A New Coalition

by Tom Gilbert
Published October 27, 2004

From Merriam-Webster ONLINE

Coalition

1 a : the act of coalescing : UNION b : a body formed by the coalescing of orig. distinct elements : COMBINATION
2 : a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

A Critical Time

We are at a critical time in the United States and this approaching election is being touted as one of the most important ever. There are many indications to support the claim. We have many challenging issues in front of us: fighting terrorism, the war in Iraq, health care, unemployment, education and the growing disparity between the “haves” and the “have-nots”, among them.

It appears to me that many of us can agree on the problems. But there is a great division on which ones to address and how to approach them. I guess this is nothing new, but the bickering and divisiveness seems to be more intense than ever.

One of the things our country seemed united on before going to war in Iraq was the importance of creating a coalition of nations to undertake whatever action deemed necessary. A true coalition that included a wide number of nations never materialized, certainly not to the extent hoped for.

What Does it Mean?

I’ve been thinking about what a coalition means and how it might be applied to our country and the issues we face.

Looking at the second definition listed above from the Merriam-Webster dictionary we see that it is an alliance of distinct sides joining together temporarily for joint action. That definition certainly leaves room for separate viewpoints and beliefs, but it gives the real opportunity for people from different sides the ability to work together.

Why is our country currently so divided? Maybe we aren't as divided as I think, although the media is constantly saying we are. Regardless, right now is the time when we need to come together. It was a clear cry from the populace and government immediately following September 11, 2001. Now in the heat of the election campaign the negative ads are intensifying, the talk show hosts are increasingly vilifying candidates they oppose and I fear the citizens are becoming either increasingly hostile towards one another or complete disillusioned.

I’m sure in the early days of the United States there were many heated debates and divergent views. Still, our founding fathers ultimately were united in creating a country that honored individual rights and a government of the people and for the people. Now I see mostly a government for the special interests and of those who have the power.

Win/Lose Never Wins

How do people on different sides of issues find a common ground and work towards mutual solutions? We have a two-party system that is often divided and both sides disagree a lot. It’s all so win-lose.

Whatever happened to finding the “win-win”? Where is the seeking first to understand before being understood?

Finding a WIN-WIN means searching for what we do agree on, usually the bigger and broader issues and then finding ways to move towards a solution that works. We see the same divisiveness in Christianity and other religions/beliefs. We can’t ignore the fundamentals, but we must always be open to a bigger understanding and a way to include minority opinions.

I believe we need a new coalition, one that emphasizes the principles that are based on fairness, charity, compassion, perseverance, endurance and love. These principles do not need to be publicly mandated. We can’t enforce them as legal law. It would violate the free will God has place in all of us. But aren’t these principles written in our hearts? Are they not “divine” law?

It Starts with You...and Me

The way to find this common ground must begin with each of us on an individual level. If we don’t personally operate from the position of peacemaker, diplomat and co-worker we can’t possible expect to civilly discuss our differing positions. It’s ok to disagree. We just don’t need to be disagreeable.

When the apostle Paul had his conversion it turned him completely around from the position he thought was the absolute right one. He truly believed in protecting the interests of his people and religion and he saw the followers of Jesus as an affront to this. Remarkably his conversion brought about a new open-mindedness and an embracing of the many values the Gospel espouses. Understanding, compassion and faith were paramount to this new-found attitude of inclusiveness. If he didn’t strongly hold these convictions he would never have been able to confront Peter’s hypocrisy regarding gentile believers.

Above all, he did it with love. As John wrote (1 John 4:20), “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

There are those bold and outspoken individuals who have found a way to confront without a message of divisiveness, but instead unity. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela are fine examples.

Let’s forge a new coalition – one that begins with the changing of our hearts. We’ve got some big problems. There’s no disguising that fact. Yet, we know there is a solution. Real practical solutions to our everyday challenges, including a way to live peaceably and lovingly among each other with respect for our differences, is a big part of the New Testament teaching. We’ve got a great leader to rally around. Christ is our true north in the compass of life who points the way through servant leadership.

I’m willing to work for a new coalition. We can come together as community despite our many differences and do everything based on the one thing that unites us all, regardless of our beliefs. I have faith and hope in our potential.

Above all, though, is love.

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