Apparently some celebrities are using the crisis in Houston as an opportunity to attack the President and his wife, while others are attacking Joel Osteen. It is the same small spirit that animates both sides and it is a testimony that some in America have lost sight of even the most basic sense of civility.
Now, I’m the least of all likely to be making points on civility since I have breached it many times myself but one thing that my mother tried to instill in me is that in times of crisis good people lead from the front with compassion and encouragement. I say this as someone who has criticized both the president and Joel Osteen on other occasions, and I believe for legitimate reasons, but what does it say about a people who have to politicize everything even before they know all the facts?
I think the better part of wisdom when people are suffering is that the time for critiquing others can wait until all the facts are in, all the bodies are buried, and all the hurting are tended for. If we open our mouths it should not be in snark but in prayer. If you want to do something, pray and write a check, and even that can be done in a closet without the left hand knowing what the right hand is doing.
I’ve seen many Christians with egg on their face lately, mostly because they lost their composure or self-control and allowed the flesh to govern their decision making. So, whether you’re making fun of a journalist’s face-lift or a First Lady’s footwear, or a Prosperity Gospel preacher’s avarice, stop and ask yourself if this will bring honor or shame to the name of the Lord, will it build-up or destroy, is it worth compromising my testimony for a cheap shot or a low blow?
In our day, when cruelty is the default setting, imagine the fine things we can do for Christ when we forego the melee and treat others with decency, even when they don’t deserve it or haven’t earned it. The recipient of grace should be the greatest dispenser of grace.
And I pray the Lord it be so.
