In 2013, a jet crashed in San Francisco, resulting in three tragic deaths. One young woman died not from injuries caused by the crash, but from being run over by a rescue vehicle that rushed to the scene. City authorities conducted an investigation and determined that the death was accidental and that the driver would not face criminal charges. But the board of the airline involved took a very different approach to this tragedy: They called a public press conference and bowed low in apology. Even though they may not have been individually responsible for the girl’s death, they felt they shared responsibility as the leaders of the company.
This sense of collective responsibility is also found in the book of Hosea. The prophet was called to marry an unfaithful wife as a metaphor for the nation of Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness to God (Hosea 1:2). God is surely grieved by our individual sins, but His heart breaks for the sins that we commit as a larger group of people, as a church, or even as a nation. This is a common theme found throughout Scripture (Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:40-41; Isaiah 63:10; Ezekiel 6:9).
The more isolated and individualistic the world becomes, the less we might feel responsibility for the actions of others. We can think, That wasn’t me! I didn’t do that! I’m not to blame! And while true, we need to remember that we’re not simply responsible for ourselves as Cain wrongly thought (Genesis 4:9). As part of the body of Christ, may we live in a way that honors Him and blesses our brothers and sisters. And, when necessary, may we lovingly confront—by God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance—sin and anything that negatively affects our community.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 4:1-16
More:
Read Luke 19:41-42 and see how Jesus wept for a people who had collectively turned from Him.
Next:
Have you ever apologized for the actions of someone else? Why did you do so? What are the parameters and benefits of shared responsibility with other believers in Jesus?
Gary Shultz on January 3, 2017 at 5:46 am
Yes Peter, we are all in the same boat, so I would agree, as we have seen this dynamic played out in history. Daniel and friends were swept away by the disobedience of a nation; however, God met them and protected them. He gave them much greater purpose and meaning then if they had continued living among those who were disobedient. Whether God stays our place or moves us, we are in His care, Our best resolve is to live a life totally committed to God, and as the scripture says to humble ourselves and pray. I think you are also correct that God is grieved by our lives as believers, as a church, and we could only expect as a nation. Like walking on thin ice, we only walk a few steps behind the “dare devils” seemingly enjoying sin. Even though we see the resulting gaping holes made by sins result, we keep inching out on the ice. May we with great resolve turn to a Holy God and live for Him. Thanks Peter
gagirllive on January 3, 2017 at 8:48 am
Very sobering thoughts here, Peter. As believers, we can sometimes be so quick to point our finger at the wrong doing in our communities while failing to recognize that we are “guilty by association” because we are a part of that community. You have wisely cautioned us to not live with a mindset of isolation and individualism. Certainly, that runs in deep contradiction to the life of a disciple of Christ. While we’re tempted to lean that way, I believe our greater tendency is to do what you wrote in your ending statement. Too often we fail to speak out and lovingly confront the sin and sinful attitudes that negatively affect our community. There is so much conflict going on around us, but are we as Christians speaking to it? Are we trying to overcome evil with good? I hear the warning of Edmund Burke in this matter—“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” We can overcome evil with good by being compassionate, empathetic, and yes, even apologetic towards those who have experienced injustice or harm. I like how you said the board of the airline company “bowed low” in their response to the accident. That’s the key right there, as also stated in 2 Chronicles 7: 14. It takes HUMILITY to assume shared responsibility. Great word for us today, Peter. This blesses me. Hope your new year is shaping up nicely. Grace and peace to all.
Monica Brands on January 3, 2017 at 11:37 am
Great thoughts. Peter’s post and your insights remind me of the concept of structural injustice or corruption–that even if many or most people in a culture, system, or context are not personally wronging others, we share responsibility for not challenging the systems that affect others badly. That’s a message that’s hard to hear in increasingly individualistic cultures, where many people refuse to accept that they can be held responsible for wrongs they have not personally committed! And it’s hard for any of us to hear — it’s a lot easier to just monitor my own behavior than to see and challenge what may be wrong in the contexts I’m a part of! Thanks, Peter, for reminding us that our impact is far greater than we imagine, and our need to invite God to help us see where we may be called to speak and act.
gagirllive on January 3, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Monica, I’m just tickled to learn that the Holy Spirit teaches an old country girl like me things that you have learned in Bible college! Glad you put a name to it and brought us more clarity. Appreciate your presence here, beloved!
Monica Brands on January 3, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Thanks, gagirllive, I love being in community with you all. Your wisdom and support is so appreciated.
Tom Felten on January 3, 2017 at 10:01 am
Peter, it’s so different from the norm to view confronting someone who is struggling with sin as a form of love. But as we do so (or receive a loving rebuke from a believer in Jesus), we truly show the heart of God.
rick sonnier on January 4, 2017 at 1:00 am
Amen, Tom! Proverbs 12:1 comes to mind regarding this.