Exercise Less

We have a rule when we go into Angola that we don’t wear clothing that has anything written on it, no writings, no pictures, no logos, nothing. It’s not always easy to find clothes that satisfy this rule. We tend to be walking bill boards. We advertise our teams, our politics, our churches, our favorite places to eat. Sometimes it’s not real clear what we are advertising or why.

This is a good rule. In the prison we are trying to be Jesus to the residents. Not everyone has our politics, cheers for our team or goes to our church. So why put up unnecessary barriers. In any case, the walking bill board thing has to be one of the least effective means of advertising. I don’t think I’ve changed my mind on a single issue because of what someone wore. More often than not, these walking writings just irritate me. It certainly doesn’t make me love the wearer any more or want to know more about his or her savior. 

I wish we would apply this rule to our team meetings. It’s just a little bit harder to love someone who supports a team you hate or has politics you deplore. It might be a nice rule to have on Facebook too. I recently had to “unfriend” a couple of folks because I just couldn’t take any more of their bully politics. I still love them. In fact I love them even more since I am now not reminded daily how wrong headed their politics are.  Just because I don’t believe like you do or support your candidate or office holder doesn’t make me mean, stupid or unAmerican. I still want to know how your life is going and if you need prayer. I love seeing pictures of your kids. (not so much of  your pets, but that’s just me.)

We certainly have a right to express our opinions, even on what we wear. Freedom of thought and speech and assembly are all very dear and I am completely in support of these rights. However, just because we have a right doesn’t mean we should exercise it on every occasion. After all our greatest purpose is to be Jesus to a world who needs it, shouldn’t we avoid activities that hamper that mission? 

I think we should speak clearly, forcefully and honestly in political forums. We should cheer like crazy at games. We should worship where we like and eat and party at the places that make us happy. Most importantly we should be Jesus on every occasion. 

Maybe I’ll get a tshirt that says that.

Be blessed.

Nick