Have
you ever thought about what it would be like to be president? Ever picture
yourself crossing the Delaware like Washington or delivering the Gettysburg Address in the days of the Lincoln?
Well, I have. I still do occasionally. I’ve actually even considered some
things I would change if I were elected to the position of chief executive. I
would move our country to adopt a four-day workweek in hopes of promoting a
healthier balance for families. I would create a new national holiday where the
country is encouraged to sing their each and every comment for the entire
length of the holiday. It would be like one giant musical in which each person
played a role. How could one not enjoy something so goofy? We could have it on
the last Saturday of September and call it Matturday.
I’ve even
considered more important foreign policy issues as well. I would work to
strengthen our relationship with the Republic of Djibouti. No special reason
besides the fact that it would be funny to hear people try to pronounce the nation.
Children and immature adults like myself would be sure to giggle at the sound
of “jee-boo-tee” and that can’t be a
bad thing, right. I would also work to clean up television advertisements by
fining companies for inappropriate commercials, especially those aired during
programs that would anticipate the viewership of children. Lastly, I’d change the
intro music from “Hail to the Chief” to David Bowie’s “Fame” or possibly James
Brown’s “Living in America”.
You get
the idea. I’d have a blast, but I’d probably be pretty lousy with the important
details! Funny thing is though I am aware of my inabilities to fulfill a
leadership role such as president, I’m still foolish enough to try to fill the
shoes of an infinitely greater position. Sure, I would never say that I should be God, but my actions
unfortunately often reveal a belief that I could do the job better. And guess
what? While I am untrustworthy to carry launch codes for the nuclear football,
I’m far less equipped to govern the universe, much less my own path.
Sometimes
I act like I deserve better. It’s as if I think God owes me something. Then
there are other occasions that I’m reminded of my frailties – my struggles – my
inability to ever reach the perfection required to stand before a holy God. In
these moments I deny that God could love someone like me. At the root of each side of this pendulum, is pride. A pride that thinks I know better than God.
His plan isn’t always clear to me, so I question. I feel undeserving of His
love, so I try to hide. Truth is that He knows more. He knows me better than I
do myself. He knew what He was getting into. There are no regrets with Him, no
take-backs with God. While I am right about being unworthy, I miss the point of
the abundant hope of the gospel. For this is exactly why Christ came – that we
might be covered with such grace and mercy.
I’m
guessing I’m not alone in this area of struggle. As a people we are prone to
fall into the guise of having “control”. Since we think it is something we actually
possess, it becomes an illusion we pursue. We easily confuse our wants with His
will. So on this day that I have silly daydreams about kicking my feet up in
the Oval Office, may I remind you of the One who is truly in control – the God
that turns the heart of kings & presidents (Proverbs 21:1) to fulfill His
good and perfect will. Paul’s words are a sweet reminder of our blessed
redemption. We are the inheritance of the Almighty and we are being grown and
lead by His power within us…
I pray that the perception of your mind (the eyes of your heart) may
be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the
glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the
immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working
of His vast strength. (Ephesians 2:18-19)
May His power put to death the pride of our
hearts in order that we might trust Him more deeply. I pray we will contemplate
our blessed position in Christ and be reminded of the love that God has given
us and displayed for us through the cross. Wherever He leads, may we know
that He goes with us, before us, and for our good (Romans 8:28) and His glory.
Happy President’s Day!!
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