We’ve all
heard about NFL players, coaches and even owners taking a knee rather than
standing respectfully during the National Anthem. (Since I write my posts two
weeks in advance, who knows what they’ll be doing by the time this appears.) I’m
not quite certain what this demonstration is all about. Basically, it boils
down to their conviction that in so doing, they’re making a difference.
On that
last point, I think we can all agree. We’d all like to make a difference, being
able to participate in making positive changes in our very – perhaps hopelessly
– fractured nation and world. The question is, what does it take to truly make
a difference?
Protests, peaceful and some not so peaceful, might make participants feel like they’ve
accomplished something, but increasingly these events seem more like outlets for
spouting venom toward anyone with different views. They are accomplishing
something – but is it positive?
Then the
protests are over; after all, people have to go home and go to work. They do
have to go to work, don’t they? Or take care of their families? They do, don’t
they? Anyway, the protests end, but the poor are still poor, the oppressed still
oppressed, the disenfranchised remain the same. What’s the end game? What has
been accomplished?
Thinking
about this, my friend Bryan made a good suggestion: "DO SOMETHING that
really makes a difference. Be nicer to people. Treat people with respect."
This goes back to following what Jesus taught nearly 2,000 years ago – loving our
neighbor as ourselves, and doing for others as we would want them to do for us.
If we were in dire circumstances, desperately in need of help, how would we
like to be treated?
The
apostle James pointed out, “What good is
it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?... Suppose a
brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him,
‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his
physical need, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not
accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17).
In my
view, this is the problem with these protests. People get riled up, voice
their complaints, and then go home, but lives of the individuals they
supposedly are defending remain unchanged. Their “faith” – or at least moral
conviction – stops short of engaging with and helping someone in real,
tangible ways. If the time, energy and resources expended during these demonstrations were
concentrated instead on doing the hard work of investing time, energy and
resources in face-to-face acts of service, that would truly make a difference;
a difference that can be life-changing.
Although
some might disagree, no amount of posturing in any form will eradicate
prejudice or insensitivity. We can't legislate hate. However, we can see
lasting change take place – through changed hearts, starting with our own.
Sadly, it seems evident there are forces in society that don't want that, whose
agendas are advanced by inciting and sustaining anger, rage, dissension and
hatred. We can stand by and let that happen, or resolve not fall in lockstep
with anyone intent on stirring up humanity’s darkest elements.
When
we watch the evening news, or read certain periodicals or postings on the
Internet, it would appear hatred among various peoples has never been greater.
But that’s not my experience or observation. I interact with people of
different ethnicities and cultures often, whether at the YMCA, the mall, work, or
spending time together at a restaurant. And I see others doing the same, with
kindness, respect and mutual appreciation displayed openly and genuinely.
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