We seem to be witnessing a moral meltdown in America. People have taken to the streets to voice their opposition post-election, but have forgotten to bring any form of civility with them. The protesting by many is anything but peaceful. It’s as if they’ve given themselves carte blanche to let all their aggressions lose as they give themselves a pass to lash out at whomever they please.
While yelling, “ Love Trumps Hate,” and claiming their tolerance for all, many have engaged in fights, destruction of public and private property, burned the flag, and shouted hateful rhetoric.
So much for a peaceful transition and coming together to unite the country.
Many opposed to the transition of power or just a different viewpoint for that matter, don’t seem to be bothered with facts or reason, but rather allow their emotions to set the direction for their stances. In their world it is okay to hold others accountable, while a free pass is given to themselves.
It is okay to be hypocritical as long as you march to their tune. Many are fighting for causes they don’t understand, and many, it turns out, are fighting against a process they didn’t even participate in, as many are admitting they didn’t even vote!
How do these kinds of responses help to bring our nation and people together? Do
they create a climate of love and peace that unite us? Does their kind of protesting keep themselves and their hearts open to hear the other side and engage in open dialogue that could be insightful, helpful and healing?
How does their desire to create “safe spaces” solve problems and foster cohesiveness? How does running away from what one deems a problem solve a problem? Sadly, it doesn’t. It never will. Creating a cushion in hopes of softening a blow does nothing but create a delusion and false sense of reality. It prolongs the inevitable.
People in our country don’t need safe spaces and counseling sessions post election, they need to be educated as to our history and what freedom truly means. Truth has a way of setting us straight and opening our eyes to how things really are, not how we simply wish them to be.
Perhaps they would best be served unplugging from their echo chamber and spending time reading our history books viewing the wise words of our Founding Fathers and others in past history—who worked so tirelessly to create and sustain this great country.
The country Americans have grown to love. A country people have fled to because of the opportunity it affords. A country whose light on a hill has given hope to those seeking a better life. A place where dreams can become reality and the blessings of liberty aren’t just a dream.
Perhaps these same people would gain insight listening to the stories of those who risked their lives fleeing communist countries ruled by dictators to come to America in search of a life that allows them true freedom. If they would simply take the time to listen in to wise counsel and learn from the past, they might change their tune.
Patrick Henry once said, “Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom.”
Thomas Jefferson stated, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
Eleanor Roosevelt declared, “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. profoundly noted, “At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love.”
And former President John F. Kennedy conveyed, “ The love of correct principles – not the love of a party – is the key to effective political involvement; the government of this nation will be blessed only to the extent that God-fearing and moral individuals are placed into office.”
Many who helped shape and mold this country understood a need for morality and the importance of good will toward men. They understood the sacrifice of keeping us free. Many welcomed God in their plans.
Perhaps if those with opposing views would allow themselves the gift of freeing themselves from the blinders they wear and being open to the truth, they would stop rioting, placing labels, bullying, demeaning, and name calling when things don’t go their way.
Perhaps if those in Hollywood’s ivory towers would humble themselves and pry themselves from the high pedestals they’ve created, they might realize they have been part of the problem, not the solution. Through their hypocritical stances and pride, they have missed opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to our country.
The more they scream, the more silent their cries become to those who understand and appreciate the uniqueness and blessing that is America and the American spirit.
Maybe if these individuals truly understood how grateful they should be for their freedom, the opportunities they have, and the sacrifices that were made on their behalf, they would be more inclined to speak well of our country and respect the traditions and customs that have defined our country. They would realize, in many respects, that they stubbornly fight against the very things that have enabled them to be free and keep them free.
Our former President Ronald Reagan, understood how precious, valuable and fragile our freedoms and country are. He said:
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
With the inauguration in sight, plans are being set to disrupt and protest across the nation once again. And, for many, the protesting hasn’t stopped. There has been no self-reflection, no willingness to open dialogue, and no desire for understanding.
As Christians, we’re to pray that their eyes would be open to the truth and their hearts would be softened to receive it. We’re also called to continually pray for our leadership. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 says:
“ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
Romans 13:1-2 reminds us: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
As we turn a new page in America’s history with the swearing in of a new president and the start of a new year, let’s pray for unity, revelation, love and tolerance toward one another. Let’s pray for our new leader’s wisdom, direction, health and safety. And, most important, let’s pray that God will be exalted in our hearts and our nation so that more lost souls can come to know the true freedom that exists only in a relationship with Him.