Those who know me, find Waldo in this Picture. Well, that is if by Waldo you know I mean me.
In a wild twist of events God placed me in the Governor's office in the state capital during this year's legislative session.
I am a total Civics geek so it was off the charts cool in my book.
The Governor spoke freely about his desire to creat a better Louisiana our children would be proud to inherit and the plans he had to do that.
He also freely spoke about his personal relationship with Christ and how it shaped his life.
He believes most debt is morally wrong but doing what it takes to get out of it will be painful for all of us. He knows doing what it takes will be very unpopular but is willing to make those choices.
He will fight, at the cost of his own career for family values, the value of life and other issues that are clearly dear to the heart of God.
It was surreal to hear that kind of talk coming out of a politicians mouth and know his record shows he means it.
We have to care about our government.
The leader of our group ( a committee of the Louisiana Baptist Convention that keeps up with current legislation for issues that the Bible gives us clear direction on) told this story.
His football coach in High School got ready to give a pep talk to the team as they faced the state champions.
He said "Just don't go out there and embarass yourselves".
They were defeated, before they ever left the room.
His parallel was that we as Christians often have a similar view of the world.
We are going out into the world not to change it but just to keep from looking bad while everything falls apart around us.
Wow. Not much scripture to back that one up.
We all know how to trying to "Change" the world can go wrong:
Verbally tearing people apart,
Condemning everyone who is seperated from Christ,
Pointless public acts of protest that do not illustrate love,
etc...
But how do we do this correctly?
First, I think befriending people and learning what their hopes and goals are, is where to start. Treat the Mayor (or Principal, or council person, or leader of any kind) to lunch and use that time to find out what they care about. Make an appointment to meet your representative.
The general public can do that.
Second, Always respect someone even when their beliefs radically differ from yours. Unconditional love is so rare it catches peoples attention.
Third, Pray, pray, pray and a side heaping of prayer. Pray daily for these leaders.
The Holy Spirit can do what you cannot.
He can change hearts and transform minds. Believe and embrace this truth.
We are not defeated losers slinking away from life just hoping to finish with out anymore abuse. We are victorious overcomers and we need to breathe it in and act like it.
