With election season upon us and one of many debates behind us, one thing is clear. This country is anxious about its future. Americans want hope that the next president will bring with him the key to financial success. And most think their party’s candidate has the answer. Americans want change from the flawed systems that have put our economy and healthcare system into a bind. And most think their party’s candidate has the answer. Finally, Americans want security from a world that is becoming more hostile and volatile. And most think their party’s candidate has the answer.
When President Obama and Governor Romney stand behind their respective podiums, they are going to promise hope, they are going to promise change, and they are going to promise security.
They will do their best to convince us that they have what it takes to set this country on a new path, and to point us in a new direction. A direction whose destination is financial security, economic bliss, and equal opportunity for all.
The Truth:
This world is marred by sin. It is in bondage to death and decay. All creation is groaning. It is into this situation that we see fallen men trying to lead fallen people in a fallen world!
But there is hope, change, and security coming: Romans 8:18-25 NIV (Italics mine)
18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Our hope is not in either candidate in this presidential race, our hope is not in the success of our country, and our hope is not in our financial accomplishments. Our hope is in a wandering homeless prophet who was misunderstood by his family, his followers, and the religious order. Our hope is in Jesus.
Change is not something that will be handed to us by either presidential candidate because they cannot change what is wrong: the fallen and sinful nature of man. Change will happen when Christ liberates this world from “it’s bondage to decay” and ushers into his freedom and glory.
Security (national or financial) pales in comparison to the eternal security that is found in Christ. The security we have through faith in Jesus Christ is not just something we are promised but something that believers currently possess! And it is out of this security that we live in complete abandon to see His will transform a fallen order.
