A friend of mine sent me a beautiful quote by a writer I have long admired and whose work I have read many times over the years. Madeleine L’Engle wrote, “We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.”
We live in the midst of such division. Every day I see posts from and have conversations with people of differing viewpoints, varying opinions, with a wide spectrum of theological beliefs, political ideologies, and life experiences. Bashing and mocking Trump or Biden day in and day out does not display light so lovely that it draws people to the source. Saying you are “just speaking the truth” doesn’t work when the condescension and judgment show anything but the love that is supposed be wrapped around that truth. Remember that quote by Gandhi — “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.” He said this because he did not recognize the Christ in the words and actions of those who claimed to follow Him.
It’s easy to throw out your opinions and defend your position; to discredit what someone else believes. In my immaturity and pride, I have done this too many times to count. Instead of having a conversation and listening (which takes time and intentionality) and understanding why they believe what they believe, it is easier to say, “well you are wrong and I am right, so you need to change and be like me.” But that is not the way of Christ.
If we were to truly follow the teachings of Christ — and be carriers of hope — then our collective lights would light the hillside on a dark night, and the golden glow would draw those living in the darkness, in the cynicism, in the struggle to the source of all light, where goodness, joy, peace and love abound.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16 MSG