The Silly Season

     What makes us so fearful as a culture? I chatted with a friend a few days ago about the venom and vitriol that oozes out of almost all public communications. As the presidential campaigning season spins up; and perhaps out of control, we witness a growing disdain for each other. Candidates hurl insults at each other with little regard for decorum or truth. Facebook conversations often devolve into bitter acrimonious debates that leave me breathless. How did we get to such a place as a difference of opinion can generate such hostility? In years past one of the hallmarks of civilized society was the ability to engage in polite discussion with someone who held an opposing viewpoint. Well-mannered men and women could talk about such things as politics or religion without growing red in the face and raising the voice. Things seem to have changed, and for the worse. For those of us who claim the name of Christ might give a few moments of thought to the following:

1.       We ought to bear patiently with our fellow man as we too have failed. In our past, and all too frequently our present, we miss the mark. Romans 3:23 reminds us that no matter what we may think, no matter how well we clean up, no matter our educational level, and no matter our personal pedigree, we all stand in the same place; sinners in need of salvation. So when I engage in discussion or debate, I do so from a point of having failed, miserably. Perhaps I might show some patience for my fellow man, allowing for their imperfection and my own personal failures and inabilities.

2.       We should listen more. Proverbs 18:2 reminds us, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Often in discussions, especially when face to face I find myself thinking about a pithy rejoinder instead of actively listening; consequently, I do not fully understand what the other person believes. In my haste to somehow best my opponent (more about opponent in a moment) I fail to offer them the respect of a fair and complete hearing.

3.       We should discard the mental construct of conflict or competition when engaging in discussion.

Thinking of someone as our opponent is only a short step away from thinking of them as the enemy; someone to be subdued. Rather we should esteem one another, counting each other as more important than ourselves. After all, we do not truly wage war against one another. Our enemy resides in the spiritual realm, the realm unseen. Paul speaks eloquently about this in Ephesians 6:12.

4.       We must choose our words carefully. We often select words that tend to separate and polarize, accusing each other, forgetting that our vocabulary may serve only to build walls, not bridges. As Christians we must guard our speech for the person we may offend or wound is our brother and when we stand with eternity stretching out before us, these things to which we grant great import will simply dissolve away, such much grime swept aside by the onrushing weight of His presence. So let us guard our speech, taking as our standard Colossians 4:6 which encourages us to let our speech be gracious; full of the calming salve of the Spirit.

5.       Perhaps, and this strikes home with me, we might speak less. More than once, after a few moments of internal gloating, I’ve searched in vain for the “unsend” button. My two cents will not add up to much in the end and many arguments in the public arena do not need my ill formed thoughts. If I hold my peace, saving my comments for a truly opportune moment, then I might better represent my Lord. After all, even those of us with less than stellar intellects will seem wiser if we say less; Proverbs 17:28.

     So as the political seasons spins up, I will endeavor to guard my speech and not succumb to the fear-mongering so rampant in public discourse. If I try and say those things which encourage thought, build up, strengthen unity, and engender creativity, then my time will be well spend and the little corner of my space might be lighter.