Are you contrary?
Some people just seem to be contrary. They say “black,” when you say “white.” They say the weather is beautiful and you say it’s too hot or too cold. Everyone wants pizza and you want burgers.
Does it make sense to go with the status quo?
That would make things easier. But not necessarily better.
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Being contrary isn’t necessarily a bad thing, unless someone is just being contrary for contraries-sake. But often times it’s necessary to go against the grain, to be the one vote in a 4-1 tally, to be the one who says it isn’t best to go with the crowd.
One thing I know — being in the majority doesn’t make one correct. Questioning the status quo is often necessary.
When I was an elder, I was often times the “1” vote in a 4-1 or 5-1 vote. It didn’t make me evil, but maybe I was in the eyes of the other elders. Anyway, I eventually resigned.
Looking back, I never should have been an elder. Nancy was in the beginning stages of what was then termed viral encephalitis. I should have simply taken care of Nancy instead of trying to do both things, and neither of them well.
Still, I don’t think being contrary was a bad thing, at least most of the time. I’d like to ask you another question? Was Jesus contrary?
I’m not sure if "contrary" is the best word to use. Jesus was definitely not about status quo. His teachings were certainly contrary to what the people already believed.
Jesus turned the religious world on its ear. It was said of His Disciples that they turned the world upside down after His death.
So, what about you? Where are you spiritually? Are you part of the status quo? Do you accept everything your preacher tells you?
Good preachers want you to question. Insecure ones, controlling leaders don’t. They don’t like it a bit.
Look back to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. The majority hated Jesus. That’s because He let them know what He thought of them in the very beginning of His ministry.
Check out Matthew 5, the first time Jesus spoke to a large crowd. He began with beatitudes, some of the more challenging, yet freeing verses in the Bible. He told the people to be poor in spirit, meek, peacemakers and to mourn.
He called those who listened the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Oh, the religious leaders heard what He said, but they weren’t listening. Especially after He said just a few verses later, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
It’s not always good to be a part of the status quo.
The scribes and Pharisees were thought to be a lock for heaven. They certainly appeared that way. But Jesus saw their hearts.
Then He followed up by challenging everything they every thought was right about their religion.
“You’ve heard it said,” He repeated over and over, followed by, “But I tell you…”
Jesus' words were contrary to what they’d been taught and believed. Do you think we are any different today? There isn’t safety in numbers. Being part of the biggest church doesn’t mean you are OK. It doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t either. But when Jesus had large crowds following Him, He challenged the socks off them. And many left.
One day the majority will be in the right. I long for the day when this world is turned upside down once again.
Rick Reed is a columnist who lives in Mount Dora. To reach him call 352-383-1458, or email him at [email protected]. And if you can’t get enough Rick Reed, read his blog at rickreed.co.
