“Tone It Down?” Good Idea. Here Are 10 Ways

In the aftermath of Saturday’s assassination attempt, leaders from all sides are saying “Let’s tone the rhetoric down!” Their talking points include “We’re All Americans;” “Time to pull together;” and “Let’s get back to Unity.”

Well, sure. Let’s do that. But how? Admonitions that are good but general get big “Amens,” yet the results tend to be short lived and minimal. (Case in point – after 9/11, we saw Congressional members cross the aisles to sing “God Bless America,” then hug. We all know how long that lasted.)

True reform calls for specifics. So when John the Baptist said “Repent,” he then broke down what that required: be generous to the needy; if you’re a tax collector, be fair; if you’re a soldier, don’t abuse your power. (John 3: 1-14) John said “Repent!” but didn’t leave it at that. He then explained how.

Today, both our President and former President are calling for more responsible speech. Thank you, Sirs. Our “Amens” are big and heartfelt.

Now the Bible calls us to follow the Amens with action points. In the interest of “sound speech which cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:8) along with (please, dear Lord!) greater civility, let’s review ten of them.

1. Argue Policies, Not Personalities
   This one gets tricky. We want our leaders, be they secular or spiritual, to speak like gentlemen, act with refined boldness, avoid pettiness, inspire confidence, stay honest. Personality and character traits like that aren’t too much to ask.
   
   Yet we’ve seen both Presidential candidates fall down there, not always; sometimes brazenly. Depending on your leanings, you’ll decide for yourself who fell where, but I think we’ll agree both have, at times, fallen. Should they still run?
   
   Depends on what they’re running for. In Church leadership, character counts as much as competence. make it clear that his speech and decorum must be blameless, so if he’s gifted but ungodly, the ungodliness is a disqualifier. Competence also, evidenced in spiritual maturity, ministerial experience, and gifting, is a non-negotiable, so even the godliest of men should’t lead without the God-given capacities. His personality, character, and competence all have to pass muster.
   
   
   
   
2. “Tone Down” Doesn’t Mean “Back Down”
   ‘But speaking the truth in love
3. Check It Before You Chuck It
   “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)
4. Snarky’s Not Saintly “
   As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?” (Proverbs 26:18-19)
5. Make Justice Blind Again
   “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 20:10)
6. The Country is Not the Kingdom
7. The Country Matters — A Lot!
8. If You Love Him, Call Him Out
9. If You Love Me, Call Me Out
10. Pray Without Ceasing