Can We Talk About That?
by Suzy Biggs
We recently had the pleasure of a visit from our son and his family who live in Colorado.
We had a wonderful time enjoying and spoiling our grandchildren, three-year-old Keller and seven-month-old Lainey Jo. Like all grandparents, I discovered when they were born a love that I couldn’t have before imagined. Although I wish they lived closer, it is so very fun to see the changes in them each time we see them!
One thing we noticed this time is that Keller, as is true of any self-respecting three-year-old, is filled with questions, the most frequent being Why? His mom is so patient and kind with him and always stops to address his questions. But sometimes the answer she gives is not quite what he is looking for, or she just does not provide enough information. When this is the case, he asks, “Can you talk about that?”
As we laughed and marveled at his inquisitiveness and tenacity, I began to consider that second question and its importance in our world today. We don’t have to look any further than the daily news or social media to see and hear things that concern us, worry us, frustrate us, anger us and scare us. There is deep conflict anywhere you look, be it political, societal, cultural or personal. Even within our own denomination, there has been disagreement and tension concerning how we respond to abuse, race, the political climate and more. As Christians, we know we have a duty and a calling to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16) in a world that seems at times to be embracing darkness to a degree that we’ve never seen. God has also “entrusted to us His ministry of reconciliation” (I Corinthians 2:18). So how do we navigate through the confusion and noise that threatens to divide us, even as believers, so we can truly accomplish our mission of bringing to our world the good news of true reconciliation that only Christ can bring?
Is it possible that if we are willing to ask this simple childlike question, and then to really listen to the answers, that we can know and lead others to be reconciled to Christ and to one another?
Can you talk about that?
The prophet Isaiah wasn’t messing around when he confronted the people in Israel for their wrongdoings. Chuck Swindoll writes, “It is clear that the people have turned away from God and failed in their responsibilities as His children (Isaiah 1:2–17). Yet God miraculously holds out hope to this unrepentant people, offering cleansing of sins and the blessing that comes with faith and obedience in Him.” Isaiah’s clear instructions to the nation of Israel are words that we believers should keep prominently before our minds and hearts at all times:
Cease to do evil, Learn to do good;
Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor;
Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow (Isaiah 1:17).
First, it’s interesting that the prophet says to stop doing bad things yet learn to do good things. Our default in this fallen world will always be to look for our own best interest first. It is only through the indwelling Holy Spirit that we can ever hope to consider others’ needs before our own, and then we must purposefully learn how to do good. Often my idea of a good work (something I will feel good about doing that will give me recognition) is not what is truly needed. I must listen with intent and ask the Lord to direct me and my actions. It is only through knowledge of God’s Word and prayer that this can be authentically accomplished.
Secondly, we are called to seek justice as well as to rebuke the oppressor. Currently there is much discussion and emphasis on social justice, and much disagreement and confusion on what it actually means. Joe Carter notes in The Gospel Coalition that “a true understanding of the gospel, (though), allows Christians to work for justice in the world in a way that does not undermine the centrality of the gospel.” We must always look at seeking justice in this world through a biblical lens and recognize that part of seeking what is right will always include rebuking what is wrong.
Finally, Isaiah commands Israel to defend the fatherless and plead for the widow. Our responsibilities to those on the margins of life should always be paramount in our lives as Christ followers. We must be willing to step outside of our own comfort zones and to stand in the gap for others in ways that are concrete and practical as well as spiritual and eternal.
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Thank you, Lord, that we can talk about that.
Author Bio:
Suzy Biggs has been a member of CRBC for over 40 years. She and her husband, Kenny, have been married 44 years and have two grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and (most importantly) two precious grandchildren. She recently retired from a 30-year career in public education and is looking forward to the new adventures God has planned for the rest of her life.