Tyranny

62% of Americans report having political opinions that they are afraid to share for fear of reprisal.

Russians and Chinese live in political fear. We’ve witnessed the reprisal in Hong Kong. But nearly two-thirds of Americans living in political fear?!

I have two thoughts.

First, whether you see yourself in the 62% or the 38%, a nation reconfigured on fear and repression is degrading toward tyranny. Whatever your political values, are you truly ready to advance tyranny to establish your political persuasion?

Is this post sensational?

Today, when you make your grocery run or grab takeout, consider this: 2 of every 3 people you encounter are afraid to speak. In the land where speech is deemed a freedom.

20140429_084840.jpg

Second, how did we get here?

Several things, but I’ll mention two:

First, anger. Anger that you are not getting your way. Angry enough to opt for tyranny.

The alternative is to vote. If you lose the vote, you vote again the next time. Voting is what free people do. Tyranny is what subjugated people have done to them.

Second, acceptance. By acquiescing to tyranny, you accept tyranny. The alternative is speaking out. Yes, even in the face of reprisal.

Anything is better than tyranny.

Most of my readers are Christians.

Fellow Believers, if your hope is in Washington, you are missing the message of Scripture. We are sojourners. This world is not our home. Consequently, we are courageous to freely engage society with an eternal hope.

People are angry because their hope is eroding.

People acquiesce because they are insecure.

Of all people on the planet, your spiritual hope is eternal and your security is as safe as the love of God. So, engage your society. The alternative is tyranny.

LeadershipPreston Gillham