I would expand this quote to not only include the government leaders but also decision-making leaders in general. Yes, I had the privilege of attending a smaller/private school through eighth grade. My exposure to a different approach to education was a huge blessing. I have my mother to thank for those early educational years because the only way I could attend such a school was due to my mother being a teacher at the school. I grew up on the poor side of the tracks (quite literally). Yet, it was not just the school itself that established such richness in my early years of development. It was also the governing educational values that the school was built upon that helped establish within me respect, character, and integrity with my fellow peers.
But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to take an overall look at today’s leaders (decision-makers in general) and discover that life-altering and governing decisions are founded on the sand and easily influenced by the whims of others (largely those with deep pockets). Respect, Character, and Integrity are slowly fading away, largely due to the fact that so much of life, in general, is “relative” and has little to no moral compass behind each new influential direction. I have written previously about our “lack of a Moral compass.” I believe this to be true. And because our decision makers’ compass continues to spin and not identify with a consistent truth, the decisions that impact the lives of so many also struggle in their ability to be of sound mind and true integrity. No wonder so few people truly trust or believe in our decision-makers today.
Let me cut to the chase. I came across a statement that was summarized in an equation (Math teachers like those equations). I agree with this overall flow of historical truth.
Government < Culture < Religion
This equation defines a flow of influence. Our education system is definitely influenced by our culture and yet it also influences and develops our future cultures and sub-cultures. In fact, cultures influence and develop those elected to government positions. YET, even our recent last few centuries of history have taught us that “religion” is the greatest influencer of all. Our country was founded on Christian principles. And now (the last 100 years specifically) we have slowly been eliminating the greatest and strongest of these, our Christian foundation. I also believe that the slow (and some might add intentional) erosion of Christianity in the United States has gradually initiated a landslide that can be visibly witnessed in our government leadership along with what we (in general) value as a country. The erosion of our rich and productive “topsoil” has been transforming into a new “Dust Bowl” of destruction. What once allowed our country to flourish and be seen as a beacon of hope to the world has even recently had the rest of the world question the sanity of our decisions.
Individuals who have come to this country to escape persecution and other forms of destructive government are now crying out and asking our leaders, “What are you doing?” These same individuals are now lecturing us that we are heading down the same destructive pathway of the countries that they so desperately fled. I have personal friends in other countries that definitely see the United States as a weaker nation now, seeking to embrace all things that weaken its respect, character, and integrity with other nations.
Ok, I am a fixer by nature. Even if I don’t know how to fix something, I’ll find out how to or find someone to get the job done. Nothing drives me crazier than allowing something that is so broken to remain that way. So, what should we be paying attention to to start taking next steps in repairing what has been broken in our country? Well, I am trying to make a difference myself at the moment as a high school teacher. I like to teach the subjects and not brainwash or push other cultural values upon students. I also believe in the power of our identity in Christ. I live each day hoping that others will see Christ through me and see Him and not me. As a public educator, it is not my duty to push Christianity on others. Yet I do love reflecting the love of Christ to all I come in contact with.
Having ministered in the church for over 25 years, I have also addressed that part of the equation. And before you ask, NO, I do not desire to enter any form of politics. I am much better at the other two parts of the equation. So I ask you, “What are you doing or what would you like to do in order to bring restoration and repair where there now exists decay and brokenness?” I would love to hear your thoughts on this post and learn alongside you to help our nation become again a nation of respect, character, and integrity.
Mike