The Dirt Under The Rug

John 8:1-11 tells the story of a woman brought to Jesus by the religious right who sought to test Jesus on his application of the Law.   The accusation was not based on what they heard, but they were able to proclaim, "She was caught in the very act of committing adultery."  Under the Law of Moses, this was a serious offense that required a public stoning.  Whether the stoning was unto death or not, it was an overt act of shaming.

Shaming has become an important tool in the arsenal of destructive processes.  Few possess the fortitude to defend against this public act.   Shaming, an attribute of hate when unleashed cannot be controlled or directed. 

This was the perfect time for Jesus to stand on the soapbox of righteous indignation and condemn this sinful woman.  What we all who proclaim to follow Christ should note is, Christ did not acknowledge her sins, nor did he accuse her.  The act of stooping down and writing on the ground was an act of ignoring the woman's accusers.   An example that all Christians should follow.  When they persisted he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

How many of us are guilty of committing the same things that we are accusing others of committing?   

The story continues with the crowd dispersing and Jesus and the woman were left alone.  John 8:10-11  When Jesus had lifted up himself and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

The interesting aspect of this confrontation is Jesus did not condemn the woman, he did not lecture her, and he did not send her into the mountain to do penance.  His instructions to her were simple, "Go and sin no more."   

Several years had passed since I had been to see my mother.  While out shopping, a customer in the store came up to me and asked if I went to see my mother on mother's day.    Shocked that a total stranger would ask me what I considered a personal question, I reluctantly responded with a "no I did not".   Whether she was aware or not, I was in a self-imposed seclusion.  Personnel problems and sibling rivalry made family visits painful.  This total stranger got up in my face and said, "Boy, don't you ever forget to visit your mother on mother's day.  Somewhat insulted by her tenacity I resolved to call my mother.

My mother and I were looking forward to the visit.  For an elderly woman living alone and not fond of the rituals of housekeeping, she did he best to make the house presentable.  Our relationship over the years suffered, strained not because of what she or I had done or did not do, but because of the perception of others.  Too often we allow ourselves to become slaves to what "they say", thus causing ourselves unnecessary pain and our progress to be impeded. 

In the autumn years of her life, she spent time sitting with an elder woman of means.  This woman would give her expensive items dishes, silverware and throw rugs.  One particular item was an expensive throw rug that she had proudly place on the floor in the family sitting room.  When I walked into the sitting room the first thing I noticed was the lumps in the throw rug.

Not content with enjoying my visit to my mother house, I was determined to find out why there were lumps in the rug.  Lifting the corner of the rug, I exposed the piles of dirt she had swept under the run.  In my obstinacy, I had exposed something; the only question was what value this newfound knowledge would serve.  Would it make my mother a better housekeeper?  I doubt it.  Did it make me a better person knowing that my elderly mother swept trash under a very expensive rug?  I doubt it.  Uncovering this secret would not inject a ray of sunshine into an old women life.    

With the knowledge and wisdom of the ancients, my mother spoke words that defied me will continue to shape my outlook on life.  "If you look for the dirt under the rug, you will miss the beautiful tapestry".  She further stated that "wherever you look for dirt you would find dirt, whether it is under the rug or in people's lives".   My mother is no longer here, but those words continue to live within my heart as we embark upon a new destiny where exposing the dirt in people lives is a part of our culture.

The desire to expose the dirt not only affects our elected officials, its effect is felt in our home, church, and school.  The social media has opened a Pandora's Box and our young people are being shamed into committing suicide and murder.  Much of what we read and hear is fake news, yet if it fits our agenda, we run with it.  Even Christians are buying into a photo-shopped fake reality, which there is no defense.  How can our children protect themselves from this new reality, when the people they are supposed to trust buy into the hype?  Why would a ten-year-old child go into her closet and commit suicide?  Why would a twelve-year-old girl hang herself?  It is all connected. 

The Bible reveals several scenarios that should serve as a guideline for all who proclaim to be Christians.  When you see your brother in fault, you should go to him in the spirit of meekness, not making a public spectacle advising him or her or their errors.   If they listen to you and truly repent, then you have saved a soul as well as yours.  It then becomes a secret between you, him or her and God. 

The dredging up and displaying of all of the sins of a person's past will not make this world a better place, nor will it make you a better person.  A public indictment of my sordid past is vindictive and will not save me from the error of my ways.  Revenge will not heal a wound that has been festering or lying dormant for years.  Many who profess Christianity glory in the destruction of our fellow man or woman.