*I do not have a degree in theology nor do I consider myself an expert in all matters biblical. This is simply my thoughts I decided to share via the blog. You might agree, you might disagree. That’s ok. This blog is only ever my opinion. Feel free to comment.
This morning as I brushed my teeth I had to remind myself to take it easy. I noted the strong grip I held on my purple toothbrush as I cleaned my pearly whites with a little too much vigor. I slackened my grip a bit and slowed down.
You see, about a decade ago I was told for the first time by a dental hygienist in the Navy that I was an aggressive brusher. Too aggressive. It seemed that I was so eager in my task of cleaning my teeth that I was harming them. The pressure I applied while vigorously brushing was far too hard on the enamel of my teeth. Over time this pressure was trying to erode the surface of my smile. I didn’t have cavities, but if I kept it up I wouldn’t have teeth! Or at least not a brilliant, shiny smile.
They suggested I use an electric toothbrush to make it easier to clean without using such a strong hand. I listened dutifully and used an electric toothbrush for years. And I forgot about my problem.
Somewhere along the way, as the years passed I stopped with the electric brush and reverted to my former manual ways. I also resorted back to bad brushing. I flossed daily. I brushed at least twice a day, every day. I used a mouth rinse too. Good intentions, right?
I go to the dentist at least twice a year and recently discovered I was once again brushing my smile away. I was doing the right thing overall; I was just going about it the wrong way. I was a dental hygiene zealot.
The term zealot is most often associated with religion. By definition a zealot has strong beliefs that they wish to impose impress on other people. Zealots get a bad rap, but I can see both sides of it really. Historically Zealots were extremist in nature. They felt strongly about God as their ruler and could be violent at times to get their point across.
The term today is used loosely and often simply refers to people with strong religious beliefs that they desire strongly to share with everyone. In that sense I can understand what drives a zealous person. I’ve been a missionary by title and continue to be one on the everyday mission field of life. I love to tell people about my Jesus.
So I get it in a way. When I don’t get it is when it takes on a more historically similar version. When people get violent to prove their point there’s usually consequences and they’re not always what’s intended. When a lover of Jesus becomes too aggressive or too strong handed in their approach they usually end up abrading the shine off the gospel. They don’t mean to do it, but in their aggressiveness they brush off the love. And since Jesus is all about some love that just doesn’t work. Zeal for The Lord is good, but when misdirected it will likely fail or produce harm.
I remember as a young Christian feeling inadequate at times in my new walk, and I think a lot of people feel that way. We sometimes forget that those around us may not have grown up in a Christian environment or had the privilege on being instilled with Godly principles at a young age. New Christians have excitement over a newfound relationship with Christ, but not always the years of teaching or doctrine under their belt.
They have a saying in nursing that old nurses eat their young, meaning they’re not always sensitive or understanding to a new nurse. I see Christians doing the same sometimes.
I remember as a youth at a new church being approached by a member there. I know now that she meant well, but at the time her words hurt me. She came up to me and without so much as a greeting said, “Your earrings are demonic. I just wanted you to know.”
This was good information for me to know, but at the time all I felt was shame. I thought, Oh my goodness, I’m wearing demonic earrings in church! I’ll never get this Christian stuff right!
The well-meaning church member wasn’t cruel in her words. She just wasn’t sensitive either. Thoughtfulness and a gentle hand are important when guiding a new Christian along the path of their new life. While direction is definitely needed, if given too harshly you unintentionally knock the shine off of the joy of a relationship with Christ.
It’s not just in interactions with new Christians where this is a problem. It’s even more of an issue with those who don’t have the honor of a relationship with The Lord. In these cases a stern approach of “my way is the right way and your way is the wrong way” will nine times out of ten discourage someone from desiring to be a part of this “religion” you’re peddling.
People were drawn to Jesus. Prostitutes, all types of sinners, and people in need of His healing sought Him out because He didn’t judge them but offered them life, love, and acceptance. His love brought them to repentance through Him. He did say “sin no more”, but He first said “neither do I condemn you.” Then they changed their lives for Him!
One of the twelve disciples, Simon, was a Zealot. Jesus showed Simon how to love people and spread the good news. He shows us the same through His example.
I think too many times we are very passionate about our beliefs, which is not all bad, but when passion causes us to produce harm it is nonproductive for God’s kingdom.
The next time you feel your belief system confronted by sin I want you to think about my aggressive teeth brushing. You can still stand firm by the truth without being hurtful to others. You can teach God’s principles without being condescending or insensitive.
Before you speak run it through a mental filter of love. Are your words or actions driven by a motivation to elevate self or elevate God’s kingdom? Will your words tear down relationships or build them up? Will your life be a testimony of God’s love or a reason for people to shun all “religion?” Will you be a servant for the kingdom? What about this one; if Jesus was standing right beside you would your words or actions be the same?
Just like my dental hygiene, your approach to others may be good intentioned, but if your approach is too aggressive it isn’t effective. It’s actually harmful.
As I saw this morning, it’s a daily reminder to myself to take it easy when I’m cleaning my teeth. Your interactions with others are no different. You must be mindful of your approach at all times to be effective yet not destructive.
Kristen Lothenore says
Very well spoken. Totally agree 🙂
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you 🙂
ruthiespage says
Excellent. and by the way, you have a beautiful smile!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much! For both compliments.