What Is Missing Today?

There is something missing in our nation today and, because of its lack, our nation appears to be unraveling at its seams.  America has always been the melting pot of ideas - both religious and political, educational and economic.  In fact, as one remembers his/her class on American History - what was it, in eleventh grade? - our nation was founded upon great political, economic and religious differences.  And, following the War of Independence, those differences became the strength that resulted in the writing of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights - two of the greatest documents in the English language and models for other aspiring peoples around the globe.  Many held strongly to one side or to the other, but the vision of a greater good for the nation brought resolution through compromise.  (By the way, I highly recommend Joseph Ellis' book titled, "An American Creation," if you want to get some great insights into this particular time). 


But the greatest divider of our nation was not dealt with by those Founding Fathers - the matter of slavery.  Debates, followed by compromises, followed by more debates, followed by more attempted compromises ensued.  And, as you remember, this divisive matter was only resolved through a long and bloody civil war.  And yet, was the matter really resolved?  The Proclamation had been issued in 1863 by President Lincoln and the war had been won, so, technically, slavery was over.  Yet, it would take another century before attitudes would be changed.  Yes, people would march.  Yes, people would cause riots.  Yet, as I look back upon those first historic images I remember as a child, I hear the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. urging people to protest with civility.  And many did.  And the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law.


Friends, our nation has always had strong differences of opinion.  Sides have been drawn and held with strong convictions.  But, as I read American history, there was usually a strong sense of civility in dialogue present.  I may strongly oppose you on the floor of the debate hall, but I will go out for a cup of coffee with you afterwards.  In other words, I may oppose your beliefs but I do not oppose you as a person.  And that makes all the difference. 


Civility, which the dictionary defines simply as "politeness", is missing today.  We no longer have debate.  We have firestorms on the street.  We no longer have meaningful dialogue.  We carry placards filled with hate-speech.  We no longer have respect toward one another.  Often with words filled with anger we let others know of our animosity toward them.  There is little thought given to smashing someone's storefront window because we are angry at the outcome of an election or even a sporting event, forgetting that window is someone else's property and should be treated with respect.  We mock and belittle men and women in authority over us - those who put their lives on the line each and every day - failing to show them the respect they are due.  With little thought we impugn the character and reputation of those around us simply because they do not agree with our opinions. 


Why is this happening?  Again, let me draw upon what I have learned from years of reading American history.  The key pronoun in America's past has been "us."  Yes there were differences.  And yes, sometimes those differences were strongly voiced.  But the greater good of America was always in the forefront.  The question asked was "What is best for us?"  As I look at our nation today, that pronoun has been changed to "me."  And the question now being asked is "What is best for me?"  We are becoming a nation of individualists.  When over three hundred million people focus only upon themselves and not the greater good of the nation as a whole, we are in trouble.  And, at times, in order for the greater good of the nation to be achieved, I must surrender my needs of the moment.  When that happens, a nation becomes strong.  The sacrifice and surrender of personal goals that the national goals might be achieved is what made America what it became.  Perhaps President Kennedy stated that principle well when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."  It is not about "me" but it is about "us."  How I wish we could get back to that philosophy. 


As I have been thinking about this, it suddenly occurred that that should be the operative principle of the Church.  It is not about my needs being met.  It is about my helping meet the needs of others around me.  As a child I learned the following acronym for "joy" - Jesus, Others, You.  It is so simple, yet so very difficult to practice.  We can only do it with the help of Jesus.   And, perhaps, just perhaps, if Christians would begin to model civility toward each other, it might set a model which others in our nation could accept and follow.  Just maybe!