Saints Vs Tyrants

How to be gloriously different

“How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerers have been: how gloriously different are the saints.”

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

What will we be known for? As people who follow Jesus of Nazareth, how will we, both collectively and individually, be remembered?

There hasn’t been a time in history where someone hasn’t conquered a people group and land, while others have been dictators and tyrants. The same pride, arrogance, cruelty, lust for power has flowed through each of their veins, whether from centuries past or today. All are (or will be) remembered by the horrors they inflicted, but nothing more.

But oh how monotonously alike.

And how beautiful a space that creates for the saints. 1 Peter 2:9 reads: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

One might think we run with that and bask in our own self-importance, but that isn’t at all what God calls us to or what Lewis meant by being “gloriously different” from tyrants and conquerors.

Let us instead be known for loving people and reflecting the Light this world so desperately needs. Let us instead be known for being the front lines of change and running and starting the programs and organizations that help people in their deepest needs.

May we be known for leading the charge on changing corrupt systems that have long destroyed people’s lives. May we be known as a place of truth, freedom, hope, and peace.

May that be our legacy.