Rudeness' In America

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad." Psalm 118:24. Each day is a rich and precious gift from God, with new grace and opportunities. Jesus says that we have only this one day and must not be anxious for tomorrow.

 

A mean-spirited person is one whose natural impulse is to cause harm or trouble to others. We are all mean-spirited at times, but this article will focus upon those whose personalities are characterized primarily by hateful, rude, or spiteful behavior. Before his Christmas transformation, the fictional curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge is an excellent example of a mean-spirited person in A Christmas Carol.

 

Mean-spiritedness is part of our fallen, sinful nature (Romans 3:10, 23; 8:5). We are born selfish and desire to gratify ourselves at any expense. Depending upon the effectiveness of our early training, we may learn more socially acceptable ways of interacting with others. However, we can still behave in hateful, mean-spirited ways due to the inability to control our evil tendencies (Romans 7:14–20). Mean-spirited people are not pleasant to be around, so we learn to curb some selfish impulses to be more popular. However, some don't care what one thinks and keep their mean-spirited actions on public display. The consequences of mean-spiritedness can be severe, leading to broken relationships, social isolation, and a general deterioration of societal harmony.

 

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in rudeness and lack of civility. Many people have commented on this shift in interpersonal interactions, noting that it extends beyond the strains and stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This pervasive rudeness can be attributed to various factors, including political divisiveness, social media influence, and general societal anxiety. However, these explanations only capture part of the picture. The rise of individualism, the erosion of community bonds, and the devaluation of empathy in our society are also significant contributors to this trend.

For those who hold religious beliefs, particularly in Christian communities, there's a drift away from foundational spiritual principles that have contributed to this decline in societal behavior. This decline is marked by an increase in mean-spiritedness, a lack of empathy, and a disregard for moral values. The notion that 'we need God and Jesus back in America and our lives' speaks to a 'desire to return to values promoting respect, kindness, and community. The teachings of Christianity, which emphasize love, patience, forgiveness, and respect for others, are seen as antidotes to the harshness and self-centeredness that characterize much of modern interaction. The urgency of this issue is underscored by its impact on our communities, relationships, and overall well-being.

Reintegrating spiritual values into daily life could encourage individuals to reflect more on their behavior and its impact on others. The belief in being accountable not just to societal laws but to divine standards can inspire a more conscientious approach to how we treat one another. Moreover, the communal aspect of religious practice, which plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care, can counteract the isolation and individualism that are often blamed for societal ills. This sense of connection and value within a community is a powerful antidote to the harshness and self-centeredness that characterize much of modern interaction. Recognizing our personal responsibility in combating mean-spiritedness is the first step toward creating a more compassionate society.

Advocating for a more prominent place for faith in public life involves not just personal devotion, but also public expressions of faith. This might include more support for community-based initiatives, faith-led social services, and open discussions about the role of spirituality in public and personal health. By doing so, it may be possible to cultivate a more compassionate and respectful society that aligns with the teachings of Jesus and the broader Christian faith. This call to action should inspire and motivate us to make a difference in our communities and in the world, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among us.

Let us pray for our leaders and each other

Blessings In Christ Jesus

Willie