I was rummaging through the mail the other day - most of it trash. There were an awful lot of campaign announcements which I only briefly glanced at. One particular flyer caught my attention: it was confusing - I had just read one pamphlet about another candidate, then picked up the next one to see statements about the same candidate that were directly conflicting with what I had just read. Looking closer, I saw that one candidate was promoting himself by accusing another: the motive was clear and concise - he was attempting to point out faults in the opposing runner in order to amplify his strengths. His flyer actually put more attention on the other guy than himself. My first thoughts: "are we in middle school?" I quickly went into judgment mode. I was angry that this adult and his accompanying supporters actually printed flyers bashing another candidate.
I really couldn't believe my eyes.
I know this conduct is normal in political campaigning. The voice of reality screamed, "this is just how its done. Its par for the course." Tried as I might, I could not accept it as standard procedure. Recognizing the need to learn what our candidates plan to accomplish while in office is important. It is a unique American freedom to be able to choose our officers and parties. However, you don't need to throw dirt at your opponents: doesn’t reputation, good virtue and vice speak for itself?
The more I processed these actions the more disheartened I became. This is directly contrary to God’s heart regarding honoring others. God began to remind me of scenarios when I had exhibited the same behavior. Ok, lets clarify: I've never posted baggage about someone 'round town nor have I broadcast it to a large group, but there has been the instance where I shared a wound or wrongdoing committed against me with a close friend. I wondered - was it necessarty to share that specific issue with that person? Why did I do it? In some cases I might have been working through a significant hurt or hurdle - that may have been appropriate. However, there are the times I know my motive was to taint the image of someone I was offended by. It made me feel good to know that they knew 'the Truth' about that person - it felt good have them on my side. Sure, there are appropriate times to disclose information, especially when it involves the safety or moral well–being of another. Yes, sometimes we may genuinely need empathy from a safe, caring friend, counselor or pastor. However, we need to search our hearts.
I have been thinking a lot about the damage I can do so easily with my tongue. How quickly I can tear someone down in order to feel empowered.
I want to speak life into and honor all people. It seems acceptable in our culture to discuss people and their weaknesses freely, especially when we are let down, disillusioned or hurt. I have felt betrayed by people - it is so tempting to disclose the details of these downfalls. Admittedly, I have discussed situations when I should not have. Usually when I do this I create another level of anxiety for myself. I always know when I have spoken of thing I should not have.
While the desire to be used by God grows stronger daily, the refining fire is also shining it’s light into my heart daily. I found the following scriptures while digging around for God's heart on this subject.
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor". - Exodus 20:16
"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." - Proverbs 16:28
Disclaimer: I don't in any way consider myself an expert on political matters. Therefore welcome any thoughtful comments.
Lastly, the candidate who had been the topic of the negative campaigning did indeed release a statement that began with "It has been rumored that..."then he simply corrected the false statements with truth, supplying dated evidence. There was no need to go to battle. He only needed to put out the fire. I can appreciate that.