Scrutiny-Free

Feb 28, 2023

The other day, Mita and I were on a call with a potential new partner organization.

They were explaining to us that their mission is to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, independent lives through affordable housing and other resources, which we think is just amazing.

We discussed potential ways our Impact team could support them through finances, volunteer projects, and providing resources. It was super exciting thinking about getting the church involved in renovating their housing units and even planting a garden for future residents. Mita and I were pumped to foster a new partnership which we knew would reflect our Impact mission to “Meet our neighbor's needs and love the heck out of our community.” And we really enjoyed getting to know the three folks on the call as our conversation progressed.

At one point during the call, though, I hesitated when it came to describing the community of people they seek to serve.

My heart was to support their mission and be inclusive in my language, certainly not to offend anyone, but I just wasn’t sure what to say. Was I supposed to say “special needs” or “disabled” or even “adults with disabilities,” or was there another term I was meant to use?

It seems like nowadays, everyone is super sensitive and ready to jump on you as soon as you make an even slightly incorrect word choice (or, incorrect in their opinion), no matter your intention or heart. Even when trying to remain aware and empathetic to those around you, who may be experiencing life very differently, it can feel like you just can’t win no matter what you say or do. You know what I mean?

Our Lent passage today, in Luke 5:33 through Luke 6:16, describes a similar situation where Jesus is being closely watched and judged by the Pharisees no matter what he seems to do.

His heart, as we know well, is focused on radically loving those around Him as He prepares to go to the cross, but it’s like He just can’t win in everyone’s eyes. The Pharisees judge His leadership (via His disciples’ fasting practices in Luke 5:33) and then go on to judge His behavior on the Sabbath on multiple occasions (Luke 6:2 and 7). They even go so far as to compare Jesus to John and begin discussing, in chapter 6 verse 11, what they might do to Him.

If Jesus, Son of God, in His last few weeks on earth leading up to dying for our sins, had to deal with scrutiny, judgment, and comparison, I guess we can expect nothing less in our human experience, huh?

When I read Luke 5:33-6:16, slowly, it spoke to me in two distinct ways:

First, as mentioned above, it was a reminder that we're not alone when we feel judged or scrutinized. Jesus was too - we’re in good company!
And second, it made me think that maybe we can all lighten up a little in our own judgment of others.

Instead of joining the Pharisees in clinging too tightly to rules or political correctness, maybe we can instead simply focus on radically loving those around us today.

Just like Jesus was focused on what was best at any given moment - like being together while there was still time as He mentions in Luke 5:34, and healing those in need in Luke 6:9-10 - maybe we’re called to the same thing.

In a culture that’s ready to quickly blame, accuse, and find fault, maybe we’re called instead to ignore that behavior and simply love people around us the best way we can one moment to the next.

So, friends, as you navigate life one day at a time, especially during this Lent season, I pray you’re able to let go of any concern you may have about saying or doing the wrong thing, as well as any scrutiny you may be dishing out, and instead fix your eyes on the love you’re being called to share right here, right now.

One great way to strengthen your ability to loosen up and love others is to be in community with people aiming to do the same. A great way to engage with other modern-day disciples of Christ (all of us!), is to join our upcoming Impact events and if you haven’t yet, sign up for our 1-day women’s IF Gathering event on March 4th and our Men’s Retreat on April 21-22.