Seeking Change

I think one of the best things we can learn is the confidence of knowing that we may not be right. Charles Schultz, the famous “Peanuts” cartoonist, collected a whole book that used that as a repeated theme. The book was, “And the Beagles and the Bunnies Shall Lie Down Together,” a little paraphrase of “Lions and Lambs.” Within the variety of comics were various moments when regular characters in the gang challenged one another asking, “Did it ever occur to you that you may be wrong?!” This book was one of his most theological and exemplified his personal perspective that he had the right to share his thoughts in the same way as any pastor in their pulpit. It is here that he channels his distaste for theological pundits, people who spoke with an assurance that they were sharing God’s perspective. One of the strips I always enjoyed was when Linus was climbing on a fence and got a splinter in his finger. Lucy begins to berate him with questions and declarations about what kind of sin he committed and how this punishment was the direct consequence. Then, suddenly, Linus exclaims, “Oh! Look! It popped out all on its own.” Lucy stands, quietly taking in the moment, and then turns to walk away as her brother says, “Thus ends the theological lesson for the day.” Knowing that we may not be right is a crucial aspect of humility. We get to explore, to ask questions, but we also get to come alongside others in their crisis with help. Instead of standing off and categorizing someone, deciding whether they are worthy of care, we step into someone’s need and do what we can. We demonstrate that everyone is worthy and that God loves all. Blessings, Geoff