MUDSLINGING
The 2012 Presidential election campaigns are well underway. Fundraisers are accumulating money for media ads, stickers, button, and staff salaries. Debates are being held to distinguish which candidate stands for what. Speeches promising amazing changes are being made to lure in supporters. And, mud is being slung in every direction.
Have you ever noticed that almost every time there is an election it is accompanied by mudslinging, or accusations of such? And have you noticed that when reporters ask the public what they thing of such behavior, they generally indicate that it is ridiculous and counter-productive? Yet, the next time there is an election, mudslinging is again an active ingredient of the process.
The “art” of mudslinging (the practice of making unscrupulous, malicious attacks against an opponent) is not new, or a recently developed technique. You may recall, for example, the accusations of the enemies of Jesus. They accused Him of being crazy, a glutton and winebibber, and a devil. Or, you may recall the verbal assaults on Paul and his defense of his ministry. We should not, therefore, be surprised that mudslinging takes place in the world, whether it is among politicians, or against the righteous.
However, what is surprising is the mudslinging that sometimes goes on among brethren, whether nationally, statewide, locally or even within a local congregation. As pictured above, mudslinging usually goes on between opponents. So what place does it have among brethren who are part of the same family? Are they not on the same side? Are they not part of the same body? Are they not following the same Lord and Master? Are they not of the same faith? Are they not striving for the same reward? Of course they are. So, how can they behave as opponents or seek to harm one another?
Let us not misrepresent our brothers and sisters in Christ, or harm their reputation in any way. People outside of the church are not impressed favorably by such behavior, and the Lord is not glorified when our lights are dimmed by dirt.
~ John
