I am worried.
For those of you who memorize scripture, in your mind you are likely reciting the verse, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” And, of course, you would be correct by invoking this standard for dispelling overwhelming concern.
And although I agree with you, and more importantly scripture, there is a problem that has emerged that every one of us should be anxious.
To what am I speaking, you may ask? In a word, contempt.
There was a time not so long ago when Christians were deemed the most judgmental of all people groups and religions. Most of this was an earned epithet. We were contemptuous of behaviors that were outside the lines of moral and ethical conduct, and we were vocal about it.
Today, however, I would argue that, if anything, Christians are much less scornful of people and more sympathetic to the rigors of just living. Most followers of the faith have their own acknowledged baggage and simply want to invite the prodigal son to come home, too.
In other words, contempt is at bay in the faith community compared to days past.
However, scorn has found a new home.
Social media has exposed the universal nature of derision. From comments on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, X, and many more, in what is known as trolling, people routinely skewer and disparage posts from just about anyone. Contempt is now the purview of the masses.
Why is this worrying?
First, to what standard are we to be held? With people of faith, there is a document with clear instruction, namely the Bible. But if this method is no longer acceptable, who has the right to judge anything? If everything is relative or, “My truth,” then we can bend the rules to fit our own lawless penchant. This seems a self-fulfilling endless decline into mutual hatred.
Second, the more sensational the ad hominem, the more “clicks” it receives. We are rewarded for being ugly. This reminds me of schoolyard fights where the bully keeps pushing until a brawl breaks out. And instead of rooting for the underdog, who may not have it coming, we join in with our own punches and kicks. Something deeply twisted, yet satisfying, occurs. The scapegoat for our angst is the weakest among us.
Third, when we allow for universal ridicule, we unwittingly confirm our own contempt for God.
In the story of Cain and Abel in the Old Testament, Abel brings to God an acceptable offering born out of respect and honor. Cain, however, brings a worthless offering for what he perceives to be a worthless God.
You may know the story. Cain kills Abel, his brother, as an act of malevolence. In essence, Cain seeks to silence, kill if you will, the voice and being that God accepts.
And isn’t that what is happening today?
To be fair, I am not suggesting that some comments are not worthy of rebuke, but contempt of humanity is an affront to God’s unique creation in every human being. We are killing each other with our words.
It is time for reasonable people to confront those among us who gain from contempt. Shame is a double edge sword and a pillory that everyone should avoid.
Until we arrive there, I am worried.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
