerned for justice in the world, we are called to show mercy to those who struggle, and to walk through life with humility.
Let us be concerned, but also consistent. Let us be passionate but also persistent. And when we get caught out – let’s show humility and grace to each other.