They Mocked Jesus—And Now America Has Made Mockery a National Sport

Dear Mindful Leader,

I have never been mocked and flamed as much as I have been in the past week.

My social media exposure is up 70%, and apparently, I struck a nerve with my opinion about Ukraine.

Praise poured in, but so did the criticism.

And I welcome that.

But what I don’t welcome—what I refuse to tolerate—is outright disrespect.

Criticism is fair.

Disagreement is healthy.

But mockery?

Name-calling?

Laughing at someone because they see the world differently? That is the death of respect in America, and it’s eating away at the very fabric of civil discourse.

We live in a country where people now believe that to win an argument, you must destroy your opponent, not by reason but by ridicule. Disagreement is no longer about exchanging ideas—it’s about humiliation. Social media has created a digital coliseum where people cheer as others are dragged and shamed.

We have become a nation of mockers. And the Bible is very clear about this:

“Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” — Proverbs 17:5

The key phrase? Insults his Maker. When you mock someone, you’re not just laughing at them—you’re laughing at the image of God within them.

Disrespect is Not Strength, It’s Weakness

The greatest minds in history—billionaires, leaders, and visionaries—have never built their legacies on ridicule. Consider this:

• Warren Buffett: “You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint.”
• Elon Musk: “You should be able to argue with someone without hating them.”
• Oprah Winfrey: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

In other words, powerful people don’t waste their time mocking others. They don’t need to. They are too busy winning.

The weak mock because it’s the only way they know how to feel strong.

The insecure tear others down because they can’t lift themselves up.

Newsflash: Mocking is Not a Debate Tactic

Look at what’s happening in the news. Take the recent political debates—has anyone noticed that candidates no longer argue policies? Instead, they trade insults like middle schoolers.

Late-night TV hosts?

Their entire careers are now built on finding people to belittle.

The media?

They have learned that rage equals ratings, so they spin everything into a divisive joke.

But let’s take it a step further. The true mark of a failing civilization is when people no longer respect their own institutions.

The Supreme Court is mocked.

The presidency is mocked.

Teachers are mocked.

Police officers are mocked.

Nothing is sacred. And when nothing is sacred, nothing can hold society together.

Jesus Christ Himself was mocked. They put a crown of thorns on His head. They spat on Him. They laughed at Him. But His response? “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Now, I am not Jesus.

But I will say this: if the only way you know how to deal with someone who thinks differently than you is to laugh at them, you are exposing your own ignorance, not theirs.

You Don’t Have to Agree, But You Must Respect

Let’s make this clear: I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. I don’t even want everyone to agree with me. A world without disagreement is a world without innovation. Debate is what pushes society forward.

But there is a difference between disagreeing and disrespecting.

Disagreeing is saying: “I see your point, but I believe you’re wrong because…” Disrespecting is saying: “You’re an idiot Comrade Vogel, go back to Russia. LOL.”

See the difference? One leads to growth. The other leads to decay.

We Must Rebuild a Culture of Respect

How do we fix this? How do we bring back respect in America?

1. Stop rewarding disrespect.
2. Model the respect you want to see.
3. Remember that every person is made in the image of God.

Final Thought: Don’t Be Fooled

Some people think that mocking others makes them look strong.

It doesn’t.

It makes them look weak.

Some people think that being cruel makes them look tough. It doesn’t. It makes them look insecure.

True strength is being able to look someone in the eye and say, “I respect you, even though I disagree with you.”

So, disagree with me.

Challenge me.

Debate me.

But if the only thing you can bring to the table is mockery, then understand that you are not winning the argument—you are proving you have nothing of value to say.

Let’s bring respect back. Because without it, America is lost.

Until next time.

Stay well. Swim strong.

Warmly,

David

Mentor, Writer, and Faithful Servant of God

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? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire