Cathy writes: “I was going through some old emails (yes, I keep everything it seems like) and came across this “Catch” from 2008.  I really liked it and forwarded it to everyone at work (they’re all worth forwarding – but I have to pick and choose!).  It’s pretty timely 4 years later…” So it is, and the fact that it is says something about the stagnation of the Christian presence in the marketplace. Written at the end of the Summer Olympics four years ago, I thought it would be good to reflect on it as we look to the 2012 games beginning in 37 days in London.

So the Summer Olympics are over for another four years. People all over the world are already getting ready for 2012. The commitment and dedication it takes to compete in these games, much less win them, is astounding. The Olympic games show what human beings are capable of, and part of that is all about athletic ability and achievement, but another part of it is the ability to get along with representatives of countries whose governments are not exactly friendly. Over and over you will hear it cited as the most indelible mark of these Olympic games — their ability to emphasize what we have in common with other nations and ideologies versus what we so often focus on as our differences. This was especially evident this year, with the host being a country with a totalitarian form of government.

In his concluding comments on the Olympics, Cris Collinsworth captured this aspect of the games when he wishfully reasoned, “If we can get along for two weeks, why not three? Why not four?” And it does appear to be almost achievable when you think about it that way.

We have elections coming up in America, and it’s going to be hard to think about what we have in common when everything will be geared to emphasize our differences. Even when candidates or their supporters agree on something, the media will be trying to manufacture disagreement because this is what an election is supposed to be all about — pitting forces against each other, and if there isn’t a battle, someone has to make one up. Otherwise, why do we need two candidates and two parties?

While we all can understand why a two-party system is important to a democratic republic, we can also be aware of the distinction between disagreement and animosity. What makes America great is the friendliness and good nature that goes on in Washington between differing lawmakers. These elected officials represent two different parties and at the same time they represent a system that requires them to serve together in order to make it work. That is, in fact, what makes it great. Common ground has to be found. We can’t be enemies forever. A nation divided against itself cannot stand.

So in all our discussions and deliberations and for some of us — our activism — on behalf of one party over another, let’s not forget what makes us great. For this you will have to rise above the rhetoric, the debate, and especially the media, to truly express a Christian attitude towards all. When you encounter those who disagree with you, there needs to be respect and admiration for a country and a system that allows them to. This is a great opportunity for Christians to rise above the partisan fray and manifest something greater. Christians need to be setting the mark at civility, not rudeness. Remember, at all times, what we have in common. And if for some reason you are having trouble finding common ground, remember this: the greatest need of all, whatever difference presents itself, is for a Savior.