Have you ever watched a bucket full of crabs? They fight to get to the top by clawing their way over others, pulling down anybody in their way. It produces a hopeless situation that traps them all in the bottom of the bucket.

You may not have seen crabs trying to climb to the top, but if you watch the news or read comments on news or blog posts, you’ve surely seen the phenomenon. It’s much too common today.

Someone with a crab mentality tries to gain importance by negating anybody deemed as opposition. It’s evident in the comments on blog posts, on college campuses, in the political arena—and in our neighborhoods.

Rather than sitting down to discuss differences and try to reach an understanding, if not a consensus, harsh, hurtful comments are made to discredit the other person and/or their opinions. Too often, the attacks are aimed at the person rather than the idea.

It’s a sad reflection on our day and our people that we try to promote our own standing or agenda by attacking and discrediting others. What happened to respect and civility?

Or, perhaps it’s more important to ask ourselves what we need to do in the midst of such a culture.

During the political mudslinging and personal attacks, I’ve asked how God would have me respond if I were attacked so directly–especially if it is public, with others observing and likely judging my reactions. How would He direct His ambassador to act in such a situation?

I’m a responder. If somebody pushes, I automatically push back. You speak to me in a harsh voice, and I’m likely to respond in a harsh voice. I don’t want to, but, too often, I’m guilty. It’s a natural (fleshly) defense mechanism, common to man.

But that isn’t what Jesus did in response to the Pharisees, and it isn’t what He did as He went to the cross (Matt. 26-27). In fact, in the garden, He replaced the ear that His follower, who took up the fight in Jesus’ defense, cut off the opposition (Matt. 26:51-52).

As His follower, what does that say about how I should respond to attacks?

Jesus responded in the opposite spirit of those who attacked Him. He did not play their games for greater position. Neither did He defend Himself.

I believe, as followers of Christ, He would have us respond in the opposite spirit too. We are to be light in darkness (Acts 13:47), His witnesses (Acts 22:15), a testimony of His love (Matt. 10:18), declarers of His kingdom (Matt. 10:7), servants (Mark 9:35), and encouragers of others (1 Th. 5:11). We are to love our enemies and do good to them (Luke 6:27), not tear them down so we can rise.

How do we do that when the attack is intentional and unrelenting? Most of us are not being personally attacked now, but what if it comes to that?

How do we respond like Jesus did? We can’t. And we need to recognize that before the attack happens (John 15:5).

The only way to consistently show the forbearance and love of the Lord is to be plugged into His love, with an open valve so that His love is flowing freely at the moment of attack (John 15:4-5). The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom. 14:17). If that reigns in our hearts, it will be seen and heard in our actions, words, and tone of voice.

We can’t do it, but Christ in us can. He is our strength and defender. As we surrender our lives to Him and trust Him to defend us, He will give us the grace and wisdom to respond rather than react. (Phil. 4:13)

There is one condition. We don’t know when the attack will come, so we can’t wait until the last minute and run to Him to be filled. We need to stay attached to the vine, drinking from the source. Otherwise, our grace to respond graciously will be lacking, because attacks don’t wait for us to ready ourselves.

If we try to stay on top through our own strength, we will soon have a crab mentality.We’ll look just like those who attack us. Furthermore, we’ll be battered and bruised, and will end up trapped in the bottom of the barrel with those we’re fighting to overcome.

If we trust God and seek to represent Him, He will defend us and guide us along the way. It won’t guarantee that all will be smooth. However, we will prevail and produce fruit for the kingdom only as we allow the Lord to do the work in us.

Help us, Lord, to abide in You and allow You to work through us. Have mercy on us and establish Your kingdom in us and on the earth as it is in heaven.