Alas, with only months left in this presidential election cycle, I’m finally wading into the ever murky eel-infested waters of rhetoric that have risen to near Biblical proportions. Unlike most bloggers, I really have had better things to do with my words than swim in the cesspool of commentary that abounds in our culture today. Quite frankly, I still refuse to descend to the level where civility and reason are replaced by personal or public opinion via the “right” to express ourselves, regardless of how thoughtless and unfounded those opinions may be.
Rather than drowning you in my opinion, I’d like to invite you into the boat of observation that rises above the flood and is anchored in eternal truths that do not shift with the current of culture or time. From the bow of this vessel there is a better perspective, not only of the waters beneath, but the land ahead and sky above, both of which promise a better and more permanent place to build upon.
We are still “We the people”.
As I look out among the sea of faces moving both in concert with and in opposition to one another, some collective themes begin to emerge. As our Constitution’s preamble so aptly and elegantly defines, “We the people” are an independent, yet interdependent body who’s most basic rights and responsibilities are set forth in our founding and governing documents. The division of powers within our government reflects the difficult but necessary tension required to uphold and preserve these very principles. In spite of having very real and substantial differences, what appears to be an insurmountable rift or dam between us currently is often a mere ait in the river that the passage of time and the change of current will reveal. As a wise man and mentor once told me, “although the pendulum may swing from side to side, it always rests in the middle”. “We the people” must not let the differences of the day detract from the common cords that have been preserved throughout the decades, lest they come undone. We must refuse to accept the narrative that replaces “we” with “us” and “them.”
“We the people” are imperfect.
If you ever doubt the sinful condition of humankind, just listen to a political candidate or party recount the sins of their opposing counterpart. While being tempted to paint themselves perfect, they rarely pass on a chance to paint the other side in shades of smut and shame. Sin is the plankton on which political figures and powers feed. The most basic functions and purposes of government are rooted in this sinful reality. Conversely, in a perfect society there would be no need for government.
Ironically, the belief that our own particular political persuasion is more right than another’s becomes a breeding ground for the most insidious sins of all, pride and self-righteousness. Only when grounded in humility can we begin to obtain the “more perfect union” our founding fathers envisioned. When we stop demonizing one another and acknowledge our own flawed perspective we take a giant step toward this end.
“We the people” want solutions.
The mention of sin serves as a preface to the next common current that drives us during this season. We want solutions. We all aspire for a “more perfect union,” albeit with differing definitions of what that perfect union might be. There still lie within our collective soul the transcendent ideals of “Justice,” “Tranquility,” “Welfare,” and “Blessings of Liberty,” housed within the preamble of our Constitution.
Our seemingly insatiable hunger for politics reveals a deeper conviction that societal problems can be solved, and the belief that the collective, creative, and constructive power of humanity is uniquely suited to help solve these problems. Throughout the political process, as individuals ascribe to solutions leaders begin to emerge, a platform is written, and power is harnessed. A sense of movement is born and momentum carries a significant force that can impact the very society out of which it was birthed. Like an earthquake far below the ocean’s surface creating a tsunami that cannot be withstood, the assimilation of people and ideals has the potential to bring incredible change. We must carefully consider to whom we impart such power, as it can either be used to bring about great good or terrible destruction.
Moreover, we must remain anchored to God who is the Author of such power and creativity, or else be swept away by promises that are little more than a ploy to rob us of the individual authority each of us has been given in exchange for an idol.
“We the people” seek a Savior.
Speaking of idols, my last and most sobering observation is one filled with some trepidation. As I’ve sat watching segments from both of our country’s major parties’ conventions, I’ve observed a telling and disturbing trend exhibited by many of their attendees. On both sides of the isle, women and men, young and old, from every race, religion, creed, background and lifestyle, have willingly chanted the name of their preferred candidate. With unparalleled enthusiasm, people have esteemed their party’s choice of candidate beyond mere-mortal status, elevating them to a role that would require no-less-than divine attributes to fulfill.
Even those who were previously and openly critical of their party’s potential candidate seem to fall in line with the masses once the selection has been made. As the candidate stands to accept the nomination, they carry the faith of their followers on shoulders that were not built for such a load. And yet, they seem to willingly accept such laud and expectations. What does this say about us?
If this speaks anything to me, it is the simple truth that “We the people” seek a Savior. The position and prestige of President of the United States has become, for many, an object of hope that exposes our deepest human need. People at all times, in all places, have always sought a savior. Empty promises are better than no promises at all, so we place our hope in a man or woman who best embodies the ideals we hold dear. We want to believe, even for a moment, that there is one who will rescue us, deliver us, and make right all that is wrong.
And there is… only not as a presidential candidate, governor, senator, state or local representative, or any other office held by man. He is overlooked, discredited, discounted, and slandered today, just as He was the day He stood in front of the political leaders of His time. He is crucified by public opinion but lives on through personal confession. He came to bring His Kingdom, His power, and His glory, not to the White House but into houses not made by human hands; our hearts. He came, not to exploit our sin for power but to destroy our sin in an act of utter submission. He offers eternal solutions for the good of all rather than receiving temporal benefits for the sake of Himself and a select few. His justice is indisputable, His favor is impartial, His character is impeccable, and His term is eternal.
He is Jesus Christ and “We the people” will one day bow at the sound of His name. Until then, may we not bow to any other, and may we keep our eyes fixed on the One who walks upon the political waters of this world. (1 Corinthians 15:27)
Such as I have I give,
In Jesus’ name
(For more detail about Jesus’ interaction with the politicians of His day read John chapters 18-19 in the Bible.)
