As I drove into work this morning, I passed several Northbound power company trucks from around the Southeast. They had been to South Georgia and Florida to help restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.
I thought about the selfless linemen, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and disaster relief “angels” who respond in these situations. They do not care if you are black or white. Nor do they poll to see if you are blue or red. It matters not to them if you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, any other religion, or no religion at all.
These public servants leave family behind at home. They work exhaustingly long and difficult shifts. Their mission is to SERVE. Serve and help anyone in need.
They stand in contrast to so much of the partisan attacks and mob mentality that we see in our culture today. They are the antithesis of an archaic word, “civility”.
I wrote about civility several years ago, and I feel the need to refresh that article for today’s context. We probably cannot change
Yes, civility is on the decline. Dictionary.Com defines civility thusly:
- courtesy; politeness.
- a polite action or expression: an exchange of civilities.
- Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.
Where have our manners gone?
Why the Lack of Civility?
It seems these days when things do not go someone’s way they default to name-calling, riots, protests, and mob scenes. Several factors have brought us to this point in society.
- The rise of me-ism. Individual rights now seem to matter more that the good of the whole.
- The absence of self-discipline. Many are accustomed to getting what they want when they want it.
- The glorification of chaos. Let’s face it; trouble makes the news. Want to get your 15 seconds of fame? Start a riot or protest.
How May We Regain It?
The sad part of it all is that this same absence of civility has found its way into church life. Christians are just as likely as non-christians to join in on the meanness of incivility. I hear the same hateful speech and see the same unloving attitude among my brothers and sisters in Christ. The incivility is often aimed at other believers who may hold a different view of a secondary issue.
Consider some Biblical guidance that helps us keep a check on our civility.
Put others before ourselves.
Philippians 2:3: Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
The best remedy for me-ism is “them-ism.” We can defuse potentially chaotic circumstances when we put our perceived rights secondary to the good of others. We don’t have to always get our way. In fact, we don’t have to get our way anytime. We can look out for the needs of others and commit “our way” to the Lord. He will make sure it turns our good for us.
Eliminate negativity.
Philippians 2:14: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing…”
Negativity is more contagious than the worst stomach bug and twice as nauseating. We are more likely to contribute to the lack of civility when we foster a negative spirit. Jesus said our mouth speaks from the overflow of our heart (Matthew 12:24). Negative words indicate a heart issue. When we eliminate negativity we diffuse a positive element to the chaos that may break out around us.
Personal Responsibility.
Romans 12:18: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
The only person whose actions I can control is the person who stares back at me in the mirror. I choose my actions and reactions; no one forces any of them upon me. I may not be able to change the whole world, but I can at least take responsibility for my personal “bubble.”
What kind of person will you be: one who fuels the fire or one who douses the flames of dissension?
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” It’s time we start living up to our calling.
Let’s start a Civility Revolution. One heart at a time. I’ll start. Will you join me?
For Further Reading
How to Deal with Toxic People
Avoiding the Spiritual Germ of Negativity