Should you wait and play the long game? Or take a stand right here and right now, no matter how inconvenient the timing?
Idealism and pragmatism always seem to come into conflict. And what is sad about that is that it pits allies against each other. What to do? I left this comment in the thread to yesterday's post:
People have to do what they think is right. And that might mean playing the long game, tilling the soil and preparing the next generation where a harvest will be reaped. Others will see this as a bright moral line in the sand, a tangible form of injustice and that Jesus's call isn't to "effectiveness" or "growth" but to death in suffering for others.
And all that just describes the conflict between the people who agree with each other. Let alone the people who disagree.
The point being, we just have to trust that God will work through it all. Do what you think is right, but extend mercy. As I told a person involved with One Voice for Change, when it is all said and done we are all, no matter where we end up on the issue, going to have to forgive each other, over and over and over. Forgiving seventy-times-seven.
No one gets out of this without some damage to relationships. Even if you try to do nothing, as doing nothing creates conflict with those who want to so something.
We will hurt each other. No escaping that. And the only answer for that eventuality is mercy.
