How can we challenge the status quo with those close to us and still show the love of Jesus?

The answer to this question is not easily answered with a simple reply. If you could subtract the phrase “with those close to us” for a moment, we can list the options the Bible demonstrates for us through the Prophets and Jesus.

 

Pastor Steve’s lessons from the Chronicles of Elijah have shown us the method Elijah used on Mount Carmel and at other times with Ahab. It was confrontational. This will certainly be one approach you will need to use from time to time according to circumstances and the Holy Spirit’s leading even with people close to you. Some call it tough love. Elijah’s message to the people of Israel was, “"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This was very frank and straightforward.

 

Jesus also shows us this confrontational style when he overturned the money changer’s tables (Matthew 21:12-13). He did it again with his straight-forward response to the Pharisees in Matthew 23.

 

Jesus sometimes used stories (parables) with a point to expose intransient positions. Mark 2:18-20 is an example and so is the parable of the Prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.

 

Another method was the artful use of questions to help the status quo person discover a clearer reality on their own. A couple of examples would be Mark 2:18-20 and Matthew 22:15-22.

 

I must mention that Jesus never manipulated the Pharisees so as to overcome their status quo position but he did assert truth and/or used stories and questions to expand their understanding so a better decision could be made for their lives.

 

Now let me get as practical as I can and hopefully this will be useful in dealing with people close to you. The artful use of “how” questions is a technique that a Psychologist taught me several years ago. You frame such questions more specifically than the following examples, nevertheless they will follow a pattern that reflects, “How does this help you?” and “How does this not help you?” These questions do not usually prompt defensiveness in the same way that “why” questions do. A person may not answer, but it will most likely stay lodged in their mind as they reach for reasons to justify their action or inaction to themselves.

 

When there is imminent danger, confrontation is necessary? Most other situations can be helped by the use of story and questions that allow for self-discovery. One other thing, the endorsement of another person whom they respect, will go a long way toward changing their status.

-David Corts