Foolishness and Evil

 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ~ James 1:19-20

I recently read a blog by Carey Nieuwhof wherein he cited clinical psychologist and best-selling author Henry Cloud, “who points out in his book, “Necessary Endings” that there are essentially three kinds of people in life and leadership. Wise People, Foolish People, Evil People.” Honest consideration causes pain when we dare to think anyone we know is evil or foolish. When you measure his/her output, or the fruit, his/her words and deeds bear, and it reveals an absence of wisdom, what’s left? If wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment, then it is a relative thing. Some people are wiser than others, but the absence of wisdom results in foolishness and evil. (https://careynieuwhof.com/now-that-youre-online-far-more-how-to-handle-the-critics-trolls-and-weirdness/)

Foolishness and evil exist wherever people congregate for the sake of a shared affinity, like sports, music, food, art, hobbies, or even religion. You will always encounter outspoken, dominant persons whose demeanor oppresses others, especially those who just want to enjoy the topic and/or fear confrontation. Passive participants quietly endure bullying, highly opinionated remarks, and displays of arrogance as long as it doesn't become too frequent and overwhelming. If so, passive persons usually quit the group or venue rather than attempt to guide their oppressor toward a better way, and so, stiff-necked, hard-hearted bullies only get worse. They become so accustomed to this pattern that they take it as approval and praise and then instinctively dislike those whose confidence and poise might pose a threat to their delusion of superiority. Bullies often preemptively attack the potential opponent with subtle insults, blatant criticisms, and passive-aggressive character assaults.  

Church bullies are often participants in circles from the larger community whose members share common roots in vanity and social status that often date back to primary and high school cliques. Sometimes bullies emerge in church because they feel powerless or disrespected in every other area of their lives, so they desperately cling to a perceived authority and respect in the local church. It is a lifeline for self-loathing that teeters on the brink of despair. The need is so significant that it is better to subvert the greater good and even commit character assassination for the sake of preserving the illusion of social superiority. Inner brokenness and a desperate need drive bullies and it is a matter of life and death to their spirit. Many local churches suffer and divide because of this sort of person and a lack of godly leadership. Imagine an entire denomination held hostage by such persons?!

Consider the Book of Numbers, chapter 16, wherein Korah and Dathan, “well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council,” opposed Moses and Aaron. It was the quintessential example of the sort of bullying referred to here. Unfortunately, it ended up bringing destruction to the two men’s clans and great suffering to the people of God. The men and their passive followers might have been correct in their criticisms and could have been essential to God’s plans, but their attitudes, methods, and ill-temper were their undoing.

           No wonder Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3–5) And, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

James admonished, “Be quick to hear.” How often have you witnessed discord, outrage, and character assassination after a few unfounded remarks led to a few more and then aroused ire? How would it have been different if someone had the tenacity to question assumptions and calmly investigate for the sake of truth? What would be different if one was slow to speak and slower still to become angry? Remember that most violence, if only violent speech, stems from fear — Any word or deed that inflicts pain on another person without warrant is violence. Bullies are usually afraid and they lash out as if they were a cornered animal. Sometimes the bully reacts violently to indirect threats, perhaps after witnessing assertive leadership in another situation that suggests such authority would direct it against them next. Therefore, listen to the words you hear; watch the eyes, face, and extremities of the one who provokes undermining criticism, and anger. What are their motives, and what do they fear? Are their eyes bright, but not with laughter? Does their smile look more like a strained effort to hold back rage or pain? Are hands and feet active, but not from joy? Familiar expressions become masks developed over time to hold back powerful emotions. 

            "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ((Isaiah 41:10) If you are passive, pray for the courage to help end oppression and chaos, since the LORD despises both. Realize that such unrighteousness does not honor the LORD. Unrighteousness, in this case, is a matter of pretentiousness. We witness it in one who seems to be determined to honor God, who is actually serving God’s enemy. Such people act for the sake of their vain pursuit of reputation and self-serving affection. As we strive for independence from the denominational leaders who want us gone, but not without punitive actions and the satisfaction of “winning,” we must remember what sort of people we’re dealing with. Their insecurity and vanity make their flesh insatiable. They are friends of chaos and oppression and its author. There is a well-known quote that says, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” While its originator is contested, the saying’s truth rings clear: we must resist oppression. A Christian must not assume passivity honors Christ. Non-violent, assertive, peace-making leadership that is guided by the Holy Spirit brings order to the chaos and liberty to the oppressed.