"Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you."
(Ephesians 4.32 - The Message)
Like all of North America I have been inundated with media coverage of the U.S. presidential election in the last few weeks (months, years...). With significant economic and social challenges on the plate it would seem to me that it would be in the best interest of American politicians (as well as Canadian) to work together, to pool resources, to encourage each other - to face these challenges with the strength of the whole community.
What happens instead? Our leaders go at each other as though they were facing their most bitter enemy and their only agenda was to defame them. It makes my heart ache to see our leaders tear into each other with such animosity and disrespect. In Canada it happens during election campaigns and then continues throughout the term of office with mutual bashing in Question Period, through comments to the media - whenever "dialogue" regarding opposing parties occurs.
"Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."
(Philippians 2:3 The Message"-- )
Just once, I would like to hear an election candidate speak well of their fellow candidates for office. What a relief it would be to hear Gov. Romney say that he appreciates the work of Mr. Obama, and seeks to be a partner with him in serving Americans. Just once, it would be a joy to hear the president comment that Mr. Romney was a gift to the office he serves and a welcome addition to the White House, should he be elected. When and how did serving the common good become a "no holds barred" all-out fight to have the biggest ego?
Tragically, this is how some of our leaders act, and they do it in front of our children, our youth, and our young adults. This is unacceptable. As humans, as children of God, made in God's amazing image, we have the capacity to love each other, build each other up, and in so doing, to create healthy, life-giving communities. Those who chose to lead are called to lives that reflect the best of humanity, that inspire us to grow, to become, to realize Christ's love in and through us. And some of our politicians do engage their work in this way; not all seek to kick sand and throw stones. I know some men and women who lead with honor, whose deep care for their communities brings out the best in those whom they meet. Problem is, they are not the ones who get the media coverage.
So maybe I ask too much. Perhaps the change will need to begin in our homes. If our leaders won't stand up to the challenge then we will do so at a grassroots level. Here's how: speak well of everyone. When you cannot speak well of someone - bite your tongue. Do not gossip. Look for every opportunity to encourage and build each other up. If someone gets the job you want - celebrate with them. When another wins the trophy - share in their glory. If we do this in front of our children, youth and young adults there is hope for our race. In the end, a word of encouragement goes much further to build a beautiful world than volumes of criticism and judgment ever could.
I leave the last word to musician Roger Dawson:
"Treat everyone you meet as though they are the most important person you'll meet today.”
Pax,
Pastor Bill
Light
shines
from
your heart
Will
you
conceal it
or
let
it
shine
and change
the world
You
are
loved
Breathe
[First published November 6, 2012]
