My Brother's Keeper.

"...everyone did as he saw fit..."

The Old Testament Scriptures mention this line several times over. I didn't realize its repetition until reading the Bible through one year, thus reading chunks and seeing the larger picture. Then, in teaching the Old Testament, I started to dwell on this phrase further.

What would happen through the lands of Israel and Judah is that the people would neglect their leader or be without strong leadership, and in return, turn from God. Therefore, as a domino effect, they would live as they desired, caring little about others or discernment, guidance, community, or rules for holy living (see Judges).

This phrase has come up to me in recent days as I dart in and out of conversations hearing flippant remarks such as, "Am I my brother's keeper?" or "Look out for #1" or "You can't care what others think, you have to do whats best for you" etc, etc.

Though there is some merit to these questions and statements, I rightly call this Old Testament phrase to mind and measure it with these multiple circumstances and conversations I have at hand.

And I ask: Are we not only called to our individual ideas, but also to be considerate of others? Are we not only called to have godly self-esteem, but also still aim for the best of the communal mindset?

Two claims and passages play into view. One: Jesus. He lived for our life. He gave himself for us. He guarded his time with his followers, friends, and Father, but he still lived a life meant to care and cover others. The Greatest Servant of all. Quoted, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). Or modeled: "Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others" (Philippians 2:4). The New Testament bookends this idea of communal caring and consideration. Calling God to be first, but caring for others second.

The other scripture I find myself repeating often is: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). We like to use in modern Western culture as a catch-phrase for inspiration or athletics. But the reality is, it hurts! Iron against iron is tough, jarring, sparks-flaying, metal-grinding. It hurts, it is not easy.

So in our hearts and lives, that is what this is going to, or may look like. It may be hard to be this iron to another, to call them out or hold them accountable to Godly actions or attitudes. It may cause tenderness or hurt in that relationship for a while. But if we are called to hold our brethren to their covenants, their actions, their faith statements, then this sharpening needs to be done.

"Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). This question was posed sarcastically by Cain to God in reflection of Cain killing his brother Abel, where God's wrath burned and Cain was smugly ushering the guilt and responsibility away. In response to this question, if we are the body of Christ, yes! We are called to be our brothers keeper.

As a result of viewing God as our number one and considering others second, we should then see the marks and scars of discipleship along the way. We should see it in the way we make plans, the way our conversations flow, the way we hold our friendships. This hurts, it does. It asks for a grunt-level humility and honesty and caring desire. It leads though to honor, respect, integrity, community, and embedded relationships. It keeps Christ as the center.

So does one pose the question "Am I my brother's keeper?" or "do as he saw fit"? No. No one does not. One must quest first the scriptures and measure guidance from that. And then one may quest second to see and live as He saw fit.