In my reading of the Gospels, I find that one thing stands out. Specifically, it is that Jesus challenged the status quo of his time. He dined with “publicans (tax collectors) and sinners”, he regularly called out the religious leaders as hypocrites when necessary, and he healed on the Sabbath to the chagrin of church leaders. I sometimes ask myself if Christians really appreciate this. I try to imagine how things would be if Christians really tried to follow all of Jesus’ instructions. Many of them are difficult and in thinking about this, John Lennon’s song “Imagine” provides an interesting context.  

Imagine if Christians and Christian churches put Christly action above politics. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the idea came that he could rule “all the kingdoms of the world” if he would worship Satan. In other words, if he would forfeit his position as the Messiah he could be king. He refused, stating that he would only serve the Lord. Matthew 4:8. Tempting as it sometimes is to think that mixing politics and religion is a good thing, Jesus clearly didn’t think so. Nor did our founding fathers. The two are like oil and water. The quest for political power does not mix with Christian teachings. The separation of church and state has Christian roots, but is precarious these days.

Imagine if Christians did more listening and less judging. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cautioned that we “judge not, [so] that [we] be not judged.” Matthew 7:1. He explained that there is a tendency in human nature to see other’s faults while ignoring our own. Overcoming this tendency is a lifelong endeavor. Too much judging agitates a troubled world.  

Imagine if we spent less time acquiring things or worrying about losing what we have. Again, Jesus taught that we should not spend our time laying up treasurers upon the earth. Instead, by seeking first the kingdom of God, our needs will be met. Matthew 6:33. 

And lastly, imagine if Christians were more discerning in recognizing the false prophets that have undue influence in the world. Matthew 7:15. These types have always been present. As noted in “I John, . . . many false prophets are gone out into the world.” It seems, however, especially with the influence of social media, conspiracy theories and an increasingly anxious world looking for stability, that this danger is more acute than ever. Christians have the tools to discern what is true and what is false, but we must use those tools. The duty is ours.  

Just imagine.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Charles Wellington is a lifelong student of the teachings of Christ Jesus and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.