Disdain: the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect, usually out of pride or superiority.
I think that is the what has become the heart of cancel culture in our day...
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, cancel culture is a way of behaving in a society or group, especially on social media, in which it is common to completely reject and stop supporting someone because they have said or done something that offends you.
I think it's easy for people to jump on the bandwagon, and 'cancel' others, finding encouragement and sympathy from those with whom you agree. And perhaps there are legitimate reasons for canceling someone...if there has been a grievous moral failure or criminal activity, if grave harm has occurred. But I think there are a few important things to think about as we see the rise of this disdain and banishment of others in our society.
First, 'cancel culture' is nothing new...it's just bigger and louder than we've seen before. There is evidence of this even as far back as the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. In Chapter 3, we see three young Jewish men, devoted to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who “have not paid due regard to you (King Nebuchadnezzar). They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” (verse 12) They were called out by some of the people in their culture for not bending or bowing to the demands for idolatry, and were thrown into a furace. These young men weren't worthy of consideration, of life itself, because they would not forsake their faith in order to give in to culture's demand.
Secondly, look around...how many perfect people do you know? I don't mean nice, friendly folks...gracious store clerks, kind neighbors, faithful co-workers...I mean perfect! The last time I checked, there isn't a single person living on the face of the earth who has not in some way failed morally...told a little lie, abused a spouse, cheated on their taxes, took someone's life. The fact is, those who are calling out to cancel someone else need to take a hard look in the mirror before they decide if they, in the secret recesses of their hearts, deserve to be canceled themselves.
Finally, do we ever consider the devastating effect canceling might have on the individual who is being canceled? This is a very real human being, with friends and family, lives, emotions...and most of the time, the 'canceled' never have the opportunity to defend themselves. Once words are spoken, they cannot be unspoken.
All this to say, if you have faced the pain of being canceled, known the heartbreak of damaged relationships within society, hold fast to some truth. In the story in Daniel, these three young men clung tightly to their faith, unbending to the pressure culture was putting on them, saying, “...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (verses 17-18). They knew where to find refuge.
Don't be quick to cancel someone...examine your own heart, and see if you are worthy of being canceled for something you've done. Look at Jesus' words to the leaders who wanted to cancel a sinful woman...”He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (John 8:7)
In the midst of pain and banishment, know to Whom you can run. The three Jewish men weren't alone, even in the furnace. When you are left alone, left behind, left outside...
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress;
Psalm 91:2
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