killer robots
Have you ever noticed when killer robots are involved in a fictional plot there is usually at least one that is “reformed.” Now, the majority of the characters adapt, accept, and even become friends with this reformed robot. Yet there is one individual that is paranoid and concerned about the robot’s original programing. It was programmed to kill and therefore will always be a killer is the usual rhetoric or positional defense. The results of these stories vary but most of the time there is usually a point of conflict in the programing.
The only killer robots we have to worry about is the reality of our old pride-induced programming circumventing our new lives. We humans have a knack for starting out well in beautiful relationships but there tends to be a switch that easily gets flipped and we begin to exalt ourselves. Adam and Eve, in a self-exalting manner, reached out and took the fruit. Early civilization, instead of obediently living into the call to spread out and multiply, tried to arrogantly build a tower to heaven. Israel, relaxed and arrogant in their success, quickly forgot from whom they received their identity. The church at times, in attempting and positioning for power, has puffed up in arrogance and self-reliance. If it is curiosity that kills the cat, then pride will destroy humans.
Our old programming is set from the template of Adam. A mindset to walk in a prideful position that holds God at a certain distance, “I’ve got this God.” The problem with that glitch is that we were not created for self-reliance but to be in an intimate relationship and dependence upon our creator God. The culture perpetuates this self-glorification pushing us into the chaotic grasping to “out do” or “prove ourselves.” We post, scroll, and comment as we compare and position ourselves. Pride glaringly judges or snapes a snarky comment pushing others down while elevating ourselves. Pride silences our attempt to seek forgiveness. Pride holds us captive and keeps us from serving. This madness upsets our cognitive balance as we create hollow lives without depth or grounding in Truth.
It also swells and the warning light flashes when we meet others and we ever so carefully exert ourselves and knowledge when positioning to be right. We clamor to be right and to be first with all of it being fueled by the deep seeded pride. Even the church, the place that should exemplify the grace and humility of Christ, can be a hotbed of prideful argument as we divide and tear down the unity that Jesus painstakingly prayed for and the many women and men gave their lives for over the years. The killer robot awakens, catching us off guard as it ever so deceitfully strikes.
Jesus came down to give us the new system to think and behave. His command in discipleship, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me” is our method of dealing with the killer robot programming. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5 that, “When anyone is in Christ there is a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come.” This is the opportunity to become what we were always programmed to be, beings in relationship. Yet, if we are not careful the Adamic glitch will try to supersede and our pride will consume us.
Thankfully we can permanently disable that pride switch if we perpetually position ourselves in humility. It begins by identifying and recognizing the two systems trying to operate in our lives. The old way and the new creation which is a part of the Kingdom of God. When we read the Beatitudes, we see the position of New Creation. Jesus’ pronouncing a blessing on the position is affirming the way of life as the lifestyle of the Kingdom. “Blessed are:
Those who are poor and realize their need for God,
Those who weep now,
Those who are humble,
Those who hunger and thirst for justice and right relationship,
Those who are merciful,
Those whose hearts are pure,
Those who cultivate and nurture peace,
Those who are persecuted for doing right…”
This is what we are to lean into by nurturing his new lifestyle. It is a way of life and being. It is a path of humility that denies the need to boast, seek power to control, or fight to be right. Humility brings us to the feet of Jesus in desperation and in return to stand in the power of the Holy Spirit. A power that doesn’t seek our own end but the care and need for others. It is a humility that emulates Jesus and his willingness to “dwell among us.”
The power of the killer robot is an illusion. Our pride and all that it ignites in us are echoes of the old self. We are people of the Kingdom, God’s people, and our King has given us the key to shut down that killer. True power is found in humility. Humility is an intentional act of serving and elevating others. Humility asks for forgiveness. Humility holds space for others and allows them to be seen. Humility holds judgment or opinions to let love supersede. While the world can attempt to wield authority by means of violence, intimidation, and hatred it is only an illusion proving to be impotent as compared to the power displayed by Jesus on the cross. The path of humility leads to victory. In the final night with his friends and apprentices he instructs them the way of humility.
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right because that is what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”
