Polite Society

They were usually the first to put up a political sign. This year was different. Although their political views had not changed, their willingness to publicize them had. Fortunately, I was able to learn an important lesson from our neighbors: What we don’t admit says as much as what we do.

Early on, I was taught there are three things not to talk about in polite society: politics, religion and money. They are sensitive topics and can often lead to disagreements, arguments, and hurt feelings, but each is an integral part of our lives. They reveal much about who we are, what we believe, and how we live out those two things in our day to day lives. 

While I’m all for polite society, I wonder if not talking about such things is just a way to keep from admitting things of which we are not proud. Maybe we don’t make much money, or maybe we make a ton. Not talking about money can allow us the freedom to hide our embarrassment or greed. Maybe we prefer not to talk about religion because we’re embarrassed how little we worship or how inconsistent our lives are with the faith we profess. And maybe by not talking about politics we can avoid admitting views that may or may not reflect well on us.

Jesus spoke about keeping secrets. Whether we’re proud or ashamed of our secrets, God knows them all. It doesn’t change a thing if we cling to our bank statements, duck in the back pew, or pull the voting booth curtain tight. It doesn’t change what God already knows. 

Better to look at why I’m trying to hide those things. It’s certainly not because of polite society.