I was thinking this morning about the change that is going to be happening in the leadership of this nation. There have been a lot of promises (as there always is) about what is going to change and how new policies will be better for everyone involved. Barak Obama will be the new president of the United States. Rather than debate policy and positions I've been thinking about what he will be unable to do.
He can't solve the real problem with the economy.
Greed. There is a core issue that can't be adjusted with tax rates or profit margins. People who have a lot of money want to have more and people who have less want someone else's. We seem to have found ourselves with the economic result of "wanting" without responsibility. A new President will not pass a law that makes greed a thing of the past.
He can't end what causes war.
Hatred. There is a profound emotion that is as old as the sons of Adam and Eve that causes people to act irrationally. It's not about protecting boarders or preserving life, it's about a sour soul that wants to eliminate people because they have no inherent value. Hatred isn't logical, it's volatile and dangerous. A new President will not pass a law that makes hatred a thing of the past.
He can't change human nature.
Selfishness. We tend to think of ourselves first and leftover thoughts can be given away sparingly. I want to know how something impacts me. We have taught each other and our children how to be extreme hedonists- my pleasure is primary. There are needs that must be met – but what I want is first. A new President will not pass a law that makes selfishness a thing of the past.
He can't undo what embarrasses me.
Stupidity. I know in some homes that word is akin to a swear word – but it fits. In the name of Christ people say and do really stupid things. Someone who bombs an abortion clinic in the name of God saving lives for God is not honoring the God that person claims. The "evangelist" that says give him a gift as "seed money" and God will bless you is a scam artist. The person who despises the President elect because of his color, his heritage, or his opinions while claiming random out of context verses from the bible… well they embarrass me. 2 Peter 3:6 says, "By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed." This verse obviously and clearly says that people who drink bottled water will be the downfall of the world, and Nahum 2:10 "She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale" warns us all of the greed of white people. I'm not worried about what people who don't know Christ think or say, I'm embarrassed by the one who claims to know Christ and yet talks like they've never met Him, or He's in their back pocket throwing out blessings and curses like tootsie rolls at a parade. A new President will not pass a law that makes stupidity a thing of the past.
He can't legislate what we need the most.
Spiritual renewal. The role of the government is not to care for the eternal future of souls – that's our role. What's sad to me is the church has sometimes taken its cues from business or government. We've attempted to heard people into Christ-likeness by decree, guilt them into submission by argument, or attract them to commitment by polish. Our church doesn't need what others have – we need what God has. We need the outpouring of God on our lives and His healing work in our souls so we can accomplish what we are called to accomplish. A new President will not pass a law that makes lifeless religion a thing of the past.
He can't fit on God's Throne.
It's occupied.
Summary Thought:
No person can fix what is really broken. We can debate policy and busy ourselves arguing about debt and immorality, but Church of Jesus Christ – God expects more of us. We aren't here for long and we've got a job to do.
The call is not to read from a teleprompter, the Messiah doesn't live in Washington, my hope is not limited to a majority vote, the role of absolute truth is not up to the "wisdom" of pundits, bloggers, or elected officials, and my faith is not pointed down to anyone who walks this earth.
My call was spoken by the Creator, the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God, "my hope is found in nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness," my belief in the truth sets me free, and my faith is pointed to the One who loves me enough to give me a breath today and a home tomorrow.
Ya, that's what I thought about instead of watching the news this morning.
There's someone you will talk to today or tomorrow that is waiting to be invited to church.
Freedom,
Pastor Dave
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