I was thinking today about how intolerance and the criteria for acceptance has changed over the last decade. In a time when the fight for acceptance of one’s ideas is greater than ever, we as a people are more likely to alienate and even attack those who may think differently than we do. It is such a sad paradox, leaving many to search for community in a very indifferent society.
In my own life, I have seen persecution for my faith rise to a whole new level. I remember our time in Vermont when we lived amongst people of vastly different viewpoints and yet still found close fellowship with those, we called friends. We neither judged nor were judged by whom we broke bread with. Times have changed. Or have I changed?
I searched my heart this morning. I truly love people. People of faith and those with no faith. Those who have it all together and those who don’t. And even those of faith who believe differently than me. Yet, I feel so alienated. Am I doing the alienating? Maybe. I certainly don’t want to contribute to the problem. What were we doing differently in Vermont that caused people from vastly different lifestyles to call us friends?
I contemplate if my age is a factor, or that my communication skills have changed with hearing loss, or if I just don’t go to the same places I did then. Maybe it’s all three, or maybe it’s not. What is it that drives people to feel the need to push others away who don’t think just like them? I don’t want to be a part of the problem. I want to love people where they are, just like Jesus did. Follow me in my search to find the bridges. It should be interesting!
