As if we needed a reminder, the last few months have once again revealed the depth of division and hostility in our nation and in our community. There is so much pain, hurt, and unhealthy discourse seemingly at every turn. We are programmed to pick a team, choose a side, and shout down the opposition. We are an increasingly angry people, and that is why I am preaching a series on “Anger Management” each Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. – come join us!
In his speech on the Senate Floor in the wake of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Sasses called out both parties on what is becoming the normative in the larger culture as well: blind tribalism. It is a tendency to malign, perpetuate group think, attack and tear down those in another group. Tribalism is a threat to our nation, and it is also a threat to our local community. Every part of our nation needs healing from our divisive, polarizing, and tribalistic tendencies. This is exactly why we gather together as one community for our Easter Sunrise Service, our Thanksgiving Services, and other community efforts like the Garage Sales and the Warrior’s Weekend.
As leaders in a hostile world, what can we do? I am much like many other leaders who, at times, wants to throw up my hands and ask, “What is the point of all our hard work?” But, when I do, I remember the first Bible verse I ever learned, “For God so loved the world…” It is not an option to give up on what God loves so much, to abandon what the Apostle Paul called the “ministry of reconciliation”. As I have processed recently how to make a difference in this culture of hostility, offense, and anger, I am reminded of three principles that have the potential to create unity in a cynical world.
First, the power of words. In general, we underestimate the impact of our words! It is not just the words we speak, but also the words we type, and all the other creative ways we can disseminate them through the use of technology and social platforms. Some have found that these new stages, that were not around until historically recently, provide them with an “identity cover” so they avoid responsibility for the rottenness they spew!
A kind and encouraging word is becoming so rare. Against the backdrop of society, we do not fully understand how positive and healing our well-placed words can be. A commitment to speak life over and into people and places is one of our greatest assets in building trust, unity, and hope!
Second, the gift of time. In the busyness of our lives, time is a commodity we do not like to give away. We can and often are very generous with our money, but extremely selfish with our time. The only way to breakdown tribalism, whether in our nation or in Port O’Connor, is to spend time with people from a different tribe. This was the whole point of “God becoming flesh in Jesus!” It was only through the personal presence of Christ that real relationships and reconciliation can become possible. Giving time to seek understanding and build relationship is rarely convenient but often powerful and exceptionally healing.
Third, the benefit of the doubt. We just do not do this much anymore! To give the benefit of the doubt is to believe the best about someone, to assume pure motives until proven otherwise. I see almost no one who has this grace in operation any more and yet most of us were taught this at our mother’s knees! To assume the worst about people and foster cynicism is just not becoming to those who call themselves civilized. All of us can do better, and give the world an alternative to our tribalistic society.
Each one of us has the opportunity to make a positive difference in our community and thereby help our world. When we exchange some screen time for face-to-face time with others we will reap large rewards. We must do more than just “speak the truth”. We must do it with humility, compassion, and genuine care for those around us. Our hearts must be transformed into both “grace and truth” to bring us together to attack the difficulties of life.
In this long season of primaries, we must remember that our love for one another must reach across the boundaries of political division and bring people together as members of one family and one tribe! May we be encouraged and inspired to take the message of unity for the good of all to a world that desperately needs to hear it!
