Blocking God’s Dream?

In our Tuesday Pastor’s Bible Study, we’ve been wrestling with Jesus’ parables. The author of our study asked a question that landed hard on me: “How are you blocking God’s dream for this world?”

Ouch.

It’s a question that doesn’t just sit comfortably—it pokes, prods, and unsettles. But it also opens the door to reflection. And reflection, as uncomfortable as it can be, is often what helps relationships grow—whether that’s in marriage, at work, in our small groups, or even within the church.

When I get frustrated (and let’s be honest, we all do), I can hear the voice of a counselor I once worked with: “What role are you playing in this situation?” At first, that felt unfair. I wanted to vent! But over time, I realized how important that question is. Because if I’m not pulling my weight with household responsibilities, or if I’m not communicating well, I can’t simply point to someone else’s fault. I have to own my part too.

Now—let me be clear—this is never about excusing harmful or abusive behavior. But in the everyday struggles of life, it’s a reminder that there are usually two sides to every situation. We don’t always see things the same way. One of us may be leading with thinking, the other with feeling, and suddenly we’re speaking two different languages.

Which brings me to Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel: “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NRSVUE)

That’s not easy. Especially when you’re convinced you’re right. (Just ask my kids, who are currently convinced their sibling is always in the wrong—while missing how they themselves aren’t exactly helping the situation either. Two wrongs don’t make a right…but as I like to joke, two lefts do make a right!)

But Jesus invites us into something better. Not an either/or where one person is right and the other is wrong. Not “us versus them.” Instead, it’s a Both/And—where we recognize our shared humanity, reflect on our own hearts, and remember we’re actually on the same team.

So here’s my encouragement/challenge for this week:
Before you dismiss someone else’s words, view, or take on a situation, pause long enough to reflect. Ask, What’s stirring in me right now? What is causing this feeling? How might I be contributing to this tension or opposition?

Because in the end, we’re not enemies. We’re fellow travelers on the same journey, working toward the same dream of God’s kingdom breaking into this world.

This Sunday, we’ll continue our Both/And sermon series by exploring one of the most common divisions we face: the split between what is “sacred” and what is “secular.” Does God only show up in worship, or is God just as present in our work, our homes, and our everyday lives? I hope you’ll join us as we discover how faith holds these together, reminding us that all of life belongs to God.

With Gratitude,

Rev. Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC