Absurd. Shocking. Preposterous.
We live in a time when outrageous behavior is not only acceptable, it’s admired.
The more outlandish (maybe that should read alien) the appearance of the rock band, the better. The more astonishing the snarky movie retort, the more laughs it gets. Rudeness is often revered. Breaking the rules is considered a good thing.
We need more Mavericks in this world, right? (No reflection on Tom Cruise intended there.)
Maybe. But I’m not convinced that bucking every system is a good thing. Nor a godly thing. Rules were not all meant to be broken. Certainly not rules that uphold morality. Or decency. Or kindness. These were Papa God’s rules from the beginning and are there to insure order, parameters, and love-your-neighborness when selfishness and anger blind us to the way we should be behaving.
The etiquette of politeness is meant to to keep our actions civil when we don’t feel the least bit civil on the inside.
Yet we witness breaks in social etiquette every day. Intentional breaks. People who think nothing of cutting down those who disagree with them with a lethal slash of their sharp tongue. Or defending their own questionable behavior with threats and accusations. Or going after the juggler on social media. Or expressing road rage with their 2-ton vehicle.
So how do we, as believers in a Better Way (God’s Way), react when this happens? I fear that how we do and how we should react may be worlds apart. At least world-views apart.
I’d love to hear your thoughts before I continue this post. What about it, dear BBFF (Blessed Blog Friend Forever) – what resources to do you depend on to govern your personal behavior when someone disrespects you? (Please feel free to respond honestly – no judgement here!)
The Golden Rule. Period. If you know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of it all, you’ll think twice before you level those words or actions on another. As far as current (lack of) human filters go, KINDLY excuse yourself from the influence of it ~ “bucking” only reduces us to the same energy. Find the goodness in everything ~ no matter how gross it may seem.
The Holy Spirit is the only thing that tames my tongue, nudging from within me to keep quiet when I want to strike out and rant! He reminds me on social media to NOT respond, just keep scrolling when I want to type out a righteous argument in response. In proverbs, we are advised to not argue with a fool, it only escalates the argument. Some battles are best left for the Lord!
Depending on who it was that was disrespectful, I may be too hurt to respond. It would become something I harbored, and fussed over, eventually needing to ask God’s to help me forgive and restore the relationship. From a stranger, it would be much easier to let go because they have no idea of the personal victories I’ve won in raising my family and overcoming a very strict, rigid religious upbringing to know the joy and freedom of being Papa’s daughter that I know now.
Sad but so true about this world we live in. As for myself; I’m trying to behave as Christ Jesus our lord did. He told us to love everyone. Not just our friends and family…..but even more so our enemies. We need to turn our check as many times as it takes. We need to treat others not as they may deserve but as Christ does, as none of us deserve him. Pray for everyone.
Monday, Jan 6th, 2020, I was walking my teacup Yorkie…who was minding his own business when my not so nice neighbor(he used to be super nice) started cursing and ranting at me, and threatened my dog, who was just looking up at him—his name is Prince (named after Jesus; Prince of Peace)….I know it was the Holy Ghost….without thinking, I heard the words coming out of my mouth, “Jesus loves you”, my neighbor started yelling louder and cursing louder, and again in, God speaking through me, says, “that’s okay, you can curse, HE still loves you”….and the Holy Spirit continues to say, “Your words that you are saying; you are not saying to me, (physically), but you are saying those words to Him”….I was literally smiling/laughing…I had a calmness…whereas before, I would had fought….I was prior Navy. While I was in the Navy, I had a temper. God really had to work on me…which HE did/does. So grateful…be as genuine as you can be, and just reply, “Jesus loves you”. Even if you do not mean it, eventually, in a matter of time…your heart will catch up with your lips…and you will genuinely and sincerely mean it. And pray for them. Even if you do not see the changes. God sees your obedience Matthew 5:42-48.
Happy 2020.
Love you sis,
Julie
I think instead of more Mavericks in the world, we need more Mr. (Fred) Rogers. I just love to be around people with a loving, kind spirit! It is soothing to my soul and keeps anxiety away!