Tuesday; May 22

Andrew Jackson is one of those polarizing characters in American history – you either love him or hate him, there isn’t much room in between.  Jackson, the American war hero and 19th Century U. S. president could be idolized or despised, but he couldn’t be ignored.  The other day I was reading a quote of his that got me to thinking about our nation.  Jackson said, “The planter, the farmer, the mechanic, and the laborer ... form the great body of the people of the United States, they are the bone and sinew of the country men who love liberty and desire nothing but equal rights and equal laws”.  As I pondered this statement, it got me to thinking about how we approach social unity in our nation.  Over the last few years it seems like we have tried to legislate people into respecting each other.  We have relied upon political leaders and social groups to force us to be nice to one another.  Yet, the truth of the matter is that unity and civility will only happen when we – you and me – decide we are going to get along.  When we, as grassroots Americans, commit to treating each other with dignity and respect.  A unified people does not come from the edicts of the president, the laws of the congress or decisions of the judicial system – we find harmony when we show kindness in our own neighborhoods, schools, businesses and casual interactions.  Sure, government can help stem the tide of hate and criminal activity, but until we as individuals commit to being nice to each other, it will all be for naught.
As the New Testament writer, James, discussed the need for Christians to get along with each other he noted, “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”. (James 2:8)  Let’s mandate that our government does what it should be doing to promote a peaceful existence in our nation, but let’s make that same demand on ourselves.  When we love each other, we set the example for the rest of the world to follow.
Think About It!

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