Why Do We Love to Pile On?
There is just something about us that loves to point out the flaws of others and pile on. I know that the liberal media is overjoyed to hear about Mel Gibson's drunken tirade against Jews, and I agree that his comments were horrible and incredibly stupid. In addition, it gives really good credence to the recent SBC Resolution against Alcohol Consumption, eh? But, beyond that, we generally love to see celebrities or people in power blow it, don't we? There is something in us that loves to tear people down and criticize, whether they are politicians, preachers, or celebrities. It should cause us to grieve. In my opinion, he showed more strength of character by apologizing the way he has, coming clean, and entering rehab, than many who try and pretend like they have no problems. The truth is, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all desperately need a Savior. The same people who accepted Bill Clinton's apology will not accept Mel Gibson's and vice versa because of their agendas. Forgiveness starts with recognizing that WE are sinners. Then, maybe we won't throw stones at others and we will help people who have fallen get back up.
Why don't we forgive and restore? Often, it is because we enjoy the power that we now hold over people. We can feel morally superior to them. "Well, at least I didn't do what she did!" In this we become hypocrites ourselves. We need to find a way to point out wrong, but at the same time, accept and restore people who genuinely recognize their mistakes and try and make changes. We could just as easily be next. How can we not affirm someone who sees the error of their ways and tries to do right? We can deplore the sin and the sinful attitude, but we have to be willing to allow someone to confess and be forgiven.
Many will say, "Yes, people can be forgiven, but they no longer can have a voice or a platform to influence others because of their mistake." I see the reasoning in that, but if we are not careful, we make the moral platform that people have flow out of their own righteousness. From a Christian perspective, we are all to radiate God's grace and point to Christ as our Savior. As Christians, are we to be a moral example? Yes. Are our lives to be above reproach? Absolutely. Are there standards? Sure. We should join with Paul as he said, "Follow me as I follow Christ." But, we should be very careful that our authority does not come from our own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ. We should not point to ourselves, but point to Jesus who loves us, saves us, and lives through us.
I say this because Mel Gibson claims to be a Christian who made perhaps the most influential Christian film of all time, The Passion of the Christ. As we think of his sin, we should also think of his repentance and see his flaws through the eyes of grace. That is what the cross and the true passion of the Christ is all about, isn't it? If our lives were ripped open and examined, who could stand?
my guess is we pile on because most of "us" are lost. and we're jerks. no really. lost jerks. not kidding. dead serious. no smiley face. stern serious look. lost.
Posted by: joe kennedy | August 02, 2006 at 12:18 AM
Add to that that is is so wrong for us to judge or pile on because the person we are really praising in that, in my opinion, is satan, because don't you imagine that there were many spiritual forces trying diligently to cause this very thing to happen so that the world would discredit the Passion, Mel's work, and ultimately God because of its success at glorifying Christ? It is also wrong because Mel's only judge is God and God commands us not to judge.
This is spiritual warfare. Hasn't anyone else experienced a great fall at a time when God is most using you or when you were about to break through on something good for His kingdom??? I have. Do you think that was just chance? Of course not. Gird yourselves up for the war is real. And don't put your trust in humans, human effort, or human philosophies/theories/strategies; instead, put your trust in God, His character, and His principles. Jeremiah 17:5-8.
Posted by: Bryan Riley | August 02, 2006 at 03:31 AM
My dad always said that "What's said while drunk has been thought while sober". I believe that. So, while Mr. Gibson was drunk when he said it, the alcohol wasn't what put the thoughts there.
Personally, if he's a believer, then I'd have to think God was behind the deal. Perhaps a Jonah-esque call to righteousness.
I got drunk once (about 40 years ago). I ain't pickin' up no stones here. Wouldn't want to stone myself, too.
Posted by: Bob Cleveland | August 02, 2006 at 04:55 AM
I like reading the rest of his statement:
http://people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1221667,00.html
"I am a public person, and when I say something, either articulated and thought out or blurted out in a moment of insanity, my words carry weight in the public arena. As a result, I must assume personal responsibility for my words and apologize directly to those who have been hurt and offended by those words.
The tenets of what I profess to believe necessitate that I exercise charity and tolerance as a way of life. Every human being is God's child, and if I wish to honor my God I have to honor his children. But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith.
I'm not just asking for forgiveness. I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing.
I have begun an ongoing program of recovery and what I am now realizing is that I cannot do it alone. I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery. Again, I am reaching out to the Jewish community for its help. I know there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, and that would be understandable. But I pray that that door is not forever closed."
Do we know that our words carry weight? Do we speak them with care or carelessness? When we have wronged or been wronged, can we say that we want to "go a step further"? To reconcile? To truly make right? Make better than it was before? In whatever we endeavor, do we know that we "cannot do it alone"?
Ok, I know your post was from a "pile it on" standpoint, but this has caused me to think, dig further, question my motives. Thanks.
Posted by: Laura | August 02, 2006 at 09:10 AM
The problem is we shouldn't be lifting up Celebreties. There are very few people who have been discipled to the point they can handle the intense pressure. It is hard for me and I pastor 300 people.
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | August 02, 2006 at 10:32 AM
I do agree that we should forgive more. I like Mel and have been praying for him since this happened. He needs discipleship. I don't think he is ready to be speaking in churches.
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | August 02, 2006 at 10:43 AM
Sorry to keep posting. Your post convicted me. I deleted my tirade about Mel. Forgive me! :) Thanks for your heart Alan.
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | August 02, 2006 at 10:57 AM
Bob, you are right that it is from God as well. What Satan means to harm, God means for good. And thanks for sharing the rest of the story with what Mel said. Excellent. And, Kevin, it's right to say we shouldn't lift up any celebrity, or any person, for that matter, except the person of Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Bryan Riley | August 02, 2006 at 01:13 PM
Thanks guys, for all the comments. I was especially impacted by what Bryan said about the spiritual battle that is going on. We battle not against flesh and blood, remember? Satan especially wants to take out believers who are making a difference. That is not to excuse Gibson's responsibility for his comments, but only to recognize that there is something else at work here as well.
Kevin, you are an example to us. I think it takes a bigger man to change direction and admit it, than to do everything right to begin with. I really didn't think your comments were that bad and I totally agree with the need for discipleship and how we should not just prop up celebrities immediately. I have always thought that. In this case, I think that part of Mel's discipleship is to show him what forgiveness and restoration look like and to help him change. That's the power of the gospel, isn't it? Thanks for your words.
Posted by: Alan Cross | August 02, 2006 at 03:26 PM
I grew up nearly believing intolerance was the unforgiveable sin--despite being surrounded by various forms of it. We are all more focused on the hateful words he said than the drunk driving, as we should be, but I am convicted to recognize that ungodly hate is as much a sin to deal with and fight as any other chronic sin or addiction--and no more worthy of my judgment. I have never before heard anyone say, "I hate you and it's wrong. Help me change." That's pretty powerful.
Posted by: Beth DeVore | August 02, 2006 at 10:05 PM
"In addition, it gives really good credence to the recent SBC Resolution against Alcohol Consumption, eh?"
I think it gives good credence to avoid drunkeness, but we are all smart enough to realize that Mel's problem is deeper that the bottom of a bottle.
Posted by: ArkRazorbaptist | August 02, 2006 at 11:12 PM
I agree completely Razorbaptist. I was actually trying, and obviously failing, to be a bit sarcastic concerning the favorite topic of the baptist blogosphere over the past couple of months. I was anticipating the use of this example as a reason for some why alcohol consumption of any kind is inherently evil. That is not the point of this post and you are right: the issues in his life go much deeper.
Posted by: Alan Cross | August 02, 2006 at 11:27 PM
I guess I'm just childish enough to believe the Scriptures that tell us how to deal with a "brother" who has erred.
Namely Galatians 6:1, 2, and 3.
Still good advice, after all these years.
Posted by: Phil Hoover | August 03, 2006 at 09:21 AM
Great post, Alan.
Posted by: Paul | August 03, 2006 at 11:05 AM
Ran across some really great comments on this by Brad Hightower today: http://21stcenturyreformation.blogspot.com/2006/08/mel-gibsons-repentance-for-anti.html
Seems like some folks are getting it. We're sinners and we need a Savior, or something like that.
Posted by: Alan Cross | August 04, 2006 at 06:31 PM