Thought of the Day 07.14.09

On the average American road, there are two tribes of people: the law-abiders and the law-breakers. The tribes might prefer their own labels, such as “safe drivers versus reckless drivers” or “slow drivers versus good drivers,” but I think mine are the least prejudicial.

Naturally, these tribes react very differently to the presence of police. When a cop is driving nearby, law-abiders feel safer and reassured whereas law-breakers feel nervous and frustrated. And when someone has been pulled over by a cop, law-abiders rejoice a little bit whereas law-breakers feel pity for the person, plus a little relief it wasn’t them.

Differences noted, these tribes are also fascinatingly similar. Each thinks their tribe behaves well and wisely. Both take pleasure in having contempt for the other tribe. And both are ashamed of being thought a member of the wrong tribe.

And although it’s interesting to contemplate which tribe a Christian should belong to, I would at least hope no Christian would stay very long in a tribe that held other tribes in contempt.