Predictable

I have mentioned in previous blogs my “rules of engagement.” Here is another one original to me, as far as I know. Our habits, patterns and predictabilities are part of who we are. Also, they can be points of vulnerability; gaping portals through which others can enter our life to control, or to defeat us. Many know my preferred leisure reading is in espionage and political intrigue. One of the rules in spy craft is never be predictable, unless using it to lure another to you. Never use the same route to or from home. Change as much of your daily patterns as possible.

Our habits, patterns, and predictabilities are how we have arranged life so it is comfortable for us, and we do not constantly have to be thinking about what to do and how to do it. We do this as much in the church as any other part of our individual and corporate life. Meetings are always held at the same time. We sign the same hymns over and over again. Events and activities follow the same script year after year. When something new is tried the whole system is destabilized.

Yesterday I was reading a blog by Chris Currie which was published in The Presbyterian Outlook. Chris offers that the Presbyterian Church has become predictable. Here is part of what Chris wrote, 

I always think it is interesting when a popular comedian offers a more inclusive and prophetic form of ecclesial identity than our church sometimes does. What I mean is this: I think we Presbyterians have gotten too predictable. We all know which causes or issues are going to generate a press release and which ones do not fit our talking points. I can almost predict in boilerplate form what statement denominational leadership will make, what issues we will offer commentary on and about what issues we choose to remain silent.

I just wonder if being prophetic asks a bit more from us, even challenges us to take on our own ideological allies at times, calling to mind a Savior who was not completely at home in any one ideological camp nor completely against any of them either. (January 20, 2016 by Chris Currie, The Presbyterian Outlook)

There is a predictability to the reactions to our predictable actions. Newton’s Third Law applies as much to relationships as it does to physics. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In season 1 episode 3 of The West Wing, President Bartlett is fed up with proportional response by the military to terrorist attacks. He finds the proportional response too predictable and ineffective. The predictability allows the terrorists time and opportunity to vacate the predictable points of response. In the first Gulf War, “shock and awe” was to be beyond the predictable response.

Is it time, as Currie suggests, for the church to break out of our predictability? If it is, what would that look like? Are we willing to appear to be foolish or reckless to break out of our predictableness? How can we break out of our predictabilities to more effectively speak truth to ourselves and to the powers (which to many) are unjust, merciless, racist, and oppressive? How can we shed ourselves of our predictabilities to better proclaim and demonstrate the love of God in Christ Jesus?