Ugly Rhetoric Reflects U.S. Need for Core Change

I can identify with the anger and loose tongues so prevalent in today's political culture. I too have been guilty of letting it fly, though not so much these days. And today, with the internet just a fingertip away, it's easier to

How not to write a blog post or run for president

vent anger through writing than with the spoken word. Many articles and blogs have a comments section, which I sometimes find more interesting than the articles themselves. I've been known to write critical comments after reading a particularly disagreeable article or blog post. My, um, goal is to give constructive criticism, which is a good and needful thing.

On many Christian websites, some comments by Christians go beyond thoughtful criticisms to blatant insults. An insult tends to draw other fiery comments, perhaps by non-Christians with opposing views. The Christian will then counter punch, and soon we have an embarrassing fight where the unbeliever ends up more convinced than ever that most Christians are obnoxious hypocrites.

Christianity Today Magazine recently began a campaign called Beautiful Orthodoxy. Over the years, they noticed how the truths of the Christian faith are sometimes presented in ugly ways, especially on the internet. Part of this ugliness was evident in their comments sections below the main online articles. It got so bad that CT decided to stop/limit comments, though readers can still blather on the CT fcebk page. Anyway, CT started Beautiful Orthodoxy to promote the idea that truth can be expressed in an appealing way. This movement sounds good, as long as orthodoxy isn't compromised in an attempt to make it palatable. But that's another issue.

Prior to writing online comments or (ahem) blog posts, we should think through a few guidelines that force us to take a look at our motives. First, is God being glorified by my writing? Second, are the readers being edified? Am I being loving toward others, especially toward those I'm criticizing? In general, do my comments reflect the fruit of the Spirit? Before I respond to someone's disagreeable comment, I should take a deep breath and pray, "Lord, what can I write that will bless this person?"

At this point, I'm afraid to look back at the stuff I've written. Without a doubt I've posted things with the intent to win, dominate or even hurt. There's a difference between winning an argument and winning someone's heart. It's okay to respectfully persuade someone to embrace my position (assuming my position is valid). It's not okay to defeat them for the sake of boosting my ego.

1 Peter 3:15 is typically used as a reminder for Christians to always be prepared to share their faith. Indeed, it's a great verse for that purpose. However, the entire verse says a few things about our heart and method: "...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." Whether in evangelism or on the internet, our purpose is to honor God and love people.

Colossians 4:6 is similar: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Gracious means being kind and pleasant in manner, as well as reflecting God's unmerited favor and mercy. The notes in the ESV Study Bible say that seasoned with salt suggests "speaking in an interesting, stimulating, and a wise way."

Then there's the ugly, unwise political rhetoric of our current presidential election. In a democracy, our leaders are typically a reflection of those who elect them. New York Times columnist David Brooks recently wrote of the presidential campaign, "We are now in a society in which serial insults to basic decency aren't automatically disqualifying. Clearly, we have a giant task of moral repair ahead of us."

Brooks is on the right track and offers a variety of practical solutions for our country's post-election future; and certainly we should do all we can, through policy, to deal with our country's problems, not to mention the current large-scale populist discontent. But moral repair won't happen with political band aids.

True moral repair happens through a transformed heart. Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34). Our national tongue won't be tamed until our country's heart changes. Revival is the answer for the United States and our speech habits. 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon described revival as: "...to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which was nearly extinguished."

The rekindling begins with the Christian church, those who already have the spark of spiritual life inside. When that spark is revived, the ugly rhetoric within the church will be replaced by gentle, respectful and gracious truth, seasoned with salt. Then the revival will spread to unbelievers, who will be wooed by the Holy Spirit into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. This is the core change that will transform individuals, communities, regions and entire nations. I believe in miracles.

Historically, revival happens when Christians pray for it. I must confess, I have not been praying for our nation's revival. However, now is a good time to start. Will you join me? God bless America and the whole world.