Civility. Decorum. Propriety. Any more, these principles, like taking personal responsibility, getting to know our neighbors, and going the extra mile for another are often the exception, rather than the rule. In spite of some political and cultural influencers preaching tolerance and inclusion, we are more divided than ever. We are told to rise above contention and hatred, but the only way to travel the higher road above such evils is to march in lock step agreement with the ideology of those admonishing us to do so. That our culture is becoming increasingly debased and coarsened is painfully obvious. This slide into the moral morass is due in large part to our tendency to rationalize our transgressions, or those committed by people on our “side”, by comparing our actions to those of others. “What Aboutism” is the current coin of the realm. Instead of demanding virtue in ourselves and our leaders, we settle for the lesser of two evils, or excuse malevolence in our camp by claiming that our opponents or antagonists did the same or worse. How can we reverse this downward spiral?
The Apostle Paul was also a practicer of “What Aboutism”. But in contrast to the current trend, he challenged us to live truly righteous lives, those that reflect the image of the One with whom we should compare ourselves. His was a call to take the highest road, that of selflessness and unconditional love. In so many words he asked, “What about Jesus”? So when we are tempted to justify our own deeds or those of our political or cultural allies by comparing them to those we deem more egregious, committed by those across the literal or figurative aisle, we would do well to consider the following:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
Galatians 6:2-5 ESV
“Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”
2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV
“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, 12 ESV
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV