A Little “Sweetness” Please

Don’t be dismayed by the current public debate. A new generation has engaged in the political process. Praise God! For a while there I thought our collective brains had died.

It is common knowledge that cultures which appear calm on the outside often have hot magma boiling below the surface. Under the right circumstances these kitchens of anger and frustration can erupt into anarchy. On the other hand, where people constantly war amongst themselves, a void emerges to invite the cruel hand of tyranny.

Somewhere in-between there is a sweet spot where people speak truth into one another’s lives with mutual respect and love.

From what I can tell, Jesus’ kingdom people are the keepers of the sweetness – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).

You don’t have to agree with everything you hear, but don’t shut down the dialogue. Facilitate peace when possible and stand your ground when necessary, but always find a way to invest in those who are coming behind you.

In the words of a great prophet:

‘The young girl dancing to the latest beat
has found new ways to move her feet.
The young man speaking in the city square
is trying to tell somebody that he cares.

Yeah, the ones that you’re calling wild
are going to be the leaders in a little while.
This old world’s wakin’ to a new born day
and I solemnly swear that it’ll be their way.

You better help the voice of youth find
“What is truth?” ~ Cash, 1970