Neutrality is a wonderful idea.
The thought that you’re not involved in either side and will not be drawn to pick sides, but maintain a position beyond the fray has its merits.
It’s a lovely idea because it is there to give people an out from something they’d prefer to avoid.
Neutrality, however, is not an option available in some situations.
I was observing an event recently and there were a number of things I saw that concerned me greatly. It lead me to think that if the problems were not addressed it could lead to a very tragic scenario. I was not the only one to be aware of this situation – and I am new on the scene.
As I discussed this with others who knew of the situation, it became clear that some were used to complaining about things, and moaning that nothing could be done unless their ideas were implemented. Others simply shrugged their shoulders and suggested that the status quo was all there was, and little would ever change as that was the way it would always be.
Returning from the event, I felt rather low, but it was my wife that reminded me that neutrality is not always an option. You are either part of the solution or a part of the problem.
The shoulder-shruggers perpetuate the system in their inactivity. The dissenters do not contribute anything in their insistence of their way or no way. They are as complicit in the problem as operators and decision makers in the system.
It might call for negotiation or collaboration. It might even call for becoming a maverick and charting an alternative path through whatever means available. It might just mean making a stand after all diplomatic efforts are exhausted and proclaiming not only what is wrong, but what steps can be taken to address it.
Whatever the option taken, it is certainly important to pursue the peace that does not come from simply conforming to failure, but encouraging co-operation and support to forge a constructive future. It is better to pursue this peace, than capitulate to just letting the norm continue.
This is no different to the impact Jesus made in His society and culture. To be fair, it got Him killed because it eventually lead to others reacting negatively. Yet His resurrection vindicated His perspective. It also left an impact for those who saw the path He made for them to explore the Kingdom Alternative.
The values and qualities that pervade this alternative make quite clear that this is about that which is right and peaceful being at the core of all we do. This is about love and humility being the watch words for the glory of the King.
If that is in place, then we won’t get stuck in systems and forms that are no longer effective or productive. We won’t get stuck in routines for the sake of them. Rather we will be Spirit-led to live out the rites that actually deepen our intimacy with Him and strengthen our love for others. Even if it calls us to be different. At the very least we can still know in our hearts that we are contributing to the solution, rather than bemoaning the current state of things.
In such cases neutrality is not an option.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 