Decades ago (and probably still in re-runs) thousands of people enjoyed watching Archie Bunker- a character in the sitcom All in the Family. Some watched and loved Archie because they could identify with his feelings, quite readily expressed and often softened by his hidden tenderness. Others might have enjoyed seeing his brash prejudices called out by his son-in-law "Meathead" or even very innocently put in his place by his wife, Edith. I have been thinking this morning of the "elephant in the room" as the saying goes- the glaring differences between people that are very carefully tiptoed around in order to avoid contention. Contention comes about whenever there are differences of opinion which is always inevitable between any 2 human beings. It starts with the newborn who cries for attention when a loving but frustrated parent wants to sleep. It continues with the stubborn youngster who doesn't want to clean up their room or take a shower despite the parents' insistence. Two people romantically fall in love, maybe even considering themselves to be "soul mates" because of a myriad of things they have in common. After the honeymoon phase, they discover that they don't actually agree on everything. There arise issues on finances, raising children, cleanliness of the house, sex and politics, among others. What to do??? If you try to "talk it out" you risk constant contention as each one feels their view is valid. No amount of talking is going to result in both liking blue rather than green or pork rather than chicken or mint gel as opposed to toothpaste or both voting Democrat or Republican or being liberal or conservative.
Throughout the history of mankind, differences have existed.Between two individuals this has resulted in divorce, estrangement, or disowning of a family member. Between families it has become feuds. Between countries is has come to war. It starts with derisive animosity and labels. People of the Roman Empire called citizens of conquered countries "heathens" and felt they were inferior. For many years people from Africa and some island nations were treated as less than human and used as slaves. They were called "nigger" ( a term which blacks are now allowed to use on each other but is a grave insult if used by others) then but the term has evolved from "black" to "African-American"- which only works if a black person lives in America. Starting from when people poured into the wild western United States from Asia through the time of the Viet Nam era, Asian people were referred to as "chinks" whether they came from China, Japan, Korea, or Viet Nam. The terms "wop" and "kraut" arose during animosity toward Axis nations in WWII. I was surprised that there are still people in the United States that consider those living in northern states to be "yanks" and those living in the south "rebels". Somehow we have found it easier to label people, grouping them according to the feeling we want to justify. It always becomes a bit more awkward if you actually personally become acquainted with "one of those" people. We tend to hesitate to use derisive labels toward someone married to a member of our own family. It's uncomfortable to think of a nice neighbor or your boss using such a term to refer to their color, nationality, religion, or political view.
I don't think it works to ignore the elephant in the room. I see that effort all the time and it only results in strained silence, an almost invisible wall between people who might otherwise be sharing love and respect. I also don't think we should attempt to fight it out until we are all of one opinion. That isn't EVER going to happen! However, there is a desire for peace. During the 60's it showed in attempts at "communes" which weren't very successful because not everybody thought of "sharing" in the same way. There were too many who felt "what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine", whether about material possessions or, on the flip side, work to be done. Ages ago, a prophet named Enoch managed to teach a city of people who were willing to "be of one heart and one mind". I'm sure they were far from what you might call clones of each other. But they had no poor among them because they were willing to share. They had no sloth among them because everyone did their share of the work without leaving it to others. They didn't judge or compare or steal or have to be forced. Zion is not a place to journey to and find all perfect when we finally arrive and they let us in. Zion is created by individuals who want to live in peace and harmony, willingly sharing their belongings but even more importantly their hearts and minds. To be able to discuss issues calmly due to the respect they feel toward each other and without fear of reprisal- that is Zion. To be able to feel comfortable, loved, and worthy because you know you are sincerely doing your best and others recognize it- that is Zion.
I can only do my small part in contributing to the formation of such a dream. I can selflessly serve, indiscriminately love, and especially, work at overcoming my own flaws. It will take time but it will be worth it.
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