Chuck Compton is pastor of Flora Presbyterian Church. This spin on an old commercial slogan has been used repeatedly over the years, usually to recognize something good that has happened. For me it recognizes the fact that we have left some important premises behind that were foundational to our nation. Several of the faith groups that founded this nation came here from other countries because of persecution for worshipping God or for speaking truths which they understood from scripture. Many were determined that this new nation would be a place where people could worship and speak freely without persecution. There had to be a huge change in attitudes, actions, and forms of law among the faith groups and the government from what had previously been experienced in Europe to allow for this freedom. This nation was a whole new ballgame for people and the way they would live together. We have not always lived up to the dreams of freedom held by the people who created this country, but what a dream it is.

As I reflect on the happenings of the last few weeks, I am wondering what has happened to these new attitudes, actions, and forms. I was astounded at the way Carrie Prejean, Miss California, was shredded in blogs and news reports for answering the question she was asked at the Miss USA Pageant. She was asked, "Vermont, recently, became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit, why or why not?" She was asked a controversial question and appeared to struggle to give an honest answer. I have been repulsed at the language and manner of criticism used to discredit and dismiss her. The same dismissal approach is being used on some politicians, pastors, news commentators, and general folks around our country. But what has bothered me the most was to see Christians speaking in the same manner in the churches and community. Paul wrote to the "Christ ones" (Christians) in Philippi, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2) Being untied with Christ calls us to love our enemies and friends with a Christly love that gives us the strength to put aside our own self interests. Hate, anger, criticism, and hurtful language have no place in Christ or in us if we live for Him.

James said it this way, "26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1) We live in a country where we are allowed to live as scripture guides us. Curbing the rancor of our tongues and listening with our ears and hearts is the call of Christ. Don't become polluted by the world's bitterness. We don't have to agree with people to listen to them and love them. Have the same courage that Kristen Dalton, Miss USA, had in supporting Carrie Prejean's right to speak when asked.