It’s really easy to get caught up in the causes we care about. It’s emotional. We’re invested. You know the phrase, “if you’re not with us, you’re against us?” I’ve used it, yikes. It’s so divisive. When I hear it I associate it with a need to be physically present, mentally present, engaged in a fight for something. I know there’s being there in spirit and such, but I am talking about face value physical association here. And that’s so hard. There are too many battles in life to be taking up every single one that could require our attention. There are too many nuances to jump on that emotional roller coaster.
In the Gospel of Mark John informs Jesus that they (the disciples) told a man to stop driving out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not one of them. Jesus replied, “Do not stop him . . . for whoever is not against us is for us” (9:40).
I’m going to peel this piece of scripture up today and take it with me. My fight likely isn’t the same as your fight, and vice versa. We are, however, in this universal thing of moving through life with and toward Jesus. And, if you are not against me, you are for me, whatever that looks like for you. Whatever your battle is. Whatever your life looks like. Whoever your people are. Whatever. We’re together as brothers and sisters. This offers so much freedom to perform out in the world in our different ways!
Jesus in this moment celebrates action and good work—you don’t have to be part of a special group to be doing it. I love that scripture shows people we’d least expect doing good work and changing lives.
Interestingly, this comes right off the back end of the disciples arguing about who is the greatest along the road to Capernaum. They are quiet when Jesus asks why they were fighting, and he reminds them, “anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (9:35). Talk about knowing hearts.
This whole piece is really humbling. It reminds me that the world doesn’t revolve around me—that I am here to serve, and that a giving heart is the way to go.
All love,
GLK
