The Rule Of Law
We just observed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day here in the United States and it is interesting for me to think on his teaching and actions. He was a leader of non-violent protest and maintained the moral high ground whatever the situation. He spoke the truth regarding ethnic differences and refused to be drawn into violence in any way. He faced violence with love, mercy, grace and truth. He was a man, a leader, and an inspiration.
His dream of every human being having their character be the litmus test of their life hasn't yet become reality. I try every day to achieve that dream in my interpersonal relationships, but as a nation we refuse to really grasp and hold to that dream. We keep remaining within the bubbles we have created, our safe zones, to protect ourselves; we refuse to step out onto the pitching seas of that grand dream. It is easier to stay attached to what we have always known instead of taking that leap which may end with us hitting the ground face first.
Dr. King knew we all are made in the image of God; that as human beings we were given certain rights because of this creation. The Founding Fathers of our great nation understand this, at least some, as they codified them in the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. These rights had to be codified and protected to ensure our government must respect and hallow them, otherwise we would not be a free people.
Dr. King knew these rights were his and refused to accept anything less. He also knew the rule of law had to be maintained and every American must be held to its standard. It is the only way those God given rights, codified in the Constitution, could be protected. We have forgotten that important part of his teaching. We are all to be the same, not equivalent but equal, before the bar of justice.
To have his dream to become reality we each have to put it into practice within our own lives. We have to be the hands and feet of his God given dream before it can become a living, permanent reality. It means being able to look ourselves in the mirror first and be honest about ourselves. Are we being honest with ourselves about the behaviors in which we are engaged? Are we honest with ourselves about the friends with wihich we surround ourselves? Are we living out our ethics and morals for everyone to see not just hear?
After ourselves we have to work within our sphere of influence to reach those around us; to be honest about their behavior. We have to ask ourselves hard questions. Do those whom I consider my friends really share my ethics and morals? Do we have a common belief system? Can I engage with them constructively, even on difficult issues? Love is being honest and, sometimes, confrontational.
Confrontation doesn't have to adversarial or violent; it should be a discussion of specific behavior or actions or ideas. There should be boundaries in the discussion you shouldn't go beyond. The people involved should be able to agree to disagree if agreement is impossible. You will not agree with someone on everything; doesn't mean you cannot continue to be friends most of the time. Life is not a zero sum game. It is an experience to be lived.
The common boundaries we in the United States of America have agreed upon are the Constitution and the subsequent laws which have been enacted by those we have elected to represent us. The concept of following those laws is called the Rule of Law. We are beginning to forget this powerful concept which ensures a society which respects its citizens and their individual rights.
It ensures when someone comes before a judicial body they are equal in the eyes of the law regardless of ethnicity, gender, or economic status. Each individual is special and has intrinsic value simply because they are a human being whom God created in His image.
Groups are made of up of individuals who have their own agendas and plans. Groups do not always reflect the beliefs of an individual associated with that particular group. Individuals each have their own behaviors, morals and ethics. Each individual is different. We have to treat each other individually and not as members of a group.
