Slander, Judgment and Lollipops

Two Sunday’s ago, when Pastor Stacey introduced the beginning of James 4, he emphasized that for the first time in the letter, James moves off what we do for one another and finally mentioned the importance of our relationship with God. At first glance it seems that in verses 11 and 12, James jumped suddenly back from talking about our relationship with God to talking
about our relationship with each other. It may seem that James is switching topics, but I’m
convinced this is very much the same topic. We will never be able to draw near to God until we
draw near to each other. How can we buddy up to God while holding our brothers and sisters
at arm’s length? As we discovered to be “law-abiding” is to keep the “Royal Law” of loving God
and our neighbor.

I am reminded of a time that I participated in encouraging the slander and judgment of
someone I didn’t even know. It happened when I toured with Continental Singers years ago.
I was having lunch with a couple friends with whom I had toured in the previous year but who
were now with a different group. One of them was slandering a person in their current group
whom I didn’t know but I was highly entertained by their comments. Wanting to stimulate
this conversation further, I made a comment about the unknown person to my other friend at
the table and she responded soberly “I don’t really want to comment on this, it would just be
gossip.” I immediately felt conviction and shame. What part of me was so broken that I took
enjoyment in the slander and judgment of someone I didn’t even know? All I could say was,
“your right, I’m sorry.”

I have heard from several who stated that in response to the time of reflection, God has
reminded them of someone they have slandered and judged and they have been compelled to
do something about it. I am aware some who were quick to obey and sought out an individual
they had judged and slandered and quickly pursued reconciliation. What an example of loving
God and loving your neighbor!!

In the “Pursue” section of the Mission Briefing, we encouraged everyone to purchase a lollipop
(in reference the soccer illustration) and keep it as a reminder that we should not slander or
judge. Later on Sunday, it occurred to me that I could have given a benediction with few words
by taking the lollipop I had in the pulpit and unwrapping it and putting in my mouth and saying
“go and do likewise.”

Blessings!

Pastor Kurt Kincanon