Recently, someone on NextDoor began a post with “It bothers me a great deal…” She went on to describe a particular flaw in the way some people speak, dropping the “g” in words like “strength.” (She’d better not move to Alabama where nearly everyone drops the “g” in any word ending in “ing.” Do you see what I’m sayin’?) 

Anyway, I’m sad for the person who posted that. It’s one thing to notice something. It’s another to be “bothered a great deal.” I’m reading an excellent book suggested by blog reader Laura: Unoffendable by Brant Hansen. The simple premise is that believers ought to be among the least offended people. He disagrees that Christians are generally more offended than other people. He argues that our whole culture loves to take offense: “It’s the national sport.” (I’ve made the same observation, calling it “outrage.”) But just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean we should be part of “everyone.” 

It’s a 200-page book that I haven’t finished yet, and I’m wondering how he’ll get 200 pages from such a simple idea, but he’s succeeding so far. One chapter explains that Jesus came to give rest, and taking offense at everything makes you tired. Here’s a sample:

Quit trying to parent the whole world. Quit offering advice when exactly zero people asked for it. Quit being shocked when people don’t share your morality. Quit serving as judge and jury, in your own mind, of that person who just cut you off in traffic. Quit thinking you need to “discern” what others’ motives are. And quit rehearsing in your mind what that other person did to you. It’s all so exhausting. 

It reminds me of Aibileen’s scene with Hilly in the movie The Help. Hilly is a judgmental, racist, conniving busybody full of religiosity and anger. Aibileen is her friend Elizabeth’s hired help and a wise woman who, when she finally confronts Hilly, is bracingly honest but still, somehow, loving: “Ain’t you tired, Miss Hilly? Ain’t you tired?” – From Unoffendable by Brant Hansen, page 57.

Again, Jesus said it first:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11.28 – 30, MSG)