A Holy Provoked Hush

Whatever happened to good morals and respect?

A member of my HOA laid before me. Every generation has its cultural distinctiveness and expectations. "Back in my day" are common phrases one hears when listening to older people. "That boy needs some home training!" I grew up hearing phrases like these and so many others as a quiet fixture propped up in corners.

But this HOA member was asking this question out of desperation. Wanting to hear something hopeful in return from me. While not placing the weight of hope on me. This dialogue initially began as my plea to pray in the clubhouse. Something so small and harmless. This is one of those times that believers are thankful for pluralism.

To my surprise, this member was talking to me about Jesus and how this neighborhood needed his power to sweep through certain areas where social injustice occurred. Older people being disrespected by younger people. Older people being overlooked and set aside for youthful thinking and energy. I stood there provoked to silence listening to this seasoned saint as she called for right living to spring from right belief.

This Holy Week is about right living that springs from right belief. Just maybe it demands a type of quietness from us to consider afresh how our theology is meant to translate into action. After all, it takes action for the King to bring about peace to the nations.