A sister and brother were both auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent. She had always loved singing, but five years previously, she had successfully encouraged and inspired her brother to sing to the point where he was willing to audition. The night came for the grand debut. She went first. Not one minute into her song, Simon, one of the judges, stopped the audition. It was a dud. It takes a lot of courage to expose yourself like that in front of potential millions of watchers. But then, for it to end the way it did, was mortifying. The judges were kind but bluntly honest, and she walked off the stage.
Her brother was next. After his audition, the same man who had seemed so critical of the sister pushed the golden buzzer, meaning that this young man was automatically destined for the finals. (He is now a professional singer). Incredulous at what had just happened, the young man turned towards where his sister was, backstage, and she jubilantly ran out to hug him. Losing sight of her own disappointment, she rejoiced in his success.
My mind turns to Elijah, who, after running from Jezebel and wearied of life, was appointed to anoint the one he was to be replaced by. Elijah had to accept the reality that his ministry was to be given to others, and that his own was to fade.
John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah. He, too, experienced the languishing of his ministry as Jesus’ ministry was reaching its height. Though mentally, and perhaps emotionally, tormented in prison, he accepted that reality, and in faith exclaimed, “He must increase and I must decrease.” John 3:30.
Both Elijah and John the Baptist are representatives of those living in the last days who will prepare the way of the Lord. Do we understand the nature of this calling in terms of the character qualities, and not just the specific message to be declared? Do we emphasize theological truth while shrugging the character qualities that these mighty men exemplified? Are we willing to mentor or nurture others to such a degree that they could even take our place; to build others up to a higher place than we, ourselves, occupy?
This is what the angels do. They are ministering spirits to failing humans who someday will have even greater fellowship with Christ than even they can know. What humility!
What does this have to do with the immune system and the space between? The immune system asks the following questions numerous times a day: Are you me? Are you threatening to me? The asking and the answering of those questions are dramatically life-impacting. If it views self as threatening, then pro-inflammatory, autoimmune reactions occur that can lead to diseases such as Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc. The damage can occur almost anywhere, as evidenced by the fact that there are over 100 known autoimmune conditions.
In the body of Christ, if we view our brother or sister as non-self—as a threat to us—it will set off destructive reactions within; within the community and within ourselves. The long-term emotional stress that results from such conflict is internalized and literally manifests as imbalances in our own immune system function.
“Effects of stress accompanying social disruption and psychological depression, when demonstrated, have been consistently adverse. Certain personality styles may enhance or degrade immune response. Relationships between psychosocial factors and immunity have been identified for several diseases, including cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and autoimmune diseases….”[i]
In the space between you and my response to you, is my perception, the “eye salve.” Yes, you may test me, annoy me, and try my patience. But who are you to me? I may need to put distance between us, at least temporarily; but how will I answer the questions, Are you me? Are you threatening to me?
Jesus identified himself so closely to us that when one of us is mistreated, He says that it is doing it to Him. Is it possible for us to view each other that way? When you get the golden buzzer and I genuinely rejoice, the kingdom of God is here.
