Restoring Civility
Peacemaking in the era of Trump, Pelosi, and Ocasio-Cortez.
When political views have divided relationships.
We are living an era of incivility. Where we talk less about the issues and more about the differences we have with individuals or groups of people. I am a republican. I am a democrat. I am a socialist. I am black. I am white. I am Asian. I am. I am. I am. I am.
The incivility increases day by day. We have stopped listening to each other. We talk over each other. We are thinking more about our rebuttal than about understanding the other person. We make statements rather asking questions in order to understand.
The incivility has even crept into the church. Churches put down groups that are contrary to what they believe. Yes we need to have beliefs but do we really need all the incivility?
We have to come to the point where we must truly help our culture to embrace civility. In this blog series we talk about restoring civility back to our civilization.
Some may say that this blog is too idealistic, too biblical, too naïve, or too something else. However, I know the answer to our current political culture is not found in more of what we have been doing for decades, if not centuries. I know the answer is found in the word of God.
It is time that the people of God stand up and lead out in creating a culture of civility. It doesn’t mean we roll over and stop truly believing in our cause. It does mean that as we stand we must stand in such a way that we glorify God. Our political differences and interactions should be in a way that glorifies God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB95)
“31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
So let’s jump in to the Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility Blog Series.
When it comes to politics, we all have a level of arrogance that can well up in our hearts. We believe what we believe is right. We also believe that everyone should see it the same way we see it. That is why we believe it.
Our political views can be debated, discussed, and even examined but we need to come to the place where we defeat political arrogance. Standing for what we believe in but in a clear and humble way.
Political arrogance is where we look at our political views as superior to others in such a way that we diminish the value of the person that we are in opposition with or who has a different view. One can see a family member, a brother or sister in Jesus as being lesser for their views. And this is the type of arrogance I am talking about.
Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility:
Defeating Political Arrogance
Philippians 2:5 (NASB95)
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus . . . ”
Here is another key to defeating political arrogance. We must have the attitude that Christ Jesus had and has. Think about this: He was willing to stand, He was willing to sit, and He loves justice yet embraces mercy.
The attitude of Christ was and is strength through humility. This attitude is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. For instance, how do we stand for what we believe in and yet not sin against others. This is the challenge. It seems like when most people handle political issues. They struggle with the attitude of Christ and the actions that they believe in. However, good actions or policies that get accomplished in an ungodly way are still ungodly. God cares equally about the what as he does about the how.
The next verse talks about Jesus’ attitude.
Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility:
Defeating Political Arrogance
Philippians 2:6 (NASB95)
“ . . . who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped . . . ”
Jesus existed in the form of God. At the same time, he did not regard equality with God as something to hold on to. Now you may be wondering how this applies to politics and more specifically how this applies to us. Well, it definitely is a challenge because we are not even close to being Jesus. However, sometimes we can pretend in our political views that we know what is best beyond anyone else and maybe even so arrogantly beyond God.
My hope is that in our civilization we will stop grasping for power and start surrendering our heart to God. It is critical. It is the only attitude that will change our culture. Humility is key to overcoming political arrogance.
Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility:
Defeating Political Arrogance
Philippians 2:7 (NASB95)
“ . . . but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men . . . ”
Jesus emptied Himself. This is key, this is absolutely important, and this is insanely challenging. It is the idea of emptying ourselves instead of becoming more full of ourselves. Now you may be asking what if those who are against my views don’t empty themselves. They will probably try and crucify me, and that is true. That is what they did to Jesus. Here is all I can tell you: we are not called to be full of ourselves. Somehow we are to know and proclaim what we believe is best, but do it from an attitude and heart of humility.
I know it seems counter-cultural, counter-productive. How can we stand for what we believe in and yet be a servant? God will direct your path. God will help you accomplish this seemingly unachievable task.
Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility:
Defeating Political Arrogance
Philippians 2:8 (NASB95)
“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Dying to self is key: it is key to our relationships, our marriages, and our politics. It is key to loving our children. It is key to running our businesses. Dying to self is absolutely key. It is the number one act of humility, and humility applies to every area.
Jesus said in Luke:
Luke 9:23 (NASB95)
“23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
I hope this blog has encouraged you. If you need prayer for civility to return to your family, community, church, or workplace; please do not hesitate to email us your prayer request at prayer@peacemaker.training or give us a call 800-711-7118
P. Brian Noble