Thought for the Week
We love to see the privileged taken down. That’s our way with idols: first we worship them, then we grind them down to make new gods. Does anyone have a get-out-of-scandal-free card? Yes, the poor and underprivileged generally do. The rich and famous? Never!
But here’s the problem: We’re all bad guys. All of us have sinned against society, friends or family at one point or another; there is no one who consistently does what’s right—no one. All of us have done things that, were we just a bit more famous, would be public scandals. Even our most venerated heroes are seriously flawed. Icons of goodness like Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King, Jr. have each been “exposed” at some point for sins they really did commit.
But perhaps the greatest damage done by public scandals is the way so many people use them to deceive themselves about their own goodness: “Hah! Well, at least I’m not like that!” Which is why we like melodramas with good-good guys taking down bad-bad guys.
Because now the world’s a better place. Right?
Well, yes and no. Certainly, taking down those with permanently seared consciences, like Hitler, Stalin, or Idi Amin, is necessary. But what about privileged and–until now–widely admired people suddenly exposed for wrongdoings?
The first thing that should happen is for them acknowledge their offenses, to be real and transparent with themselves and the public, and to make restitution to whomever they’ve harmed.
And the next thing is for us to forgive and identify with them. Because privilege is only a veneer. “They” are us. So we can–and must–learn from their failings. Now is always the perfect time for us confess to those we’ve wronged (and we’ve all wronged people), to be real and transparent, to make restitution wherever possible. And, yes, that might just make the world…
A better place.
Amen. All have sinned and fallen short, but God’s love is far greater than ours so we Anne sure we’re forgiven.
Lest we forget where we came from before Christ saved us!
Good word, Mitch! We are all Ragamuffins. Thankful for His Grace. Learning to share that grace to others.
We are indeed, Mary.
Can I search you post on my page? To grow up. Thanks SASAN
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Yes and yes and yes!
Eileen, that was going to be my EXACT response! 😂
And if someone throws the first stone, duck, forgive, and pray for them. Then run.
;>)
Well said Mitch.
Thank you, Kate.
Thank you, Mitch! We are all flawed humans. This is a beautiful post of wisdom and truth. “Privilege is only a veneer. “They” are us. Yes. Humility, grace, forgiveness…it all can lead to love for one another.
Exactly, Karla, and that indeed is the ultimate purpose.
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Right on. No one is perfect !!!
Inspired by Pogo?🤨🤠
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Amen to that, Mitch!
Amen, Mitch. This piece reminds me of the poem “Saints and Sinners.” https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=3e055edd64bcd352JmltdHM9MTcyMTE3NDQwMCZpZ3VpZD0xNTU1MjZiNC04YzljLTY4NmItMTc3YS0zNGNlOGQzMjY5YzcmaW5zaWQ9NTQ3Nw&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=155526b4-8c9c-686b-177a-34ce8d3269c7&psq=saints+and+sinners+poem&u=a1aHR0cDovL2hvbHlqb2Uub3JnL3BvZXRyeS9hbm9uNS5odG0jOn46dGV4dD1TYWludHMlMjBhbmQlMjBTaW5uZXJzJTIwQW5vbnltb3VzJTIwV2hlbiUyMHNvbWVib2R5JTIweWllbGRzJTIwdG8sLS0lMjBGb3IlMjB1cyUyMHdobyUyMGhhdmUlMjBuZXZlciUyMGJlZW4lMjBjYXVnaHQu&ntb=1
Indeed! They are us and we are them. Great perspective!
Your post is thought provoking and soul stirring . Truthful and honest…We all have sinner and saints inside ..
Great post ,👍👍
Thank you, Lalita.
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