We are all guilty of stereotyping folks. We shouldn’t but it is easy to do.
My dad was an automobile dealer. There was a time when he co-owned multiple dealerships, and there was a time when he had a used car lot. Occasionally, I hear jokes about used car salesman, and I have to try really hard to keep from rolling my eyes.
Like his father before him, my father believed in helping folks. He went out of his way to help folks, and he believed in being honest. He made a point to try to teach me that honesty and respect were of the utmost importance.
He also taught me that sometimes the reputation of your parents could make a difference in a small town. If you needed something and your parents were well thought of, you could get help by that virtue alone.
We already have our stereotypes about politicians and their overall behavior, but I think over the years we have probably gone from surprise when one of them gets caught breaking the law to not at all surprised by it. That is indeed a sad statement about our country.
Let me add that just like my dad was an honest automobile salesman, I am sure that there are some good politicians in the bunch.
Our elected officials need to have respect for the position that they hold. When they don’t behave right – when they are found guilty of breaking the laws – it cheapens the office they hold.
When our politicians – Senators & Congressman for example – don’t treat us right, we stop trusting them. I think that is where we are as a country right now. When the leadership of the United States lets its people down, what hope do other countries have in our keeping our word to them? We begin to lose our credibility. We cannot be trusted.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Trust is the foundation of any relationship. In order to be able to make deals and conduct business with other countries, we need to be able to be trusted. We need to be taken seriously.
As individuals when we lose the trust of other people, it becomes a real challenge to get it back. It may take years or even a lifetime to fix a ruined reputation.
As a nation, if we ever lose that or think we are about to lose that, we always have the option of starting over at election time. Your vote counts. Be sure you know the person you vote for has earned the privilege of being able to be trusted. Pray before you pull the lever this fall. Seek God’s will for this election.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2 Timothy 1:9
Today’s challenge is to start praying now for our upcoming election. Ask God to reveal to you who you need to mark on you ballot in November. Ask God to reveal to you the character of those running for office. Ask Him to show you if they are walking with Him. Remember to continue praying for revival.