Rock Tumbler, part 2: Rocks vs. Tomatoes

I've been thinking more about the rock tumbler (see my previous post from 2/12/11), and I feel I need to offer a bit more clarification.  Taking a spin in the rock tumbler, and coming out smoother and more polished, is something we do with our fellow Christ-followers.  Its a thing that will work when we are in relationship with people whose ultimate good intentions we trust, despite the rough edges and sharp corners we may encounter.

The rock tumbler works in Christian community because we are all made of similar "stuff."  We are all children of God, followers of Jesus, and in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit.  That identity makes us intrinsically different from others - as different in substance as a rock and a tomato.    

Here's a little thought experiment to consider.  What do you think would happen if you put a handful of tomatoes and a handful of rough, un-tumbled rocks into a rock tumbler?  With each turn of the drum, the rough patches and jagged edges of the rocks would  tear at the tomato's skin.  And with each subsequent revolution, the hard density of the rocks would bruise and then pulverize the soft fleshy tomatoes.

After a while, you'd have rough jagged rocks coated in tomato sauce!  The rocks are not improved, and the poor tomatoes have been destroyed.  Not a pretty picture, to be sure.  And even well-smoothed rocks will eventually pulverize tomatoes into sauce.

My purpose in considering this imaginary conflict between rock and tomato, is to point out that we need to know who we're dealing with when we encounter difficult people and are in conflict with others.  I want to make clear that I am NOT advising to stay in conflict with anyone and everyone, but only with our fellow Christians who are made of similar stuff as ourselves.

In unequal conflict, sometimes we are the rock.  As a rock, I do not want to be making sauce out of the very tomatoes that I hope might be rocks one day!   On the other hand, sometimes we feel like the tomato - receiving cuts and crushing treatment from people of ill-intent.  To submit to such treatment from people who do not ultimately wish us well, does not serve to improve either us or them.

So wisdom and discernment is required.  Tumble with your fellow rocks, but watch out for the tomatoes!