We’ve certainly seen a downturn in respectful public conversation these days. The adage, “If you can’t say something good about someone, then say nothing at all” has been lost, perhaps forever. With the choosing of a new Supreme Court Justice taking place today, many of us are holding our breath. The possibilities of who is going to say what about whom, whether in truth or respect or not, ought to make us shudder.
It reminds me of a time thirty years ago when I met Supreme Court Justice Byron White in an elevator on the way up to the Denver Club for lunch. My host was Walter Koch, former president of Mountain Bell, and when Mr. Koch introduced me to Justice White, I believe I said, “It’s an honor to meet you, Justice White.” The doors opened and we got off, but Justice White remained on. Going to our table, I asked Mr. Koch, “Is he the one they called, ‘Whizzer White’?” My host said, “Yes, and thank you for not mentioning that to him. He hates the name.”
Apostle Paul once wrote the Colossian Christians, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) If only public conversation today, especially on social media, would follow Paul’s advice! Sadly, wherever we turn, we get far too much “salt” and too little grace.
I don’t know the specific answer why this is. Perhaps it’s because modern people, both male and female, have come to think that crude, disrespectful language is not only part of free speech, it makes their comments more influential. Actually, the opposite is true. Most crude or inappropriate terms turn people off immediately. Hateful or ugly words betray a person’s intellectual ignorance and ineptitude. Those who think all free speech is their right, need to know there are no absolute rights. All freedoms carry responsibilities, and free speech is no exception.
Our Lord Jesus counseled us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12) How would you like to be spoken of in today’s conversations? What would you like others to say of you or to you? Whether we agree with other people or not, we still owe them our respect.
Lord, help us keep our conversation positive and helpful.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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