Come On, People!
It has become apparent, over the past year or so, that our nation has developed a deep, deep rift, split right down the middle between liberals and conservatives, city dwellers and rural citizens, "haves" versus "have-nots," Christians against non-Christians. This week's presidential inauguration, with its surrounding events, both official and non-official, and the inevitable biased media coverage, both conservative and liberal, have only magnified the unrest that is so prevalent in our country right now.
Unfortunately, there seem to be a significant number of people who are doing their best to widen the existing chasm that is separating our beloved America into a mess of fractured camps. On so many levels, it is "us against them," and if you don't believe exactly as we do, you can't possibly be one of us.
But, when it comes right down to it, the multitudes of factions are more alike than different. Most groups include law abiding citizens and criminals, rich and poor, black and white, young and old, male and female, Christians and atheists. All across America, people love their families, work hard at their jobs, and desire things that are good for them and their friends and families. All of the groups seem to have their share of self-righteous, selfish people, proclaiming their superior patriotism to anyone within earshot, but nearly every faction also includes people who genuinely want what is best for our country and all of its citizens.
Unfortunately, every single circle includes people who are not shy about expressing their hatred for those who are different from them. Lying and gossip have become a way of life for many. Finger-pointing is rampant, with each group accusing their rivals of unspeakable thoughts and actions, many of which are simply untrue.
The truth is, most of us know and respect people from many different groups. I know liberals who are quietly pro-life, and others who are adamantly pro-choice. I know conservatives who are staunchly pro-life, while some are cautiously pro-choice. I have friends and family members who voted for Hillary Clinton, and others who voted for Donald Trump. I am acquainted with conservatives who are loudly pro-Trump, and others who can't stand him, or simply tolerate him because they felt that he was the "lesser of two evils." I know Christians who will earnestly pray for our president, whether they voted for him or not, and whether they like him or not, because they are convinced that God is able to give him the guidance he will need. I know other people who refuse to even acknowledge Donald Trump as their president, let alone pray for him.
As someone said recently, if Trump fails, our nation fails, so why in the world would we refuse to give him a chance, whether we like him or not? And when did it become acceptable for us to insult or ostracize those who think (or vote) differently than we do? Whatever happened to the fine art of compromise? Have we all forgotten how to listen to each others' concerns, and then work together to come up with solutions that will satisfy some of the most pressing needs? Have we forgotten that we're all in this together?
I'm reminded of the words in that song that became so popular during the turbulent sixties, "Come on people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together. Try to love one another right now." Click here to listen to "Come Together" by the Youngbloods. This song only echoes Jesus' words, found in Mark 12: 30-31, where he admonishes his followers to love God wholeheartedly and to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
So, come on, people! It won't be easy, but let's try to work together to right the wrongs in our country. Let's offer genuine hope to the hopeless. Let's listen to those whose opinions differ from ours, and work together to reach positive solutions. Let's pray that our president will speak prudently, treat people fairly, and make wise decisions, and that our lawmakers will learn to compromise, and that our police officers will stay safe and do their jobs well. And, let's pray for each other.
Let's treat one another--everyone--with love.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2: 1-2
(Jesus said:) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34
Unfortunately, there seem to be a significant number of people who are doing their best to widen the existing chasm that is separating our beloved America into a mess of fractured camps. On so many levels, it is "us against them," and if you don't believe exactly as we do, you can't possibly be one of us.
But, when it comes right down to it, the multitudes of factions are more alike than different. Most groups include law abiding citizens and criminals, rich and poor, black and white, young and old, male and female, Christians and atheists. All across America, people love their families, work hard at their jobs, and desire things that are good for them and their friends and families. All of the groups seem to have their share of self-righteous, selfish people, proclaiming their superior patriotism to anyone within earshot, but nearly every faction also includes people who genuinely want what is best for our country and all of its citizens.
Unfortunately, every single circle includes people who are not shy about expressing their hatred for those who are different from them. Lying and gossip have become a way of life for many. Finger-pointing is rampant, with each group accusing their rivals of unspeakable thoughts and actions, many of which are simply untrue.
The truth is, most of us know and respect people from many different groups. I know liberals who are quietly pro-life, and others who are adamantly pro-choice. I know conservatives who are staunchly pro-life, while some are cautiously pro-choice. I have friends and family members who voted for Hillary Clinton, and others who voted for Donald Trump. I am acquainted with conservatives who are loudly pro-Trump, and others who can't stand him, or simply tolerate him because they felt that he was the "lesser of two evils." I know Christians who will earnestly pray for our president, whether they voted for him or not, and whether they like him or not, because they are convinced that God is able to give him the guidance he will need. I know other people who refuse to even acknowledge Donald Trump as their president, let alone pray for him.
As someone said recently, if Trump fails, our nation fails, so why in the world would we refuse to give him a chance, whether we like him or not? And when did it become acceptable for us to insult or ostracize those who think (or vote) differently than we do? Whatever happened to the fine art of compromise? Have we all forgotten how to listen to each others' concerns, and then work together to come up with solutions that will satisfy some of the most pressing needs? Have we forgotten that we're all in this together?
I'm reminded of the words in that song that became so popular during the turbulent sixties, "Come on people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together. Try to love one another right now." Click here to listen to "Come Together" by the Youngbloods. This song only echoes Jesus' words, found in Mark 12: 30-31, where he admonishes his followers to love God wholeheartedly and to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
So, come on, people! It won't be easy, but let's try to work together to right the wrongs in our country. Let's offer genuine hope to the hopeless. Let's listen to those whose opinions differ from ours, and work together to reach positive solutions. Let's pray that our president will speak prudently, treat people fairly, and make wise decisions, and that our lawmakers will learn to compromise, and that our police officers will stay safe and do their jobs well. And, let's pray for each other.
Let's treat one another--everyone--with love.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2: 1-2
(Jesus said:) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34
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