I can’t sleep. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that I have a head cold, but when I get up (to let me wife sleep!) I made the mistake of opening my email and Facebook.
The more I read, the more I can’t sleep.
I’m saddened by the lack of civil dialogue. You can’t have a dissenting opinion any more. It’s either right (i.e., the way “I” think) or it’s “stupid”.
I’m dismayed by the lack of civility I see – people calling each other names – some so vile and full of hate that I’m ashamed for them.
I see lies – outright lies being circulated as truth the politicians, by the media, and by friends.
I see hatred – hatred for those of other races, religions, political leanings, gender, occupations, financial status.
I see hypocritical words everywhere – “I will always choose love, but I won’t love those people.” “I believe in dialogue, but only if you agree with me, otherwise shut up.” “I believe in freedom of speech, but those people shouldn’t be allowed to have an opinion.” “I trust in God, but I’m going to take matters into my own hands.”
I’m sad.
I’m tired.
I’m going back to bed.
TTFN
Hi, Murray: I think that to be “salt and light” as Christ wants us to be, it can only be in a daily relationship with him in prayer and reading of the scripture. It is then that God can prompt us to engage with others on the basis of Galatians 5:22-23 (“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”).
I know I still fall down on this a lot, but I think in relationship to Him, God gradually prompts us in the right direction. Then we can disagree with someone, but not push our point too hard or treat others with disrespect.
I also like author Greg Koukl’s words, from his book “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christianity.” He says that in dialogue to others as people of faith, we need to embrace what he calls “The Three Skills of an Ambassador:”
1. Knowledge (an accurately informed mind)
2. Wisdom (an artful method)
3. Character (an attractive manner).
As we are willing to submit to God and His ways, then I think the skills of an ambassador are possible!