Generally, it takes very little effort to be against something. In our human nature, unfortunately, negativity comes easy. We can grouse and complain to those within ear shot. We can sit behind a keyboard and vent our anger at the latest offense. Of course, it can be even worse when we take our “anti” attitude and put effort behind it. Violence often ensues. Effort becomes wasted on destruction. At a minimum, action tends to be perceived as an attack on an offender, placing blame and causing shame.

Neither approach to negativity successfully attracts those with the opposite opinion to agree with you.

Being against something, in and of itself, is not wrong. We should, correctly, see situations and circumstances that are wrong and be driven to action. But it is critically important, before taking any action, to assess what you are seeing and ask yourself the question “what am I for?”

Then, the actions you take will be positive and have the possible outcome of making a change in people and circumstances that are currently on the other side of the issue.  In some cases, the action might not be all that different, but the intent and outcome are dramatically altered. Peaceful protest in support of someone or something vs. violent riots, for example. It is often just the attitude and message of the action that makes all the difference. Are you against racism or for acceptance & understanding, for example? Now, of course, I am against racism. But if I act on that premise, it is likely to lash out at the perpetrators of racism. Actions for acceptance & understanding are more likely to trend toward reconciliation and relationship. It may be a longer and more difficult road, but it leads somewhere.

With that said, I want to propose to you three areas of action that you need to undertake when you have determined what you are for:

Advocate – use your voice to speak in support of the cause or people you have chosen. Speak truth into the void in which a wrong resides. Words are powerful, and when focused on the positive aspect of circumstances, they build relationships, mend past hurts, and avoid adding fuel to the dying embers of distrust and disunity behind the issue at hand.

Practice Generosity – give sacrificially to the benefit of the cause or people you have chosen. Collectively we have a vast financial resource available that can bring relief to many needs. I have said often that when we believe the government has fallen short of its responsibility (an “anti” or negative belief) it is only because we, as a people, have fallen short of our responsibility and forced the government to intervene. So, in a “for” or positive stance, let’s provide the resources needed to resolve the wrong we see. Even more importantly, though, our sacrificial generosity must go well beyond finances. Giving of our time & effort to making things right.

Love – Negativity breeds hate. We’ve seen it; we’ve done it. Positivity breeds love. We’ve seen it; we’ve done it. Let’s do more of the latter. When we are emotionally stirred by something we see around us that is not right, let’s avoid the trap of being “against” and find the antithesis we can be “for”. Then, beyond just loving with our words (a.k.a. thoughts and prayers), let’s be moved to love in action.

Use your energy to selflessly put the interests of those in harm’s way above your own interests.