| PAINTING WITH A BROAD BRUSH All statements starting with "America is…" are false, but this phrase is used constantly by propagandists, advertisers and politicians to sway public opinion. It is collectivist reporting and it is a lie. It is certainly true that America is moving toward an entitlement mentality, but there are millions of giving people who make it happen. It is certainly true that the American government broke its promises to the Native Americans and arrogantly pressed them on to reservations, but there were many who opposed these policies. It is certainly true that there were many atrocities committed by both sides in the Indian wars, but there were many more families living in peace and friendship. It is certainly true that slavery was a national disgrace, but it would not have been abolished without many opposing it. It is certainly true that there is racism in America, but there are millions more who are not racist. So you get the point. To broaden the point, not all Russians were communists. Not all Germans were Nazis. It is a sad fact that ten percent of the population can control the rest if they have charge of the army. We can break it down further. Any statement beginning with "Christians believe… or Mormons are… or Southerners are… or Texans are… or preachers are… or doctors are… or corporations are… or scientists are… or police are… or politicians are… or any group is… is an inaccurate statement. You can add "some" or "generally speaking" as possible qualifiers, but it is still painting with too broad a brush. Then we can bring it down to the individual. Jim is… Mary is… John is… can be tricky beyond their job, family name, birth home, etc. But in terms of character, we don't even know ourselves well enough to accurately finish the description. The only person who can accurately finish these paintings is God. He is the only one who sees everything and knows everything. His view of nations, groups and people is the only view that counts. The other day my sister gave my wife some tea cups beautifully hand painted by my aunt Bertha. The detail is exquisite. The flowers look so real. The gold rims are perfect. The brushes she used had to have tiny tips. Man paints with ugly broad strokes. God paints with exquisite detail. Man's broad strokes are only an image covering reality. God paints unique details on every one of his vessels. Enjoy God's paintings and don't cover them with vulgar broad strokes. |