I heard Donald Miller once describe how he viewed people in two categories – sharks and lifeguards. He said that the biggest change happened in his perspective when he realized that there were more lifeguards than sharks in the world. He described this eureka moment in the context of an impending marriage and how he had to make the decision to seek out optimism. These thoughts have resonated with me recently as I come to terms, as relationships will force you to do, with my many broken views and failings. I cannot honestly think of a time where I felt people were “good” or acted from anything but a deep rooted desire for self preservation. My faith can easily reinforce this with the often quoted theology of total depravity. In this we forget the renewed humanity we share in another theological term sanctification. In a world where everyone is an enemy, by default we become the lone ranger hero unable to find any good within God’s redemptive narrative.
In order for us to have a similar change of perspective, we must be willing to have our hearts ripped out. Sharks do exist and sometimes even lifeguards let you drown, but this is the world we live in. True peace can only be found with the true surrender and humility that comes from a Gospel centered life. There is a certain beauty to such surrender in the risk of so much hurt. Vulnerability is all too rare a trait within the Church. Perhaps the life of Christ is so appealing because of this total knowledge of shark nature and the desire to live, trust, and love regardless.
Are you holding some at a distance with shark theology? Are you truly vulnerable? Is your fear of hurt greater than your desire to hope?
Lord, help us believe in good. Forgive those who hurt us and empower us to love regardless.
Matt simon blog 