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 an individual or group 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 think more about our rebuttal then about understanding the other person. We make statements of opinion rather than asking questions to try and understand.
The incivility has crept into the church as well. 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 truly help our culture to embrace civility. In this blog series we talk about restoring civility 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 believe in our cause. It does mean that as we stand we must stand in such away that we glorify God. Our political differences and interactions should be done in a way that glorifies God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB95)
“31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
So let’s jump in to our Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility Blog Series.
When it comes to politics we all can 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 when we look at our political views as superior to others in such a way that we diminish the value of the person that has a different view. One can see a family member, a brother or sister in Jesus as less. And this is the type of arrogance I am talking about
Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility:
Defeating Political Arrogance
Philippians 2:1 (NASB95)
“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,”
The “if” statements are key to defeating political arrogance. If there is any encouragement in Christ, you may be arguing. “What if I am not encouraged by Christ? Or what if the other person is not encouraged by Christ?” You might be saying. You are an idiot. This isn’t church – this is politics.
I understand what you are saying. Although Jesus is my savior, I recognize that not everyone is at the same place. Arrogance can only be defeated by Jesus. That is why this article is written for believers who engage in politics. I am not talking about the person who has not been transformed by the Love of Christ. I am talking to you believer. You are transformed that is why we must walk in His love, His compassion, and His affection.
Peacemaker Ministries Restoring Civility:
Defeating Political Arrogance
Philippians 2:2 (NASB95)
“make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
Think about the way we interact. Where is our mindset? Where is our love or compassion? Where is our spirit or purpose? You may be thinking: I am not having a problem with those who agree with me; I am having a problem with those who do not agree with me. That is when we need to embrace the Love of Christ, the purpose of Christ.
Jesus’ purpose was to call the incivility to civility. He died for us. He did not demand his rights. When we become arrogant we move from the mind of Christ to our carnal or fleshly mind.
Here is the bottom line for this section. We need to have the same mind of Christ. That mind will cause us to have the same mind toward each other. Arrogance is defeated by our unity in Christ, with Christ, and with each other.
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.trainingor give us a call 800-711-7118
P. Brian Noble
If you enjoyed this blog and want to learn more about reconciling relationships, check out our Path of a Peacemaker book!