Courage - A Commodity In Short Supply

Someone posted this quote on Twitter recently.

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. The quote was not attributed to anyone.

In today's charged political and religious climate this quote comes at a most appropriate time. Opponents used to discuss issues on which they differed with each other. In this day and age it is more likely for opponents to make their views known among those of like mind via social networking and other media. The rhetoric is often personal, seldom well thought out and increasingly hostile.

Valid viewpoints often go unheard nor considered by opponents. Countries and people become charged with animosity, even hatred.

Courage to speak involves preparation and due diligence. Courage also takes compassion and wisdom. It is in tune with it audience. Courage knows when withhold comment. Courage creates a climate of respect by knowing how and when to speak and take appropriate action.

Having courage does not assure that we will not have enemies but it assists us in not making "needless" opponents.

Having courage is far more likely to bring people together than push them apart.
It takes a wise person to have true courage.

So who am I and who are you? Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Does our life represent true courage do we retreat to anger, a unprepared mind and name calling.

True courage takes time, work and wisdom. True courage is often first led by example than spoken with insight and strength.

Grace - A Christian World View

There as many reasons to not believe the Christian world view as there are opponents of it.

I'll leave Apologetics of its truth to others. This post is simply to say that I love the message of Redemption and Grace in the Bible. The Bible tells of the failures and sin of man and a savior that is eager to atone for past and future sins. We are free to respond in love and not be propelled to "earn" his love. Frankly we wouldn't have a chance.

The Christian message of redemption is not based on a system of performance that is arbitrary at best. Really, how good is good enough and who would have the capacity to know? It is based on a God that pays for our sin and simply asks us to follow him in return.

We are asked to love our enemies and to pray for them that oppose us.

Yes, yes there are Christians that pervert the Gospel. The message however doesn't change. In the end of grace and mercy rule. The message of the scripture is Love and Compassion. We do not always promote specific behaviors but Love and Compassion should rule. People can be misguided but God is not. Our confidence is not in imperfect messengers (like us) but in the object of our Faith, Jesus Christ.

Integrity in Political Debate

In listening to candidates for political office I wonder if many comments toward opponents are meant to be factual or just a power move to gain political advantage.

I suspect many know their comments for themselves and about their competitors are half truths with a ton of spin. Are candidates being less than honest and forthright? Is this what we want in our elected officials? Do our political preferences cause us to look over the spin tactics of our our favorites? I'm afraid this is often true. We often seem eager to solicit truth from our opponents while being forgiving to the politicians we prefer.

When are we going to come to grips that integrity "begins" with the truth? Integrity follows with actions that reflect that truth. It involves the contrasts of compassion and tough love. It's thrives on doing the right thing with the right heart attitude. Integrity starts with looking closely in the mirror at our own attitudes.

It will cause us to demand the same for our officials competing for office!