“Can’t we all just get along?!” Those haunting words kept coming back to me yesterday (2.24.22). Like all of you, I woke up Thursday to the news that Russia was invading Ukraine. Throughout the day there were reports about happenings in Ukraine. Military power was being used against another nation, boundaries violated, people were dying. It seems that ego, anger, entitlement, etc. have taken center stage. I shouldn’t have been surprised by the news, after all, we’ve been hearing about the military buildup along the Russian / Ukraine borders for weeks. And yet when the invasion happened, at least for me, it was sort of surprising.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know all the history for this region of the world. I’m sure there are many complicating factors and lots of history that feeds into these most recent developments. I’m sure there are many accusations that each side can make against the other. There always are. So, once again, violence and aggression have taken hold in a part of our troubled world.
Now I realize the line, “Can’t we all get along?” was spoken by Rodney King, an African American man that was severely beaten while being arrested back in 1991. Mr. King spoke these words in May of 1992 in the midst of what is now known as the LA Uprising and Riots. The riots started at the conclusion of the trial in which the four police officers charged with beating Mr. King, were acquitted. Mr. King was trying to help restore calm and bring an end to the violence on all sides by calling for peace, or that we simply, “get along.”
So, why I kept hearing those words in my mind yesterday isn’t totally clear…and yet it is. You see, it’s easy for me to call out violence, inhumane actions, uncaring attitudes, and a bullying mentality when it’s on the other side of the globe. But when it’s here in our own country, or even here in our own region, or even in my own life it’s much more challenging to do so. It becomes more personal.
In fact, just a couple days ago in my personal Bible reading time, I read a passage in the New Testament book of Romans that really spoke to me. In this section of the letter, the Apostle Paul is sharing about what it means to live a new life in Christ. He speaks of various gifts that Jesus Followers receive and that we are to use our gifts for the greater good of the body or faith community. Then he talks about the qualities that are to be lived out in our lives as Christians. He talks about rejoicing in hope, being patient in suffering, and persevering in prayer (Romans 12:12) (You might remember that was a passage I encouraged us all to memorize and use at the beginning of the pandemic.) Then in verse 12:18 Paul writes, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” So far as it depends on me…live peaceably with all.
Yes, this makes me think of a couple recent experiences in which my temper got the best of me. I made some judgments that I now realize were likely inaccurate. Did I become violent with anyone? No, but some of my actions or attitudes may have been disrespectful.
Today, my heart…and my prayers go out to the people of the Ukraine. Especially the innocent who are caught in the middle of the fighting. I hear Mr. King’s words still ringing in my ears, “Can’t we all get along?” And then I read Paul’s words and realize I have work to do in my own life to live peaceably with my brothers and sisters of the world…and even my brothers and sisters here in my own community. Yes, there are times to take a stand, as they say, but usually it can be done in ways that aren’t degrading others or stirring up violence in others or myself. You know, this “Love one another” stuff is really hard work. Jesus never said it wouldn’t be. And by the way…be sure to be praying for the people of Ukraine…and all in our world who are living in war and violence.
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith