The Holy Hand Grenade Grenadiers

As I continue my walk with Jesus away from religion, I remember various incidents that have happened along the way. Some of this is reminiscing and some is therapeutic. One of the things I have been thinking about are the number of "prophets" that I have met along my journey. Typically, these are people with a burning desire to tell what they consider to be the truth and they tell it without any regard for the impact their "truths" will have on those who receive these revelations. They judge thoughts and intentions. They rebuke and challenge. They deliver many "hard sayings." And then they leave. Their objective is to enter a life, throw the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch into the midst of someone's life and then hope someone else picks up the pieces.

The "plain truth" is meant to be balanced with "plain grace." Truth alone can be damning. Satan himself is called "the accuser" in part because all he does is point out fault without providing hope. It takes no spiritual gifts to point out the wrongs in someone's life. It takes no insight to prey on the shame and guilt that most of us already feel. What does take the presence of Jesus is to walk along with others in relationship. It takes the active work of the Holy Spirit to keep two hearts united as together they follow the Father. What difference would it make if these "prophets" were as quick to point out the truths of grace, hope and healing as they are to find the splinter in their victim's eyes?