No-Win Choice

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house…Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (today's Gospel from Luke 11:15-26) 

These are fighting words, and they remind me of the controversy about kneeling when our anthem is played at NFL games.  The kingdom of football is divided against itself because players have been forced to choose one or the other – stand or kneel. The question of loyalty to our nation has been pitted against support for social justice.  

Players are compelled to choose: whoever is not with me (those standing) is against me (those kneeling), and vice versa.   And the public watches and then judges. 

This makes no sense to me.   If I decide to stand, does that make me against social justice?   Of course not, but if I stand it’s assumed by the public that I am.  If I choose to kneel, does that make me anti-American and disrespectful of my flag?  Of course not.

Divide and conquer is the motto of those wishing to drive wedges and separate people into categories thereby “laying waste” to good people condemned by an angry and confused public.   These dividers seek to scatter and control debate for their benefit.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion that’s likely influenced by life experiences.  I’d rather listen to their reasons for standing or kneeling and not judge their decision.    To do otherwise is to let the manipulators win.

Deacon David Pierce