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Something is happening today that happens every two years, and, is
the source of much of my frustration. Right now, today, in a couple
of different places, probably in Washington, but perhaps all over
America, political strategists are meeting. Democratic strategists
and leaders are gathered together, as are Republicans, and they are
talking about the election that just happened, but they are already
thinking about the next one. As they ponder 2012, they are doing
one thing in particular, they are coming up with wedge issues.
Wedge issues are crafted by politicians and political operatives and
then tactfully introduced into the public psyche over the course of
years. Through interviews on television, mailers, news articles,
and town hall meetings, these issues are implanted so that they may
divide the electorate in the next election cycle, and they are
crafted to favor one party over another. For example, Democrats
might focus on a piece of public policy they believe favors them,
such as health care in 2008, or the Republicans may focus on a
fiscal issue, such as the national debt, as they did in 2010. The
wedge issues are meant to divide us and push us away from one
another and toward one of the two political parties. We may
identify with one issue, or one party, in particular, but make no
mistake, the belief that health care is a fundamental right, or that
the national debt is out of control, is not a coincidence. You got
help with that.
With all these wedge issues now floating around the public
consciousness it is no wonder we don't get along. We have been
taught and trained to dislike one another if that other person
doesn't see eye to eye with us on any particular issue or issue.
And because we allow ourselves to be sucked down this wormhole,
where we actually come to the belief that one group is completely
right, completely faithful and completely patriotic, while the other
is completely wrong, completely unfaithful and completely
unpatriotic, we make a mockery of the words of Paul that I quoted
above. You see, no wedge issue is so divisive as to be able to
separate us, one from another. You and I may disagree on this or
that, but, if we are Christians, it doesn't change the fact that we
are family. It doesn't change the fact that we are one in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
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As if to reiterate this point, Paul is highlighting the wedge issues
of his day. In the culture of the time, women were to be seen, not
heard, and were often treated as property while men made the money
and controlled the household. But all are one in Christ Jesus. The
monotheistic, devout, Jews were alienated from Greeks and their
pagan, Hellenistic culture, but all are one in Christ Jesus. Slaves
were literally property, and could be treated with as much disdain
as their master could muster. But all are one in Christ Jesus. As
we reflect on politics in our nation, and as America's spin doctors
and policy wonks meet to craft the issues that will lead to
fisticuffs in 24 months, we should step aside and step back. We
should remember that, no matter how a person votes, or what they
think of health care or the national debt, we are all one in Christ
Jesus, our Lord. And this truth is the only truth that really
matters.
Prayer: Holy God, on this day, and over the days ahead,
help me to see every person I meet as your child. Remind me that no
matter what differences we might have, no one is less than human,
nor is anyone deserving of my hatred. Guide me in your ways, in
Jesus' name, Amen.
[text from file received by Phil Blackburn, First Presbyterian
Church] |
