Politics, Power & Glamor
On my recent vacation to California, my husband and I visited The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. As I wandered through the exhibits and listened to the stories told by the audio guide, I couldn’t help but be moved by the enormity of the job. Literal life and death decisions of global impact are made by the highest leader of our land and of the free world.
But I couldn’t shake the uneasiness I felt as I grasped the magnitude of our Presidential choices in this election year. When I watch the debates, I see fear rather than confidence in the eyes of the candidates. I see a struggle for power rather than an urgency to serve.
I fear that some of our greatest leaders are not seeking this platform any longer.
In my opinion the only thing worth the blood, sweat and tears of a presidential seat is a tremendous conviction to serve God and country. Somehow the role of President has become glamorized to near royalty. This job is anything but glamorous and I think we the people need to give it the honor it is due. Glamor isn’t honor, respect is.
It seems that today’s candidates are enamored with the power of the position rather than the weightiness of the responsibility that comes with it.
But honestly I don’t think it’s all their fault. I think we have a great deal to do with it. Leaders rise to the demands and expectations put on them.
As followers we must:
- Study the issues, not just read the headlines.
- Remember that charisma matters but character is critical.
- Take responsibility for our part rather than give in to the idea that we can’t make a difference.
Dare I open the political can of worms and ask you what you think? 🙂
I think your right on the money. Voting is such a privilege and we need to give it the respect it deserves by not just reading headlines. A privilege that others will die for deserves that we at least take some time to investigate issues and people before we vote
Jenni – I agree with you on the desire for power/fame often outweighing the humbled, weighty awareness of the responsibility that goes with a position. I think we see this often in the church. That sense of responsibility is often the source of fear that keeps me from leading as God has called me to lead. I remember some wise mentors who told me years ago that it was exactly because of that weighty sense of responsibility that one should lead.
Thanks for the reminders during this crazy political season.
Jenni, you are absolutely right on. I believe one of the reasons our country is suffering is because “we the people” have abdicated our responsibility to get to the truth of the issues. It’s a lot like we, as Christians, too often leave our Biblical education to others to feed us rather than delving into the scriptures on our own. Too many in political leadership are concerned about wanting to please everybody for votes than making the hard decisions.
I fear that”We the people” have become “We the consumers” who expect the service of others to benefit us personally. We often rely solely on media who always has an agenda. Those who believe that the means justifies the ends think it’s fine for dead people and felons to vote and never care that every illegal vote disenfranchises a legitmate voter. Each attitude, though only in a few, alters outcomes and changes a country.