Readings for today: 1 Samuel 8-9, John 6:22-42, Psalms 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Colorado Prayer Luncheon and hearing from Governor Polis, Mayor Hancock, and others discuss the state of politics at national, regional, and local levels. It was a particularly insightful and poignant conversation especially in the wake of tragic shooting at the STEM school in Highlands Ranch. Everyone seems to be asking the same question. How in the world can this be happening in our country? How is this the new “normal” for our children? And how should we, as leaders, respond? Of course there will be the standard calls from both the right and the left to either arm or disarm. If only our teachers carried in schools then our children would be safe. If only we banned automatic weapons then our children would be safe. Each side will entrench and do their level best to legislate their agenda but neither side will be successful. Why? Because we keep focusing on the symptoms rather than the disease. We struggle to have any kind of honest, respectful national debate on the issue of gun control and instead allow the extremes on either side to devolve the debate.
It’s not just gun control. The same is true on issues of race, wealth, criminal justice, etc. Because each political party employs a scorched earth approach hell-bent on the denial of any victories to their political rivals, we cannot come together. When was the last time a political leader on either side actually acknowledged their political rival had a good point? A good idea? A good policy initiative? When was the last time our political leaders tried to authentically share the credit rather than hoard it for themselves? It simply doesn’t happen as both sides do all they can to defend the indefensible in their own tribe while ruthlessly seeking to drag down their enemies. This naked pursuit of political power at all costs is slowly eroding the social fabric of our nation. And things are picking up steam. I have had people leave my church over politics. I have seen friendships end over politics. Businesses suffer because of our “call-out” culture that makes party loyalty/tribal identity a litmus test for every relationship in life. It’s getting harder and harder to imagine a shared future.
Does the Bible offer any guidance? Yes. The wisdom of Solomon. We must return to righteousness. We must re-establish a strong moral foundation. We must engage in a respectful conversation around national values and we must - we absolutely must - demand more from our leaders. Righteousness exalts a nation. Righteousness forms the bedrock on which strong nations are built. A shared sense of righteousness helps us discern right from wrong, evil from good.
What would happen if our national charter proclaimed, “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of righteousness” rather than the pursuit of personal happiness? What might change if we chose righteousness over selfishness? Righteousness over bitterness? Righteousness over outrage and anger? Righteousness over sin? Righteousness demands we look over our history as a nation and acknowledge our sins. The massacre of First Nation people. The systematic enslavement of an entire race of people. The subjugation of women and abuse of children. The rapacious greed that drives economic inequality. Righteousness also demands we acknowledge our virtues. The establishment of a government by the people for the people. The establishment of equal rights - even if harder won for certain groups - is a miraculous anomaly in human history. Wealth creation that has lifted billions around the world out of life-threatening poverty. And, of course, the incredible sacrifice of a generation as they fought to free the world from tyranny.
Righteousness demands we acknowledge every human being is made in the image of God. Righteousness demands we refuse the temptation to demonize and dehumanize those with whom we disagree. Righteousness demands we think the best of one another rather than the worst. Righteousness demands we actively and empathetically listen to one another and honor our different life experiences. Righteousness demands those who are blessed seek to bless others. Those who have seek to lift up those who have not. Those who have “made it” turn around and offer their hands to those still slugging it out. Righteousness means we refuse to take up the tools of oppression or seek vengeance or try to tear others down. Righteousness exalts a nation.
I truly believe we occupy more common ground than we imagine. I truly believe there is more that holds us together than drives us apart. I truly believe we hold some truths to be self-evident and we are working hard to make those truths even more self-evident. I truly believe the road to righteousness is messy and long and hard. But I also believe it is worth every effort. And I believe pursuing righteousness is essential for the follower of Jesus.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 10-11, John 6:43-71, Psalms 107, Proverbs 15:1-3