It definitely seems that the past few weeks have signalled some sort of great change for our culture and society. Looking around, things seem quite dismal. The economy appears to be falling faster than it has in decades, global politics has more and more signs of saber-rattling, and there just seems to be a true disdain for a political campaign that was, at one point, a hopeful opportunity irrelevant of who was elected the next President.
Keeping a stiff upper lip is definitely more and more of a challenge in the face of our circumstances, and I've come to realize that when the idea of "change" is presented, I don't think there's anyone, Republican or Democrat, that doesn't agree there needs to be some change soon.
But what kind of change are we looking for? It's my perception that whether the next President is a Democrat or Republican, the change that we're all really hoping for won't truly come about. I fear, that as in the past, a change in "regime" won't materialize into the type of change that most people are interested in. Change is a concept that has been hijacked by the political scene, and unfortunately, those who believe in God have allowed their concepts of "change" to be minimized by the political ideas of change. My political views are pretty clear, and pretty obvious, and I am not one to shy away from them. Even so, I confess, that I don't think a new leader will result in the lasting and needed change that our nation and our culture needs. Those of us who place our faith in God shoudl be the agents of change - not in a way that we are proseletyzing or Bible-thumping, but in a way that we are trying to show those around us of what real change - change of heart - could offer.
I have truly been convicted over the last few days, as I've begun to become somewhat obsessed about the election in a few weeks, that neither leader is going to offer the real change. I don't have a strong sense that either leader is guided by a saving faith beyond that which will get them in a little bit better with a majority of evangelicals. I do believe that one candidate's positions more clearly reflect some moral and ethical Christian standards, but neither is nearly the strong leader that I wish this country could have.
I am therefore reminded that over the next four or eight years, as our country is led by one of these two men, that God will continue to have His hand on the situation. It's hard to imagaine that God could let certain candidates win, but I've come to ponder the fact that perhaps, we will be driven back to Him, and find that we truly cannot find salvation in our leaders. It's sad that many place their hopes and dreams at the alter of one of these men. They are as failed as anyone elses - each with many visible (and some invisible flaws). I am reminded that my faith cannot be in them, and that irregardless of who wins, hopefully, our country will continue - hopefully on a path that points more towards God than a temporary leader in Washington D.C.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
It's been too long since I've posted, and once again I'm sure that experiences and feelings have passed me by. I've been very wrapped up the last few weeks in my work. I had a big trial, which ended in a hung jury - definitely a hard thing considering the time, emotion and focus I put into things. It was a good lesson though - realizing that even the justice system that I try to so hard to work with isn't perfect - that the system that's supposed to convict the criminals and free the innocent is just as flawed as many other human inventions. It's caused me to reassess, once again, my job and how my job interacts with my faith.
I've been challenged in several settings to truly honor God with my work. Considering what I've been through, and sometimes, what I go through from day to day, that's a hard thing to remember.
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