SYSTEM AND PERSON

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) monk, author and mystic wrote:

“When I criticize a system, they think I criticize them – and that is of course because they fully accept the system and identify themselves with it. “

So, how do we identify with or without identifying with a system? If we say, “I’m with Purple System,” then we are Purple People. If we say we are with the Space Boys or the Space Girls or the UnProud Boys or the UnProud Girls or the Slinkeys or Slipperys or the Slimies… we are part of a system with whom we have chosen to identify. Now when someone comes along and takes a pot shot at our system we can hackle up very fast.

This is especially true for church groups and systems. The secret seems to be as Merton suggests, the system is one thing and may or may not be criticized but as parts of a system(s) we must identify larger than the systems to which we belong. For example: I may belong to the We’ve Got It All Figured Out Church as a system identity, but I still have the responsibility of identifying as a disciple of Jesus in my complete life focus. If you never like my system it is still very important that you like my Savior and even like me. Cross carrying can have very little to do with systems.

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Jesus