Like many of you, my days can be painted with a lot of information that I don’t necessarily like hearing or being part of a conversation about. Of late, it seems to be about something political in nature. Never do I recall when each and every day a political theme is so abundantly prevelant.
I understand that people have very strong feelings, beliefs and ideals about many of the things happening in our country and across the world. Many of those folks have a strong desire for their side or views on the subject to be heard. I have no problem with standing tall and proud for what you believe in. My first question though is, is what you are standing for truly and deeply your own personal conviction? Or, are we caught up in what I used to teach on, which is called Groupthink? Groupthink is when we have a differing view or have different facts on the matter, but succumb to the pressure of what those in “power” around us think.
Very sadly, the Challenger space disaster was linked directly to Groupthink. Several engineers at Morton Thiokol had evidence that the O-rings on the spaceship would not withstand the launch, but they were pressured into not taking the stand that would have prevented seven people from dieing a very tragic death that day.
Theres a very good chance no decision you’ve made has such dire consequences, however, are we taking the time to pause, be still and ask ourselves, how we should go about making decisions in our lives, especially any decision that affects someone else?
At first, two of the engineers shared the pre-launch conversation with NPR, but did so anonymously. A year ago, at age 89, one of the engineers involved, Bob Eberling permitted NPR to share his name. On that fateful day, he was certain there would be issues if the rocket launched in its current condition. But when pressed by those in power, Bob and other engineers became quiet, ultimately allowing the spaceship to be launched as planned.
Think back to a time when you may have keep quiet about a differing belief, or conviction? Have we allowed what others may think of us to color our judgement? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for being discerning and respectful with others who see life different than we do. Especially if we may be one to jump to judgement or demean someone who thinks differently. Yet, how many times have we had a chance, a great opportunity, an open door or even an open stage appear to us to share the truth of the Bible or the values we hold so dear… And we haven’t? We’ve either been less than kind or not said anything at all.
1 Peter 3-15-16 says… “But in your heart honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience…”
The next time you find yourself wondering should I?… Should I comment, should I question, should I judge, criticize or condemn, should I speak up or stay silent, there’s an easy answer to those deeply challenging questions: whatever you decide to do, not do, say or not say, be sure that you let them see Christ in you!
The JJ Weeks Band has a beautiful song titled, Let Them See You. It says…
Let them see You in me, let them hear You when I speak, let them feel you when I sing, let them see you, let them see you in me.
Its a wonderful reminder and even better principle to guide us through the many questions we face in this life.