“Religious freedom should work two ways: we should be free to practice the religion of our choice, but we must also be free from having someone else’s religion practiced on us.”
-John Irving, novelist (b. 1942)
Many years ago on one of my walks with my brother-in-law, who is a physicist, he was telling me how many of the everyday technologies I use and rely on came from advances in science only because of the needs of war or the space program. It wasn’t really something I stopped to think about much before that conversation. Things like microwaves, the internet, video games, freeze-dried food were developed not as creature comforts for me, but out of necessity.
My conversation with Jon was not what jumped immediately to mind after ready Irving’s quotes, but the quote made me think about what comforts I enjoy because someone “practiced religion” on someone else. Well, I couldn’t come up immediately with a concrete list (maybe a bit of research is in store). I did think about where our country would be were it not for those who sought to escape and/or practice religious freedom apart from England. But, when I boil “practicing religion” to the point where I think about me specifically, it is scary to think of it not impacting others.
If it were not for my relationship with God would I treat people the way I do? Surely not. There are things I try not do because I think they are wrong, but also because God tells me they are wrong explicitly in His Word. At church we are working our way through the Sermon on the Mount, so it is easy to think of things I might be drawn to if I lived apart from Christ. So I know my practicing of my beliefs impacts the lives of others. It better. Just as your relationship with God impacts not only you but those you encounter. I must remember that anyone I come in contact with is not free from religion as described by Irving. I want them to experience my understanding and JOY of God and His grace and mercy. Our God is relational, so if my walk with God IS NOT impacting others, I’m doing something wrong. Christ lived to be an example for me, may I do so for others.
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”
– 1 John 2:9, NIV
Were it not for God’s grace and mercy, were it not for my “practicing religion”, were it not for many prayers by others on my behalf, who knows the atrocities against I would be capable of. It is not that I do not sin, but by God’s grace may it be that my sins against humanity are minimal.
Today I leave you with these words –
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
– 1 Peter 3:13-17, NIV
If you have time today, I would encourage you to read 1 John 1 and 2. Powerful words for me to read after writing this.
Read the NIV on Biblegateway at this this link.