The Way of Dissonance

The way of salvation is modelled in how we live our lives.

From a young age I witnessed gaps in how people lived — both in the public space and in the private space. I never really got around to asking why, but what I saw showed me that people never really got what they truly wanted.

So the gaps — were a resolve — a resolve to keep up with the joneses so that you can save face and become part of your closest community.

And the problem?

Well, it means that your little community — the one your source of belonging and identity comes from — buys into a collective pride. The kind that says something is right within its context, but when taken out of that cultural vacuum is perceived as lunacy. Think Lord of the Flies. The only problem with that though, is by default, we all buy into a collective pride — no matter how extreme may be.

Now depending on your experience, that might be a good thing. After all, pride gives us a sense of purpose, a sense of identity, a sense of belonging.

But here's the thing — as a Christian, a Christ follower, pride simply means that your life, the reality you live and breathe in, is at war with its very source.

Psychologists call this dissonance — Cognitive dissonance — and for you and I, dissonance is simply a way of life.

Jesus Shines His Light

Jesus shines his light on it. Dissonance isn't part of Jesus' vocabulary of the soul — it's simply a light or dark thing. No greys.

If you're a Christian, part of you feels relieved, because if psychologists teach us anything it's that the body does keep score. And that dissonance we face wears us down, piece by piece. So that a simple smile and a wave can be perceived as a vengeance taking root to come steal your life when you least expect it.

You might think I'm going too far, and I am a little — but the exaggeration bears its point. A dissonant life is a worn-down life with weights that eventually kills its victim — and that's not just a spiritual reality it's a physiological one. Confession, it turns out, is medicine for the body as much as the soul.

The self-proclaimed and prophesied saviour went against the grain of his cultural and communal context. He ate and drank with 'sinners' — those who frankly were more honest about the true conditions of their heart than the so-called 'law bearers' in those days. He ate with them, dined with them, and he laughed with them. But why? Why did Jesus, against his cultural norms, exclude himself from 'his people' — after all, being cut off wasn't just a religious matter. Economic and political lines were attached to whom you associated with.

It's All About the Kingdom

Well, to answer that we have to take a step back. What happened at the beginning of Jesus' arrival to the public scene? He came with an announcement: 'the kingdom of God has come near!'

This declaration became a signpost for what Jesus was going to start living out. A kingdom where dissonance would be eradicated. The poor would receive the most prized possession. Those who mourn, comforted. Those who hunger and thirst for justice, satisfied.

See, this congruency in creation is a reality we are all invited to. Yes, you and me!

No longer shall a lion feed on an innocent lamb, or a vulnerable person be taken advantage of.

Jesus came to reconcile a warring world, making peace on both sides.

But How Does It Begin?

It begins with a call to turn — turn from our prideful ways of pretence and deceit — and open ourselves up to being known, known by our creator, the one who calls us his own — repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!

Not exactly the words you expect to hear as an invitation to safety. But that is Jesus' invitation to you and I today. Not just to the ancient Israelites two thousand years ago that first heard his message. It is what his very life on earth brings.

Confess

A moment of honest confession — that where I want to be is not where I am, and where I am heading is not where I want to be. So please see me, hear my cry, and come to my rescue.

So what form does confession take in your journey with God?

Does it look like having a safe friend or mentor you can be open with?

Or does it look like you making a moment to be still and tell him about your struggles in the quiet?

I often remember Hannah, the mother of Samuel — a woman in great anguish, as an Israelite woman can be who has no proof of her worth in ancient Israel. A married woman with no child is seen as worthless in an economy that values large households with ever increasing children. Not even the love of her husband can console her in her shame. (see 1 Samuel 1)

But broken and hurting, she cries out in the quiet, mumbling her request before God. And do you know what? He hears her cry. The same God who heard Hannah's mumbled prayer in the temple hears you too.

See, God is not a God of the proud and arrogant — he is the God of the humble and faithful, those who see him for what he truly is: righteous, holy, and above all things.

So approach him with your weakness today, and find your strength there.

Because as Isaiah put it: in repentance and rest you are saved, and in quietness and trust is your strength. (see Isaiah 30:15)

Find your strength in the place of surrender today.

So, how will you walk today?