At this point in my life, I refuse to blog about politics. I would certainly alienate many of my friends no matter what I said; and any message of ultimate truth would be lost in the fray. So, I will instead blog about not blogging about politics.
I am currently addicted to the news. I fall asleep in front of cable news and wake up in the middle of the night watching reruns of the major commentators’ shows. I watch along with the nation as investments wither and debt continues to soar. I think of my own financial mistakes and become disgusted—first with myself, and then with those who expect the government to divest them of any risk. I think of those who are losing jobs and those who are hopelessly underwater and realize how blessed I am. Today I bought a bottle of hope (overpriced lemon cleaner) from an inner city “salesman in training” who is trying to escape the cycle of poverty and most likely is being exploited by the company to whom I wrote the check. I can’t help but wonder what the current economic outlook means for him.
The political season is in hyper drive; and both candidates purport to have our best interest at heart. Followers on both sides present their version of the truth. Sound byte solutions and personal attacks fill the airwaves. I have my own view of that truth; but—again—I refuse to blog about politics. J
Then I think about my day. Opportunities abound to witness to the students and friends I have at school. I have limits on what I may say, but no limits on the way I live. Where are my energies spent? How do I convey the relevance of the issues of today in my social studies classes while demonstrating that the real solutions are not political?
On Wednesday night, we looked at I Timothy 6:3-21. This passage addresses the issues of my world of today. Our focus is so often on “controversies and quarrels” that may be of importance in the world, but that stir up malice and discontent that can jeopardize our eternal future. We have not learned to be content with food and clothing. Instead, we demand a healthy 401k. How we need to heed the words of Paul in vs. 17-19:
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
We indeed are all rich if we have “the life that is truly life”. No politician can endanger that wealth, and no risk is involved if we continue to invest our faith.
Yet, if this is truly the case, then why do I get so angry when I get a political e-mail? Why do I yell at the TV when they refuse to address the real causes of the economic crisis as I see them? Perhaps it because I stay up too late watching the world grapple with its problems instead of recognizing that Christ solved the most important ones already. Perhaps it is because I don’t feel as comfortable talking salvation as I do talking politics. Or maybe I am just so caught up in the world that I can’t stand it when God makes it clear we can’t serve two masters.
Agape—or at least the best I can do,
Chris
