Friday; March 15

One of the troubling things I have found in today’s society might be called the “polarization phenomena”.  I am sure there is some other name for it, but it is a belief that to be true to our commitments we have to fervently choose one side or the other.  Through the years we have seen this in our sports teams (we like all of “our” players and will defend them no matter how poorly they perform or how bad they act), but this type of mindset has crept into more important things such as political agendas and moral beliefs.  The only way we can be true to our core beliefs is if we completely accept everyone who stands with us and shun anyone who isn’t as committed (radical) as our group.  For example, all liberals are good and all conservatives are bad (or visa-versa).  As such, only certain news networks are truthful, only certain spokespeople are reputable, only certain political parties (or sub-parties) are worthwhile.  Another example is that only those who completely take a hardline stance on my particular moral issue are right, everyone else is not only wrong, they are also evil.  Interestingly, in an effort to promote this thought-process, we are quick to blast the failings of those on the other side, while at the same time willing to forgive (or ignore) the missteps of those on our side.  In essence, we are willing to draw a line in the sand and refuse to accept anyone outside that line but almost instinctively support those in our group.
While there are several problems with this phenomena, one of the most damaging is that we become blind to the bad on our side and the good in others.  Despite the warning of the Wise Man of the Old Testament, “To show partiality to the wicked is not good, nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.” (Proverbs 18:5) we accept actions and wisdom strictly by partisan lines. 
Let’s focus on the common sense that takes things at face value.  Let’s praise the good and point out the bad in all people and philosophies.  When we do that, we can all be better as we work towards what is best for everyone.
          Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements
Read more

Monday; September 25

When I was a youngster, I remember hearing about this thing called the Generation Gap. I was a little bit too young to be active in the social movements of the 1960s, but I do remember listening to the challenges the generations were experiencing way back then. Interestingly, now that I have been on both sides of the aging process, I have to admit that the Gap of the 1960s was nothing new. With the development of each generation comes conflict. The young people don’t feel like the older people understand them and the older folks tend to believe their input is being underappreciated. Too often trust is the casualty when two generations collide. The sad thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we can capture the innovation and energy of the younger folks and harness the wisdom of those who have been around for a while we can develop a winning combination. No, we won’t always see things eye-to-eye nor will we necessarily speak the same emotional language, but when we app
Read more