February 17-18 - Christian Doormat?

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” - Genesis 1:27. ESV

I'm sure we've all met someone who, no matter what is said or done to them, they never retaliate, or stand up for themselves, they just absorb the flak. Ask them about it, and they will say “well I'm a Christian. Jesus told us we must turn the other cheek. But, just because you're a Christian, does that mean we have to be doormats? Yes, Jesus did say; "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also." (Luke 6:29) The result is that thousands of women in the past were told to stay in abusive marriages (and probably are still told) based on that scripture – some people stay under the misguided notion that if they stay in the relationship they will be the means of changing their spouse/friend.

But are they really doing what Christ meant? Or, are they being doormats?

Doormat? NO. You may stand up for yourself against injustice. You may refuse to accept inferior products and services. You may require others to treat you decently and with respect. However, none of that prevents you from obeying the command to turn the other cheek.

How do I reconcile that? Well, let Jesus be our example. See what He did when He was arrested and was being questioned by the high priest. An officer thought Jesus was being a smart mouth in the way He answered a question so He struck him. Jesus stood up for Himself. He responded; "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?" (John 18:23) Jesus never acted like a doormat.

On the cross, Jesus could have come down at any time but He had a higher purpose - His Heavenly Father's purpose - in staying on. Turning the other cheek has to do with learning humility - not humiliation. Turning the other cheek is a decision based on strength, not weakness. Doormats are people exploited by those who see them as easy marks. You're not an easy mark are you?

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) Don't let anyone trample over that!

(Acknowledgments Barbara Lardinais)

“Love one another as I have loved you” – John 13:34 – today's music. Click on the picture to listen.