A FORUM FOR COMMUNITY ISSUES : On Our Political ‘Open Season’

The problems of our life lived here on planet Earth are so much greater than any one political leader can solve. So our leaders come and go. One day George Bush is a hero, the genius of Desert Storm. Then we kick him in the shins. He winces, tries to stand taller, when he is just human. Then we look for another leader. Some refuse to run. Some do run. For a moment they look real good, then we kick them in the shins. They wince and then try to stand taller. Neither political party seems to have what it takes. Suddenly, out of the Southwest, comes a self-made entrepreneur. Our hearts leap. We chase after him for a few weeks, captivated by his ideas, willing to pledge our souls to him. Then someone kicks him in the shins. He . . . finally has the guts to say, “I don’t need this. I am just trying to help you. I never was a candidate anyway.” And we keep kicking, wanting (candidates) to be and do what no human being can ever truly be or do.

Who we choose to be our leaders is important. It is a matter for prayer and study. We are to be honest, gracious, and realistic in both our selection of our leaders and our support of them. The Bible does not endorse an open season on politicians.