Hot dogs, fireworks and freedom are “key words” for Independence Day. It’s a great day to remember how blessed we are – and we are blessed. Things we take for granted – like running water, indoor plumbing, air conditioning and health care – are only dreams for many people in this world. While we may not have everything we want, we usually rest for the night in a comfortable bed and doze off in safety. The Bill of Rights, education, self-determination – these are all things we should remember and appreciate because they were bought with blood and tears and toil and thought.
There’s another word we also need to remember: respect.
As citizens, thinking people, and especially as Christians, we will disagree with others, but we must always do so with respect. Yesterday, Beth Moore, a Christian author and teacher I greatly admire, posted about her passionate concern about how social media is being used, especially when self-professed believers post and share mean-spirited messages and memes.
“Funny” does not make it okay.
In the past, the Supreme Court has withheld First Amendment protection to certain kinds of speech (legal obscenity, advertising) because it did not contain ideas and therefore did not contribute to the marketplace of society. Some say the “marketplace” doesn’t work in a digital era, but the principle still resonates. Are we communicating ideas or merely vitriol camouflaged under the guise of clever humor?
We don’t need snark. We need ideas.
Our nation is founded on important ideas. As American citizens we need to respect them, our founders, and our defense and discussion of national issues.
As Christians, we need to remember Paul’s words to the Colossians, “And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, …” (Col. 3”17, NLT)
Yes, it’s hard to do. I see things online that disturb me greatly. Those emotional reactions can be positive if they motivate me to learn more, think more, and respectfully advocate my position with facts provided by reputable sources. Then emotion is fertilizer; it can produce growth and change. On the other hand, if my emotion only generates more negative emotion from those who respond, I have accomplished nothing. We might as well be kids in a barnyard throwing dried “cow patties” at each other. It might be funny if someone gets hit, but nothing is accomplished. Nothing grows. No problems are solved.
All we have is a stinky mess.
Our nation deserves more.