145th Edition
What else can we do?
Noted author and columnist, Peggy Noonan, recently wrote an interesting essay for the Wall Street Journal titled, “We’re in an Era of Political Violence.” She mentions all the typical solutions various people mention in order to end violence: gun control, a greater focus on mental health, and of course there is plenty of finger pointing at President Trump. But she stops there. Could she not think of anything else? What else can we do?
I believe Ms. Noonan is a person of faith. I’m wondering why she didn’t mention the role of faith as a potential solution to this serious problem. If our society is going to become less violent, shouldn’t we begin there? When it comes to solving any serious challenge that involves relationships and values, doesn’t it make sense to at least include faith in the discussion? What would that conversation look like?
Our country is in an era of political violence and mistrust because we aren’t willing to put our faith at the foundation of all we do, nor are we willing to hold ourselves accountable to the principles of our faith. We shy away from this simple proclamation – I am a person of faith, and I will strive to conduct myself in a manner that will bring honor and glory to God. Wouldn’t that change the dialogue in every arena, as well as behavior and interpersonal relationships at every level?
Thankfully, we are also in an era of a tremendous spiritual reawakening within our youth. We see signs of it at almost every televised sporting event. Players wearing Bible quotes and praising and thanking their Lord and Savior. Yet we never see a follow-up question like, Tell me why verses 3 – 5 in Romans 5 are so meaningful to you…Why is this the case? Perhaps the media is just as scared as Ms. Noonan? But why? What’s there to be afraid of?
I’m wondering if we might not have an absence of faith in our country, as much as we have an absence of confidence in our faith. Faith hidden, faith kept in the shadows, is a shallow faith, an unimpactful faith. Perhaps it is time for boldness, accountability and grace.
It matters not which one comes first. In fact, it is the influence of the evil one when we overthink all this, or when nitpicking clouds the central issue – Have we surrendered our will to the will of our Father, and will we proclaim the good news through our thoughts, words, and actions?
People like Ms. Noonan can be very influential. But so can each of us. Faith proclaimed, faith realized and demonstrated, is powerful and contagious.
Countless books have been written about American Greatness, achieved in the past, in the present and hopefully in the future. They all offer reasons why America has accomplished all that it has in its relatively short history. And many offer lessons from history as well as warnings to us today to prevent the inevitable downfall that has been the fate of all great civilizations in history. Do we understand these lessons? Will we heed these warnings?
After arriving in Green Bay as the Head Coach of the floundering Green Bay Packers, Coach Lombardi told the team, “We are going to relentlessly pursue perfection.” By doing so, over the next seven years, Green Bay became the greatest football dynasty in the history of the NFL. Is this an unrealistic goal for a nation? Perhaps so, but in reality, shouldn’t we strive to be the best we are capable of becoming, individually and collectively?
I am encouraged by the hopefulness and enthusiasm in our youth. At the same time, apathy and cynicism are much too prevalent. Throughout history, man has wondered what was possible. The courage to dream, the courage to strive, and the strength to persevere isn’t unique to America, but it is an indelible part of our amazing history. Our belief in a higher power is too.
When Jesus challenges us to be a better version of ourselves, he also reminds us that with God, all things are possible. That is, all the things that are compatible with God’s sovereign will.
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Michael Kayes
*These views are my personal opinions and are not the viewpoints of any company or organization.