Transformative Action

Matt 6:1-6,16-21

“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding." The Message

Working in a school, I am no stranger to performative action. Sometimes, performative action feels like the only kind we see (Pink shirt day, anyone?), so much so that the day prior to (insert-the-color) shirt day, I sigh and give my students a lesson on the difference between performative and transformative action. It’s the latter this passage calls us to, and I think it’s more than just avoiding being seen doing good by others.

But first, a little segue into the educational world: working with children with exceptional needs, teachers  are encouraged to use non-judgemental language to help students understand what is “expected” and “unexpected” for behaviour. It’s far kinder to say, “Gosh, that was unexpected,” than “Gross! Don’t pick your nose in public!” Both teach the correct behaviour.

Still, it’s teaching performance and compliance, and I think that messaging to children is very loud. Recently, I asked my youngest what the most important thing was about school. Her answer? “To behave.” 

Ouch. Playacting. Pleasing others by “behaving.”

I like to remind myself that with Jesus, expected behaviour includes upending practice and tables in holy places. Centering the love of others and not behaviour. Not worrying about how it looks. 

What a burden that is, the weight of behaving in the expected way. And what a gift that is, to be invited to drop that weight. 

I think The Message phrases it well, telling us not to “be tempted to role-play before God,” but instead, to focus on his love and how he helps us, without play acting or fanfare. 

Prayer:Dear God, let us feel your initiation to your love, to work and pray without concern for any performance for the world. May it be so. Amen.

Erin Tarbuck