Day 2 of 6 Days of Civility by ACHUCKAllen
The dictionary defines civility as “Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.” Over the ages, some great thinkers have considered it one of the stalwarts of human society. But in 2018, has the Internet and the 24-hour news cycle rendered this classic virtue obsolete? Here are a few quotes to ponder from thinkers in various walks of life to remind us why it matters.
Let’s Start with The Words of Jesus of Nazareth: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
How About Samuel Johnson: “When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of the return to kindness or decency.”
Here’s a Blast from the Past. Emmylou Harris, “As citizens, we have to be more thoughtful and more educated and more informed. I turn on the TV and I see these grown people screaming at each other, and I think, well, if we don’t get our civility back we’re in trouble.”
And Here is Vice President Mike Pence” “We cannot do democracy without a heavy dose of civility.”
One More to be Clear from Hebrews 12:14: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
We have been fighting and shouting and judging for so many decades that we cannot reckon to speak the truth in reason or speak with the voice of reason in truth. But why?
I suppose we could blame 24-hour news channels, but we are the folks watching. Or we could blame Washington, but we elected those folks. It must be Hollywood, right? But we pay to see their movies. What if it was us? What if we were the problem?
If so, then it is the moment by moment choice of:
- Pride over humility
- Self over others
- Being heard over listening
- Getting rather than giving
- Lording over serving
- Rights over gratitude
That list is a deadly cocktail that will lead us to a place of no return.
Remember, over these six days:
- Meditate on the 34th Psalm each day (evening or morning) You can read the 34th Psalm by clicking HERE. The big picture is to set your soul at rest and sharpen your mind on the goodness and the peace found in a daily 3-minute journey with the Divine. Will you join me as well? Here’s the plan – Read the 34th Psalm and then ask the Divine to show you the power of His promises each day. It’s that simple
- Listen to the Weekday Podcast from Sugar Hill Church by clicking HERE. It’s 5 minutes of scriptural encouragement. No matter where you are, what you do, or how you do it, we all have 5 minutes to listen to Scripture and be encouraged. The weekdaypodcast.com is pretty simple.
- Enter into an accountable relationship with your spouse or BFF to live in a zero-tolerance attitude and action over these six days. Seriously, just don’t bite on the desire to think, talk, listen or act in any negative, bitter, angry or foolish discussions or actions. And, when you do, seek forgiveness ASAP.
Peace and Civility,
AChuck
