I wonder

I wonder

Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?

Why do banks leave the vaults open all day but chain the pens to the counter?

Why is “politics” such an accurate word? Greek poli meaning “many” and tics = “blood sucking creatures.”

                Now that the election is finally over, it’s time to talk about moving forward and treating each other with respect and working together for the greater good. Except that will be impossible as long as the Liberals continue to gloat and the Conservatives continue to rage. I have some observations to make:

                One, if the U.S. could survive the scandal-ridden Grant and Harding administrations and the strife surrounding the Vietnam War, it can likely move forward with President Obama’s second term. Things will likely get rough because no U.S. president ever has a good second term. Reagan’s second term was marred by Iran-Contra, Bush’s by the war in Iraq, and even FDR struggled with opposition from the Supreme Court for his New Deal. President Obama will need all the prayers we can send him. And pray for him we must:  “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” –I Timothy 2:1-2.

                In addition to prayer, our nation needs our influence and example. All the politicians say our nation needs to change, but I believe change must come from the red-dirt level. People need to learn and practice the work ethic taught in Scripture: “Let him who steals steal no longer but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.” –Ephesians 4:28, “and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” –I Thessalonians 4:11f.

                No one around here denies that our nation is in cultural decline, with broken families and broken hearts everywhere, and violence in the home and on the streets, and moral principles that used to be commonplace now cast aside. Students of history take heart! It is under such situations that the Lord’s church saw its greatest periods of growth. The church grew stronger in character and numbers when Roman persecution was the worst.

                Finally, remember that Christ is in control of the universe:  “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:17. Remember that “He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” –Colossians 1:13-14. Christ is king, and we are citizens of his kingdom. It’s time to talk right, act right and pray right. Our nation needs us.