Being Reminded of an Important Point of Theology, by an Imam.

I still look at the world through a keyhole. In the sense of the flow of time and the scope of the world, I can only see a little bit at a time. As some of you know, in recent years, my limited gaze falls on the Island of Guam, rather than the hills of Virginia. The guy on this side of the keyhole is the same.

I just read about Abubakar Abdullahi, an 83-year-old Muslim cleric in Nigeria. Imam Abdullahi was awarded the International Religious Freedom Award from the U.S. State Department.
Over a year ago a group of Fullani herdsmen were wrecking violence in the village where Abdullahi's mosque is located. It is a scene that has played out many, many times in Nigeria. To protect them the Imam directed the fleeing Christians of the village into the Mosque. He then tried to talk sense and peace into the Fullani attackers. At one point he even, in essence, offered his life in exchange for those of "his guests." The attackers were frustrated with attempts to gain entrance and finally left. Two-hundred-sixty-two people were saved from murder, rape, kidnap, and forced marriage. 
I'm glad the State Department recognized Imam Abdullahi's heroism. I would love to shake his hand.

Too many of us in the conservative Evangelical tribe forget about a Biblical concept called "common grace." God pours out blessings, like rain (Matthew 5:45) on both good and bad. Likewise, because of the image of God that remains in people, in spite of the Fall, people, even those outside the fold of those who trust Christ, are capable of acts of beauty, wisdom, goodness, and heroism like that of Abubakar Abdullahi's action that saved the lives of hundreds. These expressions of humanity at its best, even in the lives of unbelievers, even though they may not recognize it, or even know it, bring glory to God.

You can read about Abdullahi's actions and see a video about him, here.


As much for myself as for you, let me suggest a quiz--of sorts--to see whether we fully recognize and rejoice in common grace.

1. When I read/hear about an event like Imam Abdullahi's rescue of his neighbors, is my first reaction "Yeah but," or "Praise the Lord."?
2. Do I look on those who are different than me as fellow humans, created like me in God's image (James 3:9-10), or as some kind of other?
3. Am I willing to engage in costly acts of kindness toward those who are not part of my family, community, faith, political party, etc.?
4. Likely the occasion to protect your/my neighbors from an attack from terrorists will not present itself to you or me. Do I, though, use the little opportunities, that do come my way, to "to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people"? (Titus 3:1-2)

I don't know about you, but I need to do some work before the next quiz.

Here is a brief article on common grace.