Come, let’s be reasonable.

Ever feel like the entire world has lost its ever-loving mind? Me too. There was a time when a person could, as a last resort, move west. Escape the insanity and start over with a Conestoga wagon and a pair of oxen and find a fresh start in some little house on the prairie. But there’s no more final frontier into which we can retreat. Unless we’re signing up for a one-way trip on Mars One, we’re going to have to learn how to navigate our way around Crazy Town.

I was reading a familiar section of scripture today but not in the version on which I was raised. And some new wording jumped out at me.

I’m most familiar with Philippians 2:4-7 in the New International Version where verse five tells us to “let your gentleness be evident to all.” But today it really resonated with me in the English Standard Version.

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.”

Reasonableness. Talk about countercultural.

Can you think of anyone famous for being reasonable? Any politicians, journalists, or entertainers who are most known for how they “think, understand, and form judgments by a logical process”? Instead we all have people who come to mind who are quite the reverse.

But as believers in Christ we are taught to “let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” To be so reasonable that it is what we’re known for. The first thing people think of when they hear the word “Christian.” It’s supposed to be our brand. Like Taylor Swift’s red lips or Elton John’s sunglasses or Harry Styles’, um, dress.

Christians should be known as the number one force for reason in this mad, mad, mad, mad world. Unfortunately, I think our public reputation could use a little work. I think the world would be more apt to use labels like “hypocrite” and “bigot.”

Okay, so we can’t change the whole world’s perception all at once. But we ought to start someplace.

Consider my workplace and home. Among those who know me best…am I known as reasonable? If plans change or details get missed, or a dozen things go wrong all at once—how do I respond? Do I typically fly off the handle? Do I assume the worst about co-workers or supervisors? Do my children expect me to react with anger and impatience? Do I shoot first and ask questions later? What’s my reputation?

Or do I respond according to Christ’s Spirit alive in me? Am I becoming known as thoughtful, careful, gracious, patient, reasonable? Not overnight, of course, but am I progressing? Are you?

I pray for this world that our children will inherit. It can feel a little crazy sometimes. But I also pray for us in the church—that we would keep maturing until our “reasonableness is known by everyone.”

I hope this Christmas season brings sweet joy to your family.

Love,