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Except for You

Writer's picture: John WhiteheadJohn Whitehead

In a world where the echo chamber and drumbeat of the need for acceptance and inclusion are constant, I find it fascinating that this mindset of virtuousness has limits.


It is limited to those who agree, and if you disagree with whatever the issue is, acceptance and inclusion are for everyone, “except for you.”


This “except for you “attitude is not just a paradox; it's a self-contradiction. To exclude those who disagree is to reject and be exclusive, the opposite of what some claim to stand for. This is a problem and a puzzle we need to solve.


How is this possible? How can an “except for you” attitude exist among enlightened people? The answer is it cannot. When we only include those who agree with us, we are anything but enlightened.


If you take exception to this statement, I want to add that this includes you if you feel those who disagree with you are unentitled to their perspective or opinion.


Why? Disagreement is an opportunity for dialogue, and dialogue is where ideas come from and where people's hearts and minds are changed.


When we adopt this “except for you” mindset and refuse to talk with or listen to someone we disagree with, we become part of the problem. A problem that nullifies our point of view in the hearts of those we refuse to listen to.


What can we do about our tendency to exclude those we disagree with? The answer is to believe a differing opinion has as much value to the person expressing that opinion as ours does to us. This will allow us to show the same grace we want to be shown or, if we are believers in Jesus Christ, the same grace He has shown us.


The difficulty lies in the truth. It is so much easier to accept grace than to give it, and our unwillingness proves that. If this is true, we should ask ourselves why we expect and accept grace from others freely when we apply it exclusively and conditionally. 


The answer is selfishness and the belief that we are right in whatever we believe, and if you disagree, you are wrong. Therefore, your opinion is not only discounted; it is disregarded, has no value, and should not be tolerated.


How much longer will this “except for you” attitude continue? The answer is until people can shift their focus from themselves and begin to see the values others bring to their lives. Even those we disagree with.


If you are reading this and have become offended, I want you to know what I have written was meant for everyone,” except for you”!


Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”.



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2024年7月24日

John, this was a great and meaningful message! Thanks, Diana

いいね!
John Whitehead
John Whitehead
2024年7月26日
返信先

Thanks Diana. Blessings on you guys always!

いいね!
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John presents his own storied past, struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, mistakes in business due to lack of role models, family history challenged by divorce, violence and abuse.

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