When They Say You’re “Too Polarizing” A Reflection for July 4, 2026, in America. Galatians 4:16
When They Say You’re “Too Polarizing” A Reflection for July 4, 2026, in America. Galatians 4:16
By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.
Early on the morning after the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde that claimed the lives of 19 elementary school children and two teachers, I was preparing to leave for Uvalde to minister to a grieving community when my phone rang.
On the other end of the line were Dr. Candice Matthews of Houston, Texas, and the late Reverend Jesse Jackson.
As our conversation unfolded while I traveled toward a community overwhelmed by grief, Reverend Jackson offered me gentle yet profound counsel that has remained with me ever since.
He simply said, “Tatum, don’t be political—be spiritual.”
Those five words have echoed in my heart through every difficult conversation, every public controversy, every moment of criticism, and every assignment that demanded more than a political response.
At first, I thought he was encouraging me to avoid controversy.
Over time, however, I realized he was calling me to something much deeper.
Politics often asks, “What is popular?”
The Spirit asks, “What is right?”
Politics seeks power.
The Gospel seeks transformation.
Political movements come and go, but the Kingdom of God endures forever.
That wisdom has become increasingly meaningful whenever someone describes a pastor or public servant as “too polarizing.”
There is an old saying in politics: When people cannot defeat your message, they often redefine your messenger.
One of the most common labels attached to outspoken leaders is that they are “too polarizing.” It is a phrase that sounds objective and reasonable. Yet it is worth asking: Polarizing to whom? And because of what?
Sometimes a leader is called polarizing because they traffic in division, misinformation, or personal attacks. When that is true, the criticism may be justified.
But there is another possibility.
Throughout history, many of the people we now celebrate were once criticized for making powerful people uncomfortable. They challenged systems, questioned traditions, exposed injustice, and demanded that institutions live up to their own stated values.
People who benefit from the status quo rarely describe those voices as courageous in the moment. More often, they describe them as difficult, disruptive, confrontational—or polarizing.
The label itself can become a way of shifting attention away from the substance of what is being said.
Instead of asking, “Is the criticism true?” the conversation becomes, “Why is this person making everyone uncomfortable?”
History reminds us that discomfort and progress have often traveled together.
The abolitionists were called divisive.
The suffragists were called unreasonable.
The Civil Rights Movement was criticized by some for moving too fast and by others for not moving fast enough.
Every generation seems tempted to mistake moral urgency for unnecessary conflict.
Even Jesus Christ was called a troublemaker because He challenged religious hypocrisy, confronted injustice, and proclaimed the Kingdom of God. He did not seek conflict, but He never abandoned truth simply to preserve comfort.
That does not mean every controversial leader is right. Being criticized is not proof of righteousness. Every leader should welcome accountability, humility, self-examination, and honest disagreement.
But neither should the fear of being labeled “too polarizing” become an excuse for remaining silent when conscience demands conviction.
Sometimes “too polarizing” simply means someone refuses to accept symbolic inclusion instead of meaningful participation. It can describe a leader who asks difficult questions, challenges institutional habits, or insists that promises of equality be measured by actions rather than speeches, ceremonies, or symbolic gestures.
Power often prefers predictability.
Justice often requires disruption.
As I reflect on Reverend Jackson’s words, I believe he was reminding me that our calling is not to defend political parties but to proclaim biblical principles. The Church must never confuse partisan loyalty with prophetic responsibility. We are not called to be the chaplain of the status quo. We are called to be ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.
On this Fourth of July, Americans celebrate the birth of a nation founded upon the ideals of liberty and equality. Yet our history also reminds us that freedom has never expanded without courageous men and women willing to challenge comfortable assumptions, confront injustice, and call the nation to become what it professes to be.
Perhaps the better question is not whether a leader is polarizing.
Perhaps we should ask:
- Are they truthful?
- Are they principled?
- Are they motivated by justice rather than self-interest?
- Are they advocating for something larger than themselves?
- Are they willing to challenge systems while respecting the dignity of every person?
If the answer is yes, history suggests that today’s “polarizing” voice may become tomorrow’s respected conscience.
The measure of leadership has never been universal approval.
It has always been the courage to stand for truth when standing is costly.
So whenever I hear Reverend Jackson’s words echoing in my spirit—“Tatum, don’t be political; be spiritual.”—I am reminded that the Church’s assignment has never been to win every political argument. Our assignment is to faithfully proclaim God’s truth, love God’s people, pursue justice, walk humbly, and leave the results in His hands.
For as the Apostle Paul asked long ago:
“Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)
That question remains as relevant on July 4, 2026, as it was in the first century.
Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. is the pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. A native son of Cowtown, he has devoted his ministry to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while serving at the intersection of faith, justice, community engagement, and compassionate ministry. Link: https://blacktexans.blogspot.com/2026/07/ill-go-if-i-have-to-go-by-myself-how.html
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