There is a saying that opposites attract. We know this saying is true if you’re working with magnets. However, with people and relationships, it is complicated.
We explore opposite attraction in our media. Great stories such as Cinderella, who was swept off her feet by Prince Charming. Or real-life stories like Grace Kelly. But there also is the adage, “birds of a feather flock together.” People have become polarized over ideologies, beliefs, religion, and political persuasions. This has become a crisis in this society of ours.
These past few weeks Jason Aldean’s song, “Try that in a Small Town” has exposed polarity. Aldean’s song has created a lot of polarizing conversation. He has been accused of inciting racism by the left side of the population and on the right side says he is inspiring the virtues of living in a small town.
This is oversimplifying; right-leaning voices want a return to capture the greatest parts of yesterday, and left voices want to move progressively to a better future. The fact is both sides of the issue recognize there is a problem and it needs to be fixed. I read a comment that said conservatives look around and see decline and liberals look around and see dreams unfulfilled.
People argue, people riot over the polarization of their ideologies. There is evil within the polarization – both sides are filled with good people that want to create a better world, yet accusations fly and emotions run high and people become hateful. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor… Where is love in the polarized world? I believe we need to move from a me focused world to a we focused world.
In 1 Kings 3:5-12, God asks a question of Solomon. What is your dream for the future… Solomon could ask for himself, “me,” or ask for the “we,” the people around him. We are often blind to and unaware of the choice between “me” and “we”…
Solomon chose a “we” attitude in his response to God. He asked for a listening heart, a heart that would hear the pain of the world, the needs of the people, and the voice of God. He did not ask for himself long life, riches, or even the defeat of his enemies. He asked for others a “we” focus.
I’m not suggesting that a “we” attitude fixes every conflict, ends every war, or settles every debate. Life is not that simple. But the focus of our hearts on others, as Jesus taught us, “To love your neighbour as yourself,” helps maintain our focus on God and his will for us in the world. The lesson we learn is the importance of integrity, strength, and quiet resolve to follow God. Kept our eyes on God and not on the human construct that is going on in the world.
To focus on the others of the world, the “we” and not on the “me.”
***
Ernie Naylor serves as minister at Atwood Presbyterian Church.
