Snowflakes
Dr. Stephen Phinney
Until recently, I thought a “snowflake” was a single ice crystal from the heavens. Not anymore!
Evidently, this ice crystal has a new meaning on the horizon. Yet another urban cultural definition is knocking at our door – a weak and fragile human.
In politics, it is a term used by conservatives to insult spineless liberals. In the generalized public, it is descriptive of someone who often whines & complains at the drop of a hat. Viewing Snowflakes within the parental realm describes children as privileged, beautiful, and unique – spoiled children. The emoji world depicts a Snowflake as a person who cannot handle the hard facts of life. It is a demand for proximities – a need for a safe space to avoid the harsh realities within the world.
As the cultural climate erodes into the frailties of a selfish world, new labels are needed to describe a depraved society. This is one of them. Like most derogative progressive labels, it was birthed out of a Hollywood movie. As the country imploded in upon itself through racist attacks, brutality, and generalized lunacy, the non-violent or supporters of all lives matter began to be called Snowflakes. In other words, they were too cowardly to raise a fist to opposite opinionates. Now staunch Bible believing Christians, in general, are being referenced with this derogatory term.
Was Jesus a Snowflake?
"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' (Matt. 5:38)
Agreed. Our culture today is no different than the cowards Jesus was addressing. Today it might be dressed in sheep clothing, but the ideologies remain the same. The ridiculous thinking of you insult me; I insult you have been around since before the great flood. We also have a Biblical example of a depraved mind attacking a Snowflake - Cain (enemy) clobbers his brother (non-resistor).
When Jesus was delivering the Sermon On The Mount, most of the listeners were entrenched in revenge as a standard practice of self-protection. With that, Jesus was about to deliver a solution that would shake the foundation of their norm.
"But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” (Matt. 5:39-42)
Are you kidding me? You want us to take the abusive slaps, turn the other cheek, lose our lawsuits, give up our personal possessions, walk with an oppressor, and give to all those who ask of us? What? You are asking us to be Snowflakes?
Be a Snowflake for Jesus.
The most powerful people in the world do not step back from conflict. Nor do they use the tactics of their enemies. They remain engaged while being insulted. Why is Jesus asking us to do this? It is a simple principle.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matt. 5:43-45)
Agreed. It is difficult to do, if not impossible, without the indwelling Person of Love responding to the enemy through you. You cannot turn an enemy into a friend unless you tap into God is Love. It is impossible to offer love to an offender if you are running from the perpetrator. Most enemy types are testing so-called Christians – seeing if they live what they believe. If we strike back or run like a frightened dog, we miss one of the most powerful opportunities to demonstrate the love of God.
One of my mentors, Dr. James Fowler, says Jesus is the dynamic of His own demands. When we read about all the impossible things Jesus asks us to do, we need to embrace the reality that it is not the “us” who He is demanding such obedience, but rather to be obedient in releasing Christ to do the doing from within. You know the gig, Not I, but Christ.
I get the world's view of Snowflakes. We live in a culture where the masses are spoiled rotten by their self-corrupting opinions. Most act like demanding children in a candy shop, resulting in a temper tantrum. Although, there is a more organic interpretation of snowflakes. Like an ice crystal that falls from the heavens, their life span is delicate and temporary. When faced with the trials of our environment, it appears they melt into nonexistence. However, while they melt, they do not slip into nonexistence – they convert to water to feed the earth that destroyed their first form. Naturally, they cannot become nutrition for their enemy until they accept their demise, which comes from their enemy. And as we know, their vapors return to the heavens.
The illustration aligns with our topic. The melting snowflake is an expression of the process of indwelling Salvation – going from one life form to another. But most of us know, this cannot become a Truth until death has its way.
People typically strike back because they fear for their lives. Minimally, they refuse to allow the enemy to think they have the advantage. If your mission is to love on them, who cares about advantage. Plus, we know the Word of God never returns void. The avenger will no longer see you but Christ in you if you are loving while being beaten down or taken for all your worth. Go ahead, be a melting snowflake. The benefits are eternal.
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matt. 5:46)