I often need to remind my son on the autism spectrum of this trap in thinking, and yet I see such ‘black and white’ ‘this or that’ or “all or nothing” thinking in the wider culture. Maybe there’s a bit of autism in all of us, or maybe we are headed that way. So I wanted to delineate it here. Along the way, we have forgotten about Venn diagrams, where there are circles that represent people or groups of people and there are overlaps in opinions where we can agree with others on some things, but that doesn’t mean we agree with all they believe or stand for. I honestly can’t say that about anyone I know. And yet I can appreciate the spectrum of viewpoints.
But to start, I want to say –
All politicians are not out for themselves.
Some are.
Many have high ideals and ideas to bring forth good for our country.
Some ideas I agree with; some I don’t. While there is no one I agree with completely,
all are worth being heard.
All are made in the image of God
All millionaires are not selfish.
Some are.
Many offer employment to many and donate large sums for the benefit of others.
All are made in the image of God
All pastors are not greedy, imposters, or fall into sin.
Some have.
Most stand on the Scriptures and rely on the grace of God one day at a time.
All are made in the image of God
All police officers are not corrupt or racist.
Some are.
Most work hard for the peace of their communities and the safety of those around them.
All are made in the image of God
All immigrants are not criminals.
Some are.
Many seek to go through the system and create wholesome lives for their families.
All are made in the image of God
All people with white skin are not racist or ‘supremecist’
Some are.
Many hate the artificial lines of division that separate, and seek for a better world for all
All are made in the image of God
All people with black or brown skin are not lawbreakers
Some are.
Many are hard-working individuals who want to care for their families and communities
All are made in the image of God.
All humanity shares the same basic needs no matter the skin color, ethnic background, economic status or ideology, whether conservative or liberal, democrat or republican
All of us share the common ancestral roots beginning with Adam and Eve, which makes us brothers and sisters in the amazing family of mankind
We are more the same than we are different, and the differences are designed to be appreciated
We all come into the world with nothing, and leave the world with nothing
And in between, we all have the same basic needs and long for security, purpose, success and love
We all have inherited the sin nature. Why do we feel the need to either venerate or demonize people? We are all a mixture of good and bad motives and decisions.
We all are under judgment of the One True Judge – (It is not for me to judge, though it is a daily prayer of mine for discernment and wisdom.)
We all need the forgiveness of God.
We all have equal access to God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son and can be indwelt by the Holy Spirit who makes us fit for heaven
That is God’s desire for all. Each. One. Of. Us.
ALL