Shownotes
Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy
Welcome to Day 1258 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Corrupt Leaders – Ask Gramps
Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1258 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday, we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas.
We may mix it up a bit on our Friday episodes, but we will strive to keep them down to earth and enjoyable. If you have any questions that you would like to ask Gramps, please email them to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.
So the question for this week is…
“Hey Gramps, the political scene appears so toxic anymore. I get frustrated with nearly all news sources as it seems like a continual propaganda machine on the right, left, and anything in between. Many of the politicians seem so corrupt today that it is hard to cope with it. What can I do to make an impact and not be consumed by the cesspool of negativism and corruption that is so prevalent?”
Corrupt Leaders
I completely understand your feelings, and there are certainly days when I feel the same way, but we need to keep it in perspective. First of all, throughout the ages, political systems have been rife with corrupt leaders. The difference is, that most of us are now living in free societies and are concerned that our freedom is at risk. We are so privileged in comparison to most of the ages in the past. Second, with the proliferation of the connected world in the past few decades, it is so easy for nearly everyone in the modern world to voice their opinions, even if they do not have knowledge or facts to do so. Third, God has permitted all rulers to be in place to accomplish His long-term, overall purpose. Every king, president, prime minister, or dictator may believe that he is in charge, but he cannot do anything without God’s permissive will. Proverbs 21:1 tells us, “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.”
Americans, as in most western cultures, love to vent about politics, and these days it is easier than ever to unload a barrage of garbage to any person that may listen. Talk radio, 24/7 cable news, and the internet can range from informative and entertaining to bombastic and usually goading in a matter of minutes. The political scene can raise your blood pressure as yet another outrageous act by an elected official is revealed or bad policy is dissected. Keep in mind, though, some elected officials are actually noble statesmen who desire to serve. There are some who are ridiculous and some who are even criminals who do get indicted and sent to prison for corruption. Yes, it is difficult to sort it all out, but we must not lose heart.
It is okay, and even Biblical, to be angry at the evil we see, but you asked how you can make an impact. Yes, you can be involved in the political world yourself if that is God’s will for you, but before that, let us make an impact immediately and consider what we read in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
When was the last time you prayed for your elected officials? Even if you feel that they are wrong. Even if they are self-serving. Even if they are corrupt. Even if you desire for them to be voted out of office.
Once again, we know what God’s will is. The fact that you live in a free society and that you get to collectively hire and fire out leaders at the ballot box does not in any way absolve us of the responsibility to intercede for them in prayer. Prayer is our first avenue for change. Praying for people you don’t like is actually a very healthy and Biblical thing to do. It is good for them and good for you. A little bit of your own self-righteousness is dissipated every time that you pray for people you don’t like.
Just think about it, instead of praying that God removes a person from office (or any other position of authority), wouldn’t it be great if leaders who are not Christians found Jesus as a result of your prayer? Let us first pray that God will change their hearts. Pray that they would tell the truth, make the right decisions, be filled with wisdom, take the long view, and put the national interest above self-interest. Venting is not only a poor substitute for prayer, but it also is not effective and may drive others away from God who you need to be impacting. While in the United States and many other free countries you may have the right to criticize politicians, you have a divine call and duty to pray for your leaders. Let’s first focus on prayer before we take any other actions.
That is a wrap for today’s question. Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. Our next trek is Mediation Monday, where we will help you reflect on what is most important in life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.
If you would like to listen to any of the past 1257 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player, so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.
Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most of all, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this trek together, let us always:
- Live Abundantly (Fully)
- Love Unconditionally
- Listen Intentionally
- Learn Continuously
- Lend to others Generously
- Lead with Integrity
- Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!