Driving in to work this morning, I was passed by an SUV that had a neon hand with middle finger extended that appeared to light up when a vehicle approaching from behind got close. Last weekend I was running errands and followed a driver who "flipped the bird" to a group of people quietly demonstrating outside a women's clinic near my home. These are just a couple examples of public rudeness I've experienced of late (the horn honks and loud, angry shouts are too numerous to mention).
I'm all for free speech and expression, but is all of this really necessary? And what does any of it accomplish?
James writes, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be" (James 3:9-10). Similarly, Paul writes, " Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
I will be the first to acknowledge my susceptibility to "road rage" when I'm cut off in traffic or get parked behind a "camper" in the passing lane. I may also be found guilty of making off-hand remarks at the television when something or someone makes a statement I disagree with or find to be outrageous. However, I've learned to bite my tongue and keep my hands to myself when around others who may not share my viewpoint. It's not that difficult. All that's required is a little self-restraint.
If we disagree with another's actions or perspective, perhaps a more constructive response would be to engage them in a respectable conversation, where possible. If not, we should just let it go. My flippant, offensive reaction to someone else's words or deeds isn't going to impact them or the situation for the better; in fact, it may make things worse.
My two cents',
Brian
I'm all for free speech and expression, but is all of this really necessary? And what does any of it accomplish?
James writes, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be" (James 3:9-10). Similarly, Paul writes, " Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
I will be the first to acknowledge my susceptibility to "road rage" when I'm cut off in traffic or get parked behind a "camper" in the passing lane. I may also be found guilty of making off-hand remarks at the television when something or someone makes a statement I disagree with or find to be outrageous. However, I've learned to bite my tongue and keep my hands to myself when around others who may not share my viewpoint. It's not that difficult. All that's required is a little self-restraint.
If we disagree with another's actions or perspective, perhaps a more constructive response would be to engage them in a respectable conversation, where possible. If not, we should just let it go. My flippant, offensive reaction to someone else's words or deeds isn't going to impact them or the situation for the better; in fact, it may make things worse.
My two cents',
Brian
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