|
A Sufi story tells of a convert who was known to be a religious fanatic. He had become known for his angry attacks on nonbelievers.
A wise teacher asked him, “Why are you such a fanatic about your faith?” “For years I served the devil,” replied the man, “but now I serve God. I have committed my life to exposing the erroneous beliefs of others, to show how their doctrines are wrong, and to declare that anything not of true faith is dangerous and blasphemous. This mission is a full-time occupation for me.”
The teacher asked, “But do you try to put yourself in the other person’s place? Do you try to understand their viewpoints, before you attack them?” “Definitely,” the convert replied, “I have studied their beliefs thoroughly; I find the weaknesses in their views and point them out clearly.”
The wise teacher exploded in rage, pointing his finger at the man. The teacher began calling him names, until the convert backed up and begged him to stop.
Later, the teacher explained, “To put yourself in the place of other persons, it is not enough to know what they think. You must know what they feel, as well. Only when you understand persons in this way will you be a true servant of Truth.”
A fanatical Christian had a dream. He died and stood before an angel. He could see into heaven and into hell. He was sure that he would be admitted to heaven. However, he was concerned, for as he looked into heaven, many nonbelievers that he had sought to correct and save from heresy were enjoying heaven. This befuddled him. The angel spoke, “It is time for you to go to your everlasting home.” The man stepped toward the gate to heaven. The angel stopped him, saying, “No, you are going to hell.” The man, shocked, spoke, “How can these heretical nonbelievers go to heaven and I to hell? I am the one who tried to get them ready for heaven!” The angel spoke, “Yes, if only you had realized you were the one that needed saving, not them.” “But I did get saved,” argued the man. “No,” the angel replied, “for you failed in the most important way. You failed truly to love these you feel unworthy for heaven.”
If we looked at matters from God’s viewpoint, we might conclude that many who are seeking to convert others are the ones needing conversion themselves.
Question: Who really is a Christian? What does it mean to be a Christian? Can one be a true Christian without official alignment with the “Church”?
Spiritual Exercise: Consider someone you have concern about regarding his or her spiritual condition. Ask yourself, “Have I let myself consider, as fully as possible, her viewpoint, not as a means to discredit but to empathize and understand compassionately?” If not, pray to be more compassionate toward this person and all persons.
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
|
