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Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?

This question is often asked in exasperation resulting from contention and conflict. In answer to the question regarding those who are not Christian, the answer is “the flesh” (or our carnal nature). In answer to the question regarding Christians, the answer is the same. Christians have the opportunity to transcend the baser influences of the flesh, but seldom take advantage of it. Our basic human nature is best observed when we are children. We are selfish and ignorant. The secular often think this initial condition is improved upon through education, culturization, and socialization.

Families have traditionally been the mechanism for the development of individual restraint. As the family has decreased in both depth and breadth, individuals have grown with less restraint on their behavior. While social peer pressure can provide some restraint, those involved in the criminal justice system understand that even the harshest penalties are insufficient to persuade some to curb their desires.

Starting with Adam and Eve the problem for humans is ignoring God, seeing what we can get, and acting to get what we want. Our disconnection from God has allowed humanity to follow the destructive and consumptive path of selfishness ever since. It is this selfishness that brings us into contention with each other and makes it impossible for us to “all get along”.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. - Philippians 2:4

The idea that one should care for the things of others as well as his own seems strange to one naturally selfish. However, to one who is a new creature in Christ (Gal 6:15), the opportunity exists to transcend selfishness with love (which is selflessness) (1Cor 13:4-7). Sadly, many Christians remain walking by their old nature (the flesh) and come into conflict with those with whom they disagree, do not like, or are simply different.

In addition to immaturity, Christians can also struggle to make use of organizational systems in their attempt to live a Christian life. These systems can be dictatorial (pastor or committee led) and the maneuvering for control can itself bring contention and conflict. These systems can actually inhibit the Christian growth to which we should all aspire.

The reason even Christians cannot “get along” is simply a lack of Christ-likeness. Even when one or two Christians begin to mature, others may not welcome the change. At some point we each have to choose if we would be like Jesus.

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, - Galatians 4:19

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