Before writing I Googled this phrase to see if I had
created something novel. Of course, as I suspected, there is nothing new under
the sun. Google runs on for pages with this idea as a term for attempting to
bridge left wing and right wing politics. That’s not where I am going. It has
occurred to me that when there are differences among people, and I am
particularly thinking of churches, which is where my life is focused, the
responses are too often destructive to community. We tend to start staking out
our territory, assuming a defensive posture and preparing for war. But war has
casualties. The world has plenty enough fallout from battling factions. Not to
sound unrealistically Utopian, but what if we stopped and found a new approach?
What if, instead of polarized, all or nothing, win/lose thinking, we tried to
find ways that our interests and Biblical mandates overlapped so that we could
go forward together?
What we Might
Discover
Instead of bitterness and brokenness we might find peace
and wholeness. Instead of the experience of devaluing and disrespecting each
other we might find respect and value in each other. In the place of suspicion
we might find trust. In the place of gossip—talking about each other we might
find dialogue—talking to each other. Rather than being combatants we could
become collaborators. Instead of inflicting wounds we could ask, “How can I
help heal?” Instead of always talking or preparing to talk I might actually
listen.
Instead of issuing ultimatums we could choose to search
out alternatives. Rather than harping on problems we could energetically
explore solutions. Instead of burning bridges we could build bridges. Instead
of thinking just about my own needs I could consider the group’s well-being.
Instead of living in the past we could construct a desirable future. Rather
than taking rigid positions, I could be flexible. Rather than fixating on my
preferences I could decide just to take a stand when principles are at issue.
Instead of the burden of a growing list of adversaries we could decide to make
friends. Rather than doggedly holding to my pride I could humble myself. In the
place of angry hostility I could discover joyful receptiveness. I could. We
could.
Caveat
There are always non-negotiable issues, but this should
not prevent our attempting to find common ground with others when possible. We
could let the pursuit of peace become our default setting (Hebrews 12:14).
Comments