Piloting Faith: Beneath our political symptoms we have a bigger problem
A Word for the Day...
I know many of us are feeling discouraged, if not downright depressed. We are pained every day by the onslaught of corruption, unprecedented violations of process, and absence of adherence to basic values of democracy. “Why should we maintain hope?” some are asking. Here are 5 reasons why:
The pain is getting bad enough that it might get better.
Our systems have gotten stuck enough that they might move forward.
Our strategies have become negative enough that they might turn positive.
People are divided enough that they might come together.
Our challenges run deep enough that we might turn inward.
Most Americans still seem to be at the stage of blaming either an individual or a party for our national problems. But eventually, we may come to see that beneath our political and economic symptoms there lies a spiritual problem, on the level of consciousness, on the level of the deepest stories we live by, on the level of shared virtues, values, and vision for a desired future. If we try to solve our problems on a political or social level only, without addressing the deeper spiritual dimensions, we will never experience our needed breakthrough.
It’s not too late to chart a different course. If we shift from self-interest and party-interest to the common good, we can create new systems that help us move forward. We can discover positive strategies that have fewer unintended negative consequences, with more long-term common good benefits.
- Brian McLaren, author of Cory and the Seventh Story
Prayer for the Week
God of all that is good,
Today I seek not the passing rewards of recognition, power, and wealth, but your kingdom of love and justice. I turn again from self to follow the way of Jesus.
So, Holy One, may your kingdom come - in this world and in my life.
Direct my intentions and energies to the higher, enduring reality springing up all around me, pushing back the darkness. I'm desperate to discern where your Spirit is moving.
So, Holy One, may your kingdom come - in this world and in my life.
Even as I contemplate the kingdom Jesus came to announce, I am conscious of my own weakness and need. I want to stay on your path, but it's easy to lose my way.
So, Holy One, may your kingdom come - in this world and in my life. Make me new once more in You.
Amen.
(adapted from The Prayer Wheel by Patton Dodd, Jana Riess and David Van Biema)
