I have a problem.
There…I said it. It is out in the open! Of course, that is not really much of an admission at this point. But everything needs a starting point.
So, what is this problem? Politics.
I know, I know. Almost everyone has a problem with politics. But my problem is that I pay too much attention to politics…or, more accurately, to political news. And by that I mean: I let it affect my focus…I let it distract me from what is really important.
You see, when I hear a news story related to politics – say, the issue of natural gas drilling in New York State (to pick something at random) – I begin to think through that issue to the deepest extent that I am able. And if the issue is something that I am passionate about, that can be pretty deep. I get this strong desire to write a blog post and be the ultimate voice of reason for that situation…the person that opens everyone’s eyes and causes them to say “Oh…yeah…it makes perfect sense now!”
Fortunately for all of us, I do not have time to do that!
The catalyst for this admission was a news story that most networks glossed over regarding the White House’s decision to use their foreign aid budget, in part, to push a human rights agenda for the global GLBT community. This is an issue I am passionate about…which makes it something to write about! But as I sat down to research the story further, I found that I was being distracted by things I can not change. And therein lays the heart of the issue.
I cannot change the White House – at least, not without the help of several billion voters! I am free to disagree with the White House, and many avenues exist to express that disagreement. But in the end, my job is not – at this point in my life – to single-handedly alter the direction of our federal government. And few people, including myself, would really want me to.
In reality, there is only one author of life and director of the direction it takes: the God of the Bible, creator of this earth and everything (including government!) that exists therein. And nothing that has happened in this world has happened apart from His knowledge or permission. What I am learning is that I need give up my own thoughts and passions and adopt God’s so that I can be ready for what He chooses to have me do…even if it does not involve the White House! Everything else is a distraction.
Yeah…I definitely have a problem!
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You share a common problem. I had to remove the upper channels from cable and there went the news networks (pick you favorite) but yes, it is a problem when you get distracted from the tasks you should focus on.
Even now, i am still working through it. It doesn’t seem rational to hide our head in the sand but who has the time to start/fight/promote a movement?
We were created for good works but we also have the cure for sin. Maybe we should become physician apprentices (that is ‘Good Physician apprentices)
Good post
Hey Steven – thanks for stopping by! “Physician Apprentices”…I like that. It’s an apprenticship that I could definitely go for!
I know that God has great people placed in politics. I’m just not one of them…and that is the beauty of the body. If we all perform the role that He gave us, then things will work out according to His plan (then agian, His plan will work out regardless of what we do!) I agree that it doesn’t seem rational to hide our heads, but if we are following God’s lead, then we are not hiding.
Looking forward to hearing from you again soon!