Those well-known words were uttered by one Rodney King in 1991, following horrific riots, which themselves were prompted by the acquittal of the police officers who brutally subdued him after a traffic violation. The anger of the black community was fueled by the fact that the incident was caught on videotape. Mr. King, who was awarded a large sum of money in a subsequent civil suit, proved by multiple arrests before and after the incident that he himself was unable to “get along.”
Yet, the words are profound and still stand. Because it’s what God wants. It’s what we were created for. The concept goes beyond mere tolerance of one another.
So, why can’t we get along? The reasons are wide and varied. Racial and religious tensions are probably at the top, with political disagreements close behind. The root cause is simply bad behavior, which itself is based on pride, selfishness, frustration and anger. Overcoming those negatives takes work, and many simply don’t have the determination to do it. So we can add apathy and laziness to the equation.
This post is too small to address the overall unrest in the world, so let’s focus on religion. History has proven that some religions are tolerant, while others amass followers and resources with the purpose of eliminating or suppressing all who oppose them. Even within modern day Christianity there are countless denominations that are founded simply on tradition or various interpretations of the Bible — even versions or translations of it. Individual groups will split over church policy or a division in leadership.
Why can’t pure, accepting love be set as the cornerstone of every doctrine? The kind of love that says separation is not an option. The kind of system that says if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who was love incarnate, then we would be amazed to see over time how close we are to coming together over individual beliefs. That we are trusting the Father of lights to secure that unity that bonds us as true brothers and sisters. It has to happen some day; why not start now?
While this may seem Utopian and unachievable on the whole, it can most surely begin with one individual. Nine years before his tragic death in 1980 John Lennon wrote and recorded a song called Imagine. Many of the lyrics prompted outrage from the Christian community (Imagine there’s no heaven … no hell beneath … no religion too), but they reflected an honest response to many “faiths” that were failing to bind a wounded world.
Peace, reconciliation and “living as one” are most assuredly the goals of the Father of all. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Too lofty a goal? I don’t think so. Give peace a chance.
Read more about: doctrine, love
