Statement from Steve - Jan. 2020

We are past the campaign season. This month the executive administration
 will take charge for the next four years. The houses of Congress will be
 seated for their terms.
 Every four years I become more and more disheartened by the campaigns of
 politicians on both sides of the aisle. Roughly 30 years ago, it hit me for the
 first time that campaigns started to become more of an attack on a
 competitor than a candidate convincing the electorate why they deserved to
 be elected.
 What has disturbed me more over the last few elections is that it isn’t just
 the campaigns who have sunk to dehumanizing attacks, we as citizens have
 joined in, either by applauding what was once considered inappropriate or
 speaking out ourselves in social media posts that spoke of others as vile
 enemies. We have learned to toss names which allow us to categorically
 disqualify one another when we disagree.
 Perhaps, we will be able to take a break from what has been a two-year
 season of vitriol and condescension. And perhaps, as Christians, and as a
 nation we will rediscover the blessing of civility.
 As believers, Paul says that our words should be filled with charity and
 graciousness. Yet, it seems we have been just as inclined as the rest of the
 nation to demonstrate suspicion and ungraciousness toward those of
 differing affiliations than our own.
 As believers, John says the words of our mouth should be characterized by
 love that sacrificially provides for others safety and security. Yet, often we
 are most concerned about protecting our own than looking out for others.
 I look forward to the time when the American church rediscovers the truth
 of Paul’s words, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your
 mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to the
 needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph 4:29).
 Imagine the change which could occur in our nation if the church would
 reapply the practice of these words. Courtesy and civility would make a
 come back. And the Church would be recognized as difference-makers.