If You See Something, Say Something
The pervasive and parodied slogan “If You See Something, Say Something” has seen a renaissance in light of the Times Square street vendors who alerted police to a smoking Nissan Pathfinder on May 1, 2010. The slogan was the brainchild of Manhattan ad agency Korey Kay & Partners’ chairman Allen Kay conceived by Kay for the MTA on September 12, 2001 because he “wanted to help prevent another disaster and to do something positive in the aftermath of the attacks.” By January 2003, the slogan was plastered across subways and buses as part of the MTA’s security-awareness campaign. The authority has spent $2 million to $3 million per year in advertising the phrase, with a large part of that amount supplied by Homeland Security Department grants.
The price of freedom being eternal vigilance, the faithful have used the “See Something/ Say Something” principle as a staple in their corrective measures for decades and, maybe, hundreds of years. In large part, this has been a type of punitive measure- perhaps, the first of many. It has fostered generations of tattletales as we have become accustomed to pointing out others’ weaknesses and sharing them with anyone unfortunate enough to be within earshot. Doubtless, some motives were and are less pure than others, but it is hard to equate the current rumor-mongering with the biblical ideas of accountability and spiritual concern. Having stated the negative, I believe we could do great good if we applied the same principle in the positive by speaking to virtuous acts.
It’s just easier to see the faults because there are so many of them, and I know full-well how hard it is to control the tongue. But some people are just too helpful. Many would be greatly justified in pointing out my faults, but I always appreciate it when they let one slide. I already knew I was wrong. Other people also feel the sting of guilt, and our Bibles tell us it brings glory to a person to overlook a transgression. Really, if we don’t feel compelled to point out every foible, it’s a win-win. It’s hard to be grateful for those who are too rigorous in instruction (even if they are right), and a soft admonishment breaks the heart. I am greatly humbled when I think of the many errors of my life and the grace I have received from those who love me. Extra props to those who took one less-than and gave him praise.
I have come to believe that when Paul told the Philippians to think on things that were true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, he meant it positively. Often, this verse is used to admonish people not to think of sinful things, and that, of course, is fine. Perhaps, though, Paul meant for us to speak well of good things and of those who are striving to reach lofty goals. In other words, instead of castigating the sinner and admonishing him to think and do better, we should celebrate saintliness. Think about the good things that a person is, says and does. Don’t focus on what’s wrong with him, but figure what’s right with him. That is thinking on those positive qualities Paul extolled, and I daresay it would do more to improve morale than another flogging.
David said God stooped to make him great, and that He kept no record of sins. This excuses no wrongdoing but chimes with the Apostle Paul’s assertion that the kindness of God leads people to repentance. Conviction is most real when it presents hand-in-hand with grace. God is able to combine all the elements of repentance and bring them home to a sinner- we tend to dish them out piecemeal. We’re too easy or too tough. David knew this and begged God to judge him rather than be left to human devices. That’s good advice and example for those of us who can identify with the plight of a sinner found out. Sins thrive in the spotlight and attract the attention of others. We might do well to look for the good. I’d like to give a big shout-out to those who looked for the best in me. Holla back.
Sterl
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