Legalities and myopic views

Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16

          There is a difference between the society in the United States and that of say, Italy. Specifically, driving. When you come to a traffic light here in the United States, you stop and wait until it turns green. In Italy and many other places in Europe, a red light is looked at less legalistically. It is a suggestion , a goal,  an ideal lets say. If there's no one coming, simply blow it off as we might say and go anyway. The  Unites States is very legalistic, very litiginous and things seem to be looked at in a black and white fashion.

          We tend to think in those terms and erroneously look back in time and judge others in the rigid terms we are accustomed to. Not all societies and certainly not all times look at things as we do now.  Besides laws, there are other 'fluid' examples of peoples thoughts. For example, our concept of history is based on specific dates. The ancients had no concepts of specific dates as we do. They looked at eras of time, events with no exact dates and what 'time' they might refer to are simply based on a different standard of time than we do. After all, when did our precise calender even come into existence?  Another example of fluidity to the ancients would be sexuality. The term and idea of 'homosexuality' is a very recent construct.  Sexual conduct and relationships were based on the construct of male domination. The idea of marrying for love, real relationships is again, a recent construct. Contracts were a norm more than anything else. And even at that, contracts were not of a variety we'd be familiar with. It would be loose and less romantic. 'I will sell you my daughter for 50 goats and 3 sheep'. Or, we will have our children get married so we will have a bigger kingdom or more land and therefore more power'. In human relationships as we think of them, the idea to the ancients was less legal and more about domination and power. In terms of homosexuality as we know it, you could own or have same sex partners as we might think of it but note the only restriction was to not to be in the female role. That would be what makes a relationship wrong - not the acts.  In our society, people have difficulty separating acts from relationships. We have come a long way.

          But what would Jesus say about transgressions and the law, which is where I started. First Jesus said to render to Caesar what is Caesar and give to God, what is God's. A separation from the law of man and the law of God.

           It would appear that we are held to a different standard than perhaps we are in the habit of thinking in. This passage speaks of restoring, supporting, taking care of ones self. It does not speak of laws so much as it speaks of our focus in life. What is most important to us? What hinders our growth? If there are wrong actions on our part or someone else's, what are we to do or say?

           To me actions are not life defining. Actions are part of a journey to wholeness. Rather than be judgemental, look at our actions as lessons. Look at our actions in view of what we are striving to do and where we are trying to go. If we are keeping God in our sights that is our real goal. We are all bound to make mistakes, some of them no doubt will be whoppers. Our goal though should not leave our sight and a good and faithful journey should not be defined by one act.

            It is quite appropriate that the gay community uses the rainbow as their banner for recognition. It reflects a diversity, it reflects transition within a spectrum and is clearly not black and white. Perhaps that alone puts the gay community at odds with so many who see things as black or white, right or wrong.  God's world is diverse and colorful.  We run a real risk in looking at anything in a myopic way. God created all, God loves all. 

            Let's try not to think and judge as if our terms are the only terms, as if our benchmarks are the only benchmarks, as if our view is the only view available.  Let us be responsible for our own actions and our own growth but let us help each other on our journeys to wholeness. All the while see God's glory and give thanks.

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.

Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.

All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride.

For all must carry their own loads.

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.

If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!

It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised--only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh.

May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!

As for those who will follow this rule--peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.