I was disappointed in much of the opening ceremony at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Perhaps it’s my age, or an increasingly “cranky” disposition, but the scene that caused the most reaction for me was, of course, the crass parody and depiction of Da Vinci’s, The Last Supper.
The creators of the parody said it was NOT meant to offend anyone and in fact, it wasn’t even a depiction of the actual painting. I don’t know if this is true, but I don’t want facts to get in the way of my disappointment and faux rage. I wanted to vent!
Have you ever wanted to give someone a piece of your mind!? Of course you have, you’re human! And then I remember the comedian who said that “those who frequently share a ‘piece of their mind’ with others are the ones who can least afford to lose it”
Can I be honest here? As I thought more about the Olympic mishap, what saddened me the most was my lack of compassion for those who, more than likely, do not know Jesus. In other words, I asked myself, “what would Jesus do?”
My mind went to the gospel of Luke, chapter 19. “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes…. because you did not know the time of your visitation.‘”
Ouch. It was a reminder to me that we are called to share the good news of Jesus with people of all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, and political persuasion.
It was also a reminder that sinners act like sinners, so why am I shocked when people without faith in God act like they do? It’s hard to point fingers at others when I know that I don’t live up to my own expectations, let alone God’s.
So, where do I go from here?
I could write some pithy next steps about listening more; to pray and wait before responding, etc. But honestly, that’s too neat and tidy. I think it’s grittier and harder than those next steps. I think it’s more about growing closer to the only One who died for me and hearing His heart for others.
Lord, help me see You clearly and to love those whom You love.
I’d love to hear from you and please feel free to share a piece of your mind. Or if you prefer, please share your mind of peace. Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation!
Dick Whitworth
Director of Operations, STAR 99.1
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Dick, thanks for writing this. It put words to how I was feeling but could not describe. Nothing should surprise us in a fallen world.
Thanks, Mike! I am grateful for your kind words and feedback. Nothing should surprise us, right?
God’s best to you and yours!
Dick
Dick, you were instinctively reacting to protecting your love of Christ. Not a bad thing but maybe falling into the worldly MO. When I heard the interpretations of mocking Christ, I was angered and I sought more information. When I saw the performance and read the interpretation of the creators, it seemed that it was subjective. Unfortunately, as our Lord knows, there are billions of people with billions of different understandings. He made us this way. Regardless of the true intent, I thought about 7 X 77.
We do not see things as the Lord. I try desperately, by the moment to stop short on judging, look for other understanding as humans do, but always remember that I am a great sinner, I helped to put Jesus on the Cross, I want to be forgiven for this as well as all my sins; so, regardless of the offense, I work desperately to try to forgive, and pray that I learn that power over all. Loving can seem easy but forgiving is difficult. Again, I want to be forgiven and not judging and forgiving seem to be the most important steps to get there. These two things make it easier to love our neighbors, and who are our neighbors?
Thanks, Sue! I love your response! Thank you for sharing.
God’s best to you and yours.
Dick
Praying for those that do not know Jesus.
AMEN!
Well said. Beautiful. May we continue the journey, by His grace, to measure to His stature. Amen.
Pelumi,
Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate your feedback, and like you, I am excited and grateful to be on the journey, by His grace, to measure to His stature. YOU said that so well!
God’s best to you and yours.
Dick Whitworth
Yes, you overreacted. The scene was tasteless, but it was not a depiction of DaVinci’s last supper. It was a poorly done depiction of a Greek gods’ feast. If we jump into judgement every time we perceive what might be a slight to our Christian beliefs or values we just put more weapons into the hands if those who judge us. Jesus accepted all, but we tend to accept those who agree with us. We don’t even accept those who belong to different Christian denominations.
Joy,
Thanks for writing! I appreciate your feedback and perspective!
It is easy to forget that apart from the grace of God, there go I…; He is good, gracious, and forgiving and accepts ALL that come to Him in faith believing.
Thanks again for writing.
Dick
I honestly think that as Christian’s we had to react loudly and soundly. We are taught to resist the devil and he will flee. So as Christian’s we have to boldly yet lovingly stand firm for the gospel. The darkness has been running a muck because we as followers of the faith have not pushed back in love and faith. We keep acting like it’s mean to say NO – this is NOT acceptable. You will NOT make fun of our lord and savior. You will act with respect and kindness.
Sherriane,
Thanks for your feedback! I am grateful for the time that you took to write and share your perspective.
I don’t believe that God calls us to be doormats, but I also believe that our most effective response, is found in taking the “high road” and to pray for those who persecute or misunderstand us and our Savior.
Thanks again for writing!
Dick
I agree with you. Despite protestations to the contrary this was a blasphemous mockery of the Last Supper.
We were RIGHT to protest at this blatant disrespect of our Christian faith, and for Catholic Christians like myself we see this as an attack of what is central to our faith.
The protest should merely be an acknowledgment of a blatant act of disrespect that is not acceptable & a request for an apology & an agreement that this would not be repeated.
I have read that some of the people involved in the Opening Ceremonies have experienced personal attacks & death threats. That would definitely be a totally unacceptable & totally inappropriate way to behave for anyone who calls himself/herself a Christian .
The late Justice Antonin Scalia stated that he never attacked people, he merely attacked ideas [and in this case I would add behavior], & that good people can have very bad ideas.
Speaking out against something wrong–in this case, mockery & blasphemy, is our duty. At the same time we must do so in a way that decries the bad behavior while still showing respect for every human–even the worst sinner–as someone made in the image of GOD & as someone for whom Our LORD JESUS CHRIST died.
The challenge for all of us as Christians is always to hate the sin but love the sinner. Unfortunately there are two possible & opposite pitfalls:
1. those of a more liberal persuasion have the tendency to sweep sin under the carpet in the name of charity & compassion;
2. those of a more conservative persuasion tend to let anger spill over to the person in the name of truth & justice.
As always we must speak out to defend truth but always strive to tell the truth in love, neither compromising truth nor love & demonstrating respect for each person’s human dignity.
Arlene,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts and perspective. Well done!
The line between charity & compassion and unbridled anger is often a fine line. I think that you made an excellent distinction between the two.
God’s best to you and yours. Thank you again for your excellent response.
Dick
They should used God as a platform not after you win either Gold , Silver, and bronze. But they were critizicing God about the whole situation even LBGTQ. God should be priority in their lives no matter what circumstances.
Like examples several olympian claiming and Thank God for winning Gold all the glory to the most high.
More and more people think they are better off without God.
Joseph,
Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts and perspective.
You are correct, our world is growing increasingly anti-Christ, but Jesus warned us that these things would happen, right?
May God help us to live uprightly, serving Him in truth and humility. Easy to say, hard to do.
Thanks again for writing.
Dick
People mention a few times Jesus gets angry, for me there is only one – when he overturned the tables at the temple and drove everyone out. That tells me that the times when we should get angry is when they mock our Lord. Nothing else matters, we should not get mad at anything (very hard to do for us) but make fun of my God and anger is justified.
Peter,
Thank you for your thoughts and perspective. I appreciate the time that you took to share your feedback.
I do think that in a discussion like this, there is probably NOT a “one size fits all” approach for believers. Consequently, I believe that all of our thoughts, opinions, and responses matter as long as we are respectful to each other and that we honor God.
Hebrews 12 says this of Jesus, “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” I am sure that challenging days are ahead for all believers, everywhere, but He is our guide and example on how to endure such challenges.
Thanks again for writing!
God’s best to you and yours.
Dick
Dick
Agree totally, to me anger is a right response in certain situations but it’s how you deal with your anger that makes a difference. Thank you for post and response. God bless.
Thanks, Peter!
I appreciate you and your heart for Jesus!
Dick
Dick, thank you for your letter, food for thought . You’re right, they don’t know Christ, therefore you can’t expect them to demonstrate the light of Jesus.
Otilia,
Thank you for your response and feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond and share your thoughts.
As you can see in this thread, it’s complicated discussion, but at least we are talking about it, and hopefully doing it in a respectful and Christ-like manner. Thanks for joining the discussion!
God’s best to you and yours.
Dick Whitworth
Hi Dick,
I am so disappointed but not surprised at the apathy exhibited by those who watched or heard about the opening ceremonies;
then went on to support not only the advertisers but the stations that showed the Olympics.
To me ignoring is the same as condoning. We may never know the long term damage on this one event.
The Bible is very clear as to what will happen to the world in which we live. My responsibility is to be ready for at any moment I may be called to share my faith and to be an example.
No I do not feel I was too quick to offended by the events. I believe there was a check by the Holy Spirit that this was definitely wrong and I needed to pray for those who may be adversely affected by what they saw and turn off the TV.
Julie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective! There is no question that the Opening Ceremonies depicting the Last Supper was disrespectful to all of us who love the Lord. And I appreciate the fact that you are praying for those affected by what they saw.
Thanks again for joining the conversation. Your voice and perspective are needed and welcomed to this discussion.
God’s best to you and yours.
Dick Whitworth