The Enemy of My Enemy is … ?

This end of the footy season commonly leads to the temporary polarisation of relationships, as even those with no regular allegiances pick their champion, and those more faithful disciples invest more than might be dignified in these few weeks. The state of Victoria has fallen into conniptions, as the two finals are held in Western Australia for the first time, Cowboys fans have the temerity to hope this year and many people are new adherents to Japan’s Cherry Blossoms after their inspiring victory over the Springboks.

On a political note, the tenor of the new Prime Minster is far less adversarial than that to which we have become accustomed, and there seems to have been similar hints of change from the Opposition. This can only augur well for leadership and progress in our national conversation, as we seek to address what is critical in the life of our community.

In a world which is growing ever larger because of our immediate access to it, and because of the images and information which flood our everything and our every moment, politicians and other leaders seeking to mimic “for us or against us” becomes gibberish.

It has been all too easy – and destructive – to engage in political, social and faith conversations in the same way as many of us cyclopically support our sporting teams. Simplifying faith or politics to the equivalent of the correct tie or jersey is both moronic and a lie. But it is so often what we permit – and what we do.

The consequences are the diminishing of our humanness, as our worth is measured in economics, geography or culture. We like the feeling of “our team” and “their team”, but in the wash of history it is never that clear, unless you’re on a netball court.

Jesus’ disciples occasionally invoke an “us and them” culture and Jesus continually sorts them out. Jesus’ measure is the act of service, not simply the badge we wear.

In the immensity of our world and the challenges confronting us, we can become paralysed by fear, or by the immensity of the task. The value of a cup of water given reminds us who God is and who we are. It is God’s task to save the world, and our calling to serve those we can see.

When our first thought is to question people’s motives, or their faithfulness, or even their faith, we impose conditions which are stumbling blocks on which we stand to seem taller. In reality, we are creating obstacles to quenching people’s thirst. Jesus is clear on what he reckons about that.

There will frequently be times when we need profound theology, or extraordinary faith with which to engage our world. However, we will always need the capacity to share a cup of water with those who thirst and to clear paths for those who stumble.

The wonder of God in Christ is for everyone and forever; let’s start there, shall we?