Even if you’re not a child of the 70’s like me, you’re probably familiar with the above lyrics written by the rock band Buffalo Springfield.
As I was listening recently to their song, “For What It’s Worth,” on my Spotify playlist, another lyric really hit home with me: “There’s battle lines being drawn. Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.”
Wow. If you didn’t know better, you might think that line referenced our current political environment.
In our state and national elections, the divisive rhetoric is expected to heat up even more in the weeks and days leading up to the November elections. In my home state of Georgia, identified as a key “battleground state,” I’m sure it will be even worse.
Let me preface what I’m about to say by assuring you that I’m not making a political statement. This monthly Faith Over Fear writing is strictly an instructive message from the heart and based upon biblical inspiration.
It concerns me that extremists in both the national Republican and Democrat parties always insist the other side is wrong. But I think Buffalo Springfield got it right . . . because if everybody’s wrong, then nobody’s right.
Whether at the office or together with friends, arguments about politics can get out of hand and boil over into hard feelings. Most of us seem to understand this, so we avoid airing our personal politics out of wise discretion or just plain good manners.
It sure doesn’t happen in Congress, though, or at other political gatherings. Politicians are shouting so loud that they can’t hear opposite viewpoints, and they fight so much with each other that they can’t get any business done.
In my humble opinion, it’s time to get back to doing what is right for our country. Our U.S. Constitution was founded in the spirit of compromise and democracy that set an example for the whole world. Pointing fingers at one another and refusing to listen are the complete opposite of what our country has stood for throughout history.
My prayer is that we begin to look for our common ground and come together as a nation. It’s not some lofty dream – remember how we all rallied together after the “9/11 attacks” on our nation?
Above all, we should respect and love each other as defined by God’s word. If we truly believe in the words, “In God We Trust,” then we should have faith in each other as God’s people.
Then, and only then, will everybody be right – no matter what we think or believe when it comes to matters of political discourse.
Blessed to be a Blessing,
Greg Syfan
President, Syfan Logistics
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
