Leading with Love in Divided Times
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Menlo Church! Today, we continue our series, "Smear Campaign," where we reflect on how fighting dirty is dividing relationships and damaging our witness. Whether you're a Christian or not, no one is happy about the state of public discourse today. We aim to equip you with lessons to navigate these challenging times, especially as we approach a national presidential election year. I hope you had a chance to apply some of the things we talked about last week, and I have a hunch you'll get more opportunities to apply this week's lessons.
First, I want to give a shout-out to our Bay Area campuses in San Mateo, Mountain View, Saratoga, and right here in Menlo Park. We are one church in multiple locations, and the hope of Jesus is available throughout Menlo Church because of faithful followers like you. I've been reminding you that your financial support allows Menlo to make a difference in the communities we serve. Automating your giving is crucial, especially as our ministry ramps up in the summer with special events and trips. If you're a follower of Jesus and call Menlo Church home, consider making giving financially a priority as part of your journey with Jesus.
Last week, we talked about the underlying fear feeding the dysfunction around us and expanded the two political parties into the four Americas we live in. Today, I want to talk about diversity, a word that has become loaded over the years. The extremes in the conversation have dominated the space, leading to confusion. But before we dive in, let's pray. God, thank you that no matter what's happening in the headlines, your kingdom will continue to reign. Help us to reframe our understanding and submit our view to your vision.
We need to commit to caring for the world around us. Part of this is through the listening magnets you received. Place them somewhere visible to remind you to lead with listening. When we moved from Colorado to California, I joked that my approach to polarization wouldn't change much, but I'd be called a crazy liberal in Colorado and a crazy conservative in California. We live in crazy times. During the 2020 election season, I received messages criticizing my preaching from all four Americas. Many left for churches that aligned more closely with their specific convictions. But when we lead and live out of fear, we make bad choices. Jesus always moved towards people who were different and sought to learn from them. He invites us to do the same.
The younger generation is increasingly cynical, with many believing elections don't matter. Avoid this extreme of cynicism. God has a vision for how we should walk out our views and values. Let's pray for people and ideas that confront our assumptions. Who is the neighbor you've been avoiding? Who's the coworker you haven't spoken to because of their political views? Use the lessons from the magnet and lead with listening. You have no idea what hangs in the balance of your ability to lead with love, just like Jesus.
Jesus was so good at meeting people where they were without surrendering His convictions. He led with compassion. Let's pray that God gives us the heart and vision to do the same. For some, this is a hard conversation. You've made decisions that have alienated friends. This won't end soon, but let's be people of love, welcoming different perspectives because everyone is made in God's image. Neither political party has the moral high ground. We need to live as thoughtful witnesses in a world that needs hope.
I want to share a list of ten kingdom commitments from "The Party Crasher." These include worship, loving our neighbors, honoring the image of God in all people, biblical wisdom, biblical justice, fruitful speech, peacemaking, removing the log from our own eye, humble learning, and loving our enemies. Imagine what it would look like if we committed to this list through November. Some of you aren't followers of Jesus because these commitments seem far from your experience with Christians. I'm sorry about that, but we all need the grace of Jesus as we figure this out together.
In Luke's biography of Jesus, he records the moment Levi, also known as Matthew, was called to follow Jesus. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector, a combination unthinkable at the time. He had to bid for the right to collect taxes, enriching himself at the expense of his people. Jesus offered him a spot as a disciple, representing a path to a life he thought had passed him by. This is a beautiful picture of repentance. Jesus' approach to diversity was radical. He chose people who had been passed over, like Matthew, and invited them into a relationship that seemed impossible. This is the example we should follow.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Financial Support: Automating your giving is crucial for the church's mission, especially during the summer when ministry activities ramp up. This act of financial stewardship is part of our journey with Jesus, reflecting our commitment to support the work God is doing through Menlo Church. Consider making giving a regular rhythm in your life to help sustain and grow the impact of our community. [[22:44]]
2. Embracing Diversity: Diversity has become a loaded term, but it's essential to our faith. Jesus modeled radical diversity by engaging with people who were different from Him. He moved towards them, learned from them, and built relationships. We are called to do the same, leading with listening and love, even when we disagree. This approach can transform our interactions and witness in a divided world. [[24:47]]
3. Avoiding Cynicism: The younger generation is increasingly cynical about politics, believing that elections don't matter. This cynicism is dangerous and contrary to God's vision for us. We must engage thoughtfully and let our faith shape our politics, not the other way around. Pray for people and ideas that challenge your assumptions and help you grow in understanding and compassion. [[49:20]]
4. Leading with Love and Compassion: Jesus met people where they were without compromising His convictions. He led with compassion, inviting people into a relationship with Him. We should follow His example, especially in politically charged times. Engage with those you disagree with, listen to their stories, and show them the love of Christ. This approach can break down barriers and build meaningful connections. [[51:27]]
5. Kingdom Commitments: Living as thoughtful witnesses involves ten kingdom commitments: worship, loving our neighbors, honoring the image of God in all people, biblical wisdom, biblical justice, fruitful speech, peacemaking, removing the log from our own eye, humble learning, and loving our enemies. Imagine the impact if we committed to these principles through November. This commitment can transform our interactions and witness, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. [[41:15]]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:44] - Importance of Financial Support
[24:47] - Embracing Diversity
[41:15] - Kingdom Commitments
[49:20] - Avoiding Cynicism
[51:27] - Leading with Love and Compassion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 5:27-32 (ESV)
> "After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, 'Follow me.' And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?' And Jesus answered them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.'"
2. Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV)
> "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
3. Romans 12:18 (ESV)
> "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Levi's (Matthew's) occupation before Jesus called him, and why was it significant? ([33:29])
2. How did the Pharisees react to Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, and what was Jesus' response? ([33:29])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick"? ([33:29])
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the ten kingdom commitments mentioned? ([41:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose someone like Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to be one of His disciples? ([33:29])
2. How does the concept of removing the log from your own eye before addressing the speck in someone else's eye apply to our current political and social climate? ([44:57])
3. What does it mean to live peaceably with all, and how can this be challenging in today's divided world? ([49:20])
4. How can the ten kingdom commitments help us navigate political and social divisions? ([41:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "tax collectors" or people you have avoided because of their differences? How can you take a step towards them this week? ([33:29])
2. Think about a recent disagreement you had. How could leading with listening and love have changed the outcome? ([50:54])
3. Identify one of the ten kingdom commitments that you find most challenging. What practical steps can you take to incorporate it into your daily life? ([41:15])
4. Have you ever felt cynical about politics or social issues? How can you shift your perspective to align more with God's vision? ([49:20])
5. Jesus met people where they were without compromising His convictions. How can you balance holding your convictions while showing compassion to those who disagree with you? ([51:27])
6. Who is a neighbor or coworker you have been avoiding due to their political views? What is one action you can take this week to engage with them positively? ([50:21])
7. How can you automate your giving or make financial stewardship a regular part of your journey with Jesus? ([22:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Financial Stewardship as a Spiritual Discipline
Description: Financial support is not just a practical necessity for the church; it is a spiritual discipline that reflects our commitment to God's work. Automating your giving ensures that the church can continue its mission, especially during busy seasons like summer when ministry activities increase. This act of stewardship is a tangible way to participate in the life and growth of the church community. By making giving a regular rhythm in your life, you help sustain and expand the impact of Menlo Church in the communities it serves. Consider how your financial contributions can be a part of your journey with Jesus, reflecting your dedication to supporting the work God is doing through Menlo Church. [22:44]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you make financial giving a regular and joyful part of your spiritual practice? What steps can you take today to automate your giving and support the church's mission?
Day 2: Embracing Radical Diversity
Description: Diversity is a term that has become loaded over the years, often leading to confusion and division. However, it is essential to our faith. Jesus modeled radical diversity by engaging with people who were different from Him, moving towards them, learning from them, and building relationships. We are called to do the same, leading with listening and love, even when we disagree. This approach can transform our interactions and witness in a divided world. Embracing diversity means seeing the image of God in all people and valuing their unique perspectives. By doing so, we reflect the inclusive love of Christ and build a more united community. [24:47]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Who in your life represents a different perspective or background that you have avoided engaging with? How can you take a step towards building a relationship with them this week?
Day 3: Engaging Thoughtfully in Politics
Description: The younger generation is increasingly cynical about politics, often believing that elections don't matter. This cynicism is dangerous and contrary to God's vision for us. We must engage thoughtfully in the political process, letting our faith shape our politics rather than the other way around. Pray for people and ideas that challenge your assumptions and help you grow in understanding and compassion. By doing so, you can avoid the trap of cynicism and contribute positively to the world around you. Thoughtful engagement means being informed, prayerful, and compassionate in your political interactions, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God. [49:20]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you engage more thoughtfully in the political process? What steps can you take to ensure your faith shapes your political views and not the other way around?
Day 4: Leading with Love and Compassion
Description: Jesus was exceptional at meeting people where they were without compromising His convictions. He led with compassion, inviting people into a relationship with Him. We should follow His example, especially in politically charged times. Engage with those you disagree with, listen to their stories, and show them the love of Christ. This approach can break down barriers and build meaningful connections. Leading with love and compassion means prioritizing relationships over being right and seeking to understand before being understood. By doing so, we can reflect the heart of Jesus in our interactions and witness. [51:27]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Think of someone you disagree with politically. How can you show them love and compassion this week? What steps can you take to listen to their story and build a meaningful connection?
Day 5: Committing to Kingdom Principles
Description: Living as thoughtful witnesses involves committing to ten kingdom principles: worship, loving our neighbors, honoring the image of God in all people, biblical wisdom, biblical justice, fruitful speech, peacemaking, removing the log from our own eye, humble learning, and loving our enemies. Imagine the impact if we committed to these principles through November. This commitment can transform our interactions and witness, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. By living out these principles, we can be a light in a divided world, showing others the hope and love found in Christ. [41:15]
Romans 12:9-10 (ESV): "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Which of the ten kingdom principles do you find most challenging? How can you commit to living out this principle in your daily life starting today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We commit to face-to-face conflict resolution rather than slandering online or behind someone's back. I'm just telling you, this is so important for us to stand out in a culture that is just doing it so differently. There have been times, even for me this week, there were times yesterday where I wanted to unfollow people on my social media feed because of the crazy stuff that they were posting. And I'm like, we're doing this again? And I know that we've just sparked off what is gonna be however many months we have going forward. And thankfully, I didn't unfollow that person and I'm gonna continue to try and engage in conversation and relationship." [44:17]
2. "We are committed to loving those who oppose us in practical ways. And we're committed to praying for their good. If you want to see God change your heart, start praying for the good of the person you think is evil. Start praying that God can do things in the lives of your political opponents. If you don't particularly appreciate someone that's in office in a particular area or their political leanings, the Bible actually tells you and me to pray for our leaders, regardless of who they are." [45:39]
3. "Some of you, you aren't followers of Jesus. And some of the reason that you aren't a follower of Jesus is because the things that we just talked about seem so far from the experience that you've had with Christians. And I'm really sorry about that. We all need the grace of Jesus as we figure this out together. But it's no excuse. We need to be increasingly submitting our view to God's vision. Menlo Church, let's commit to this kind of a vision for really caring for the world around us." [46:19]
4. "We need to be people of love. Would You help us to be people that look for different perspectives and welcome those people into our lives because they're made in Your image with infinite dignity, value, and worth. Help us to be people, God, that remember You didn't write us off and God, You're calling us not to do the same for others." [53:05]
5. "Jesus always moved towards people who were different. And he sought to learn from them and grow in relationship with them. Jesus is always inviting. That's the model that we should still follow today. Open hands. Letting people in, whether we ever agree with them or not." [48:49]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Number eight, removing the log. We commit to spending more time evaluating the weakness of our political leanings and the impact of our own sin before we examine others. And you go, yeah, Phil, but if I admit weakness, that's just gonna be a chance for them to be able to win me over. No, no, no, that's just a chance for you to be intellectually honest. Neither side is perfect. We should be able to name and own that. Number nine is humble learning. If we're not dead, God's not done growing and developing us. We should always be willing to learn from anyone at any time because God has placed them in our life." [44:57]
2. "I want to lean in at a time like this. Not into the extremes, but into the way of Jesus that calls me to specific convictions with compassion. Jesus was so good at meeting people where they were and He didn't surrender His convictions to do it. He just perfectly embodied and led with compassion as He communicated His convictions." [52:29]
3. "We need to be very careful about who we think, who we assume, is beyond the reach of God, or who maybe we can't even learn from because that circle is way bigger than we think it is. In a conversation like this one, we may feel like Carl's story is inspiring as long as he's not that political party, as long as he doesn't vote for that candidate. But that sort of limiting view isn't just hurting others. It's actually hurting you. It's limiting our capacity to love and care for people." [27:42]
4. "If we're not careful, the people in our world will look like us, think like us, believe like us, and vote like us. But that's not the example that Jesus set for us. Quite the opposite, actually. We're going to look at one example of Jesus modeling radical diversity for us in calling one of his earliest disciples." [31:36]
5. "It doesn't mean that Matthew was perfect for the rest of his life. It just means that there was a steady direction with bumps and bruises along the way. As he learned to increasingly follow the will and way of Jesus. Imagine the conversations that Matthew had and that others had about Matthew as he got added to the mix." [36:56]
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