Dr. W's Reflections...

THE WORD GAME OF DIS-RESPECT

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Unfortunately, it seems that one of the increasingly accepted norms of our everyday

experience is this: “Disagreement justifies disrespect.” And, it doesn’t just happen in the political arena; sadly, it happens all around us (work, school, church, etc.).

This is the way the game is played: If I disagree with you, then I don’t have to like you. In fact, I feel justified to discredit you, to speak disparagingly about you, and to criticize you–and maybe even your family–in unwholesome ways. If I disagree with you, then I even feel entitled to make misleading comments about you to others. These comments could be in the way of exaggerated accusations, things that may be just partially true, or perhaps, deceitful and even blatantly dishonest statements about you made in order to bolster my own personal position or political advantage over you.

Hopefully, you will agree with me: “Disagreement justifies disrespect” is not an accepted norm for Christ followers. Instead of playing the word game of dis-respect, let’s speak words of life that build up, benefit, and encourage others. May the words of our mouths and meditations of our hearts reflect a wholesome respect for all people–even for those with whom we find a reason to disagree.

The Lord be with you,

Dr. Wyatt E Fenno

Pastor, First Christian Church of Allen

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