To me, one of the most confusing aspects of our world, especially our country, and even in our Church, is the divisive and combative nature of our interactions. It is almost as if we are not allowed to disagree, at least not without despising each other. Sure we all have our opinions. Yes, we all believe we are correct – or else we would change our opinions. But when did it become impossible to listen and discuss a difference of opinions? I am sure this was a problem before the construct of social media became so dominant in our lives, but that certainly hasn’t made it better. Instead of good fruitful and progressive discussion, we turn to hate and disparaging comments that have little to do with the topic at hand, and more to do with tearing “the other side” down.
This disgusting behavior is amplified during election time. Where campaigning becomes less about the issues that need to be solved and more about the flaws – true or not – of the political opponent. The membership of a political party becomes an alliance that cannot be broken. We follow a candidate blindly, seeing only their good and only the flaws of the other candidate. Again, true or not. Any view other than ours is discounted and ignored, instead of debated and developed. Bumper stickers, tee shirts, hats and even flags become a symbol of our distaste for you and your beliefs instead of support of what we believe. Hate for “the other side” is far more the climate than politics and progress.
However, this behavior is not limited to politics and political campaigns. It spreads to almost every topic from sports fandom to social issues. And lately, it is quite prevalent where these two topics collide. It has become common place for professional athletes to use their stage as a means to protest or express their distaste of social inequality and injustice in our country. This is a very polarizing subject for fans. Some view it as disrespectful to the flag and to the service men and women who protect us and our freedoms. Others view it as an effective use of those freedoms to try to correct a wrong, which is exactly what the service men and women fight to protect. Regardless of which side most people fall on, many are very angry at “the other side”.
I understand the urge to protect the honor and significance of our National Anthem, our flag, and our service men and women. The stories my father has told me about being spit on in uniform after returning from Vietnam make me more angry than I would like to admit.
I understand using your stage to bring attention to an issue that needs to be corrected. If someone you love was being mistreated, wouldn’t you use every tool in your bag to draw attention to it and stop it? For example, if it were Christians that were being mistreated in this country – would you still disagree with the protests?
I understand why there are differing opinions. But what confuses me is why one side needs to hate or fight with the other. Just because something is not your reality does not mean it is not real. Why must we draw such hard lines and ignore the opinions or views of “the other side”? Why can’t we have the discussion? Why can’t we try to learn about the opinions of “the other side”? Perhaps we are missing something being blinded by are anger, or our fear, or our bias? Perhaps somewhere, among the discussion, we can find a solution, one where we all win and grow. I don’t believe that is possible in an environment of negativity, hate, and disdain.
So, the next time a controversial topic comes up that gets your blood boiling – take a breath and subdue your anger.
Recite Proverbs 20:3:
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
And then try to have a discussion – try to learn about the differing opinion and with honor, in a way that would glorify God, try to explain your position and belief. Maybe opening that dialog will begin a movement of growth. Even if there is never an agreement or a resolution – there will be respect. And that is a huge step forward.
Dadvotionals 