Learning to Agree to Disagree

           There are millions of things in this life that people disagree about— “Can you wear white after Labor Day?  Is it better to vacation in the mountains or at the beach? Chick-fil-A or any other chicken place? The Cardinals or Wildcats? (Cardinals, of course!)”  With the possible exception of that last one, we can usually discuss each of these topics with good-natured comments and, sometimes, a little laughter.  In other words, we can agree to disagree.

            Why is it that when we bring politics into the discussion, we seem to lose all measure of civility?  This past weekend, we experienced one of those moments that causes flashbacks for those of us who are old enough to remember similar events.  I remember when JFK, MLK, and RFK were assassinated.  I also remember when the attempt was made on President Reagan’s life.  Those were dark days for this nation as was this past Saturday.

            When President Kennedy was killed, our nation was divided over Civil Rights and integration.  The President’s religion was a topic of dissension, and there was an increasing divide within the Democratic party.  As the President entered Dallas that week, he was greeted by posters branding him as a traitor.  The political rhetoric had gone well beyond opposing policies.

            When Mr. King and Robert Kennedy were killed, the divide had grown even deeper.  Civil Rights issues had become more divisive, and the Vietnam War had thrown fuel on the fire.  Marches and riots had become commonplace.   

            President Reagan was faced with a different kind of assassin—a young man with obvious mental issues.  Somehow, he believed that the notoriety of his action would impress a movie star that he was attracted to.

            It’s too soon to know what the motive was for the young man who attempted to assassinate former President Trump.  He may have also been a young man with mental issues, trying to impress someone.  Then, again, he may have been caught up in the political animosity of the times. 

            What we do know is that once again we are a divided nation.  We are no longer able to sit down and discuss policy issues with intelligence and calmness.  We are more likely to speak hatred against those with whom we disagree, and a little name-calling throws fuel on the fire. 

            I pray that what happened on Saturday never happens again—to anyone!  So, what do we need to do about it?  First, we must recognize that we can’t single-handedly change the situation.  Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump have indicated a need to dial back the rhetoric.  That’s great, and I hope they both stay true to those sentiments.  However, for there to be true change, it must begin with each one of us as individuals. 

            As Christians, we may disagree on political issues.  You may think and vote for the Democratic party, while I am more aligned with the Republican party.  That’s okay.  That doesn’t make either one of us more or less a follower of Christ.  However, the way that we present our views may harm the cause of Christ.  We can never forget that we are first and foremost Christians.  Nothing else matters if we do not stand true to Christ and His teachings.  So, what are His teachings on these issues?  Here are just a few of them:

            God establishes all governing authorities (Romans 13: 1).

            He calls on us to submit to the authorities He has established (I Peter 2: 13 – 14).

            We are commanded to pray for our leaders—all of them (I Timothy 2: 1 – 2).

Those verses tell us how to relate to government, but what does the Scripture say about relating to each other?

            Do your best to live in peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 12: 18 &             14: 19).

            Reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22 – 23).

            Control your tongue (Ephesians 4: 29).

As Christians, we may not agree on everything, but the important issue is how will we agree to disagree.  Paul and Barnabas agreed to disagree about John Mark.  Paul considered it unwise to give him a second chance, but Barnabas, always the encourager, wanted to pour into a young man who he thought had potential.  They ended up going their separate ways, but there is nothing to indicate their disagreement caused division in the body of Christ.  Ultimately, Paul also saw the potential in Mark and wanted him with him during his last days.

Remember, we are first and foremost citizens of Heaven.  Our actions should reflect that citizenship.  We are also blessed to live in a free nation that allows us to participate in our political process.  Never forget that our Spiritual citizenship takes precedence over our earthly citizenship.  We represent Christ first!  May our political discussions and disagreements reflect Christ living in us. 

Psalm 133

Romans 13: 1 – 7

Galatians 5: 22 - 23

                                                                                 I Timothy 2: 1 – 2