Today’s Scripture Reading (October
27, 2012): Joshua 23
A few days
ago I watched the final Presidential debate in preparation for the election
that is now only days away. And as many have mentioned, I was amazed at the
length at which the combatants, especially Governor Romney, went to find common
ground. There were several moments where some form of the phrase “I agreed with
you when you said” or “when you did” this was spoken by either of the
candidates. Some of the analysts saw the motivation in this action as trying to
appear to be the one who could bring consensus, the one that could be the
peacemaker and unify a government that is divided by its two party structure.
But there was also a consequence of the consensus making; often the candidates
were accused of flip-flopping on the issues.
In a
Presidential election, the stakes are undeniably high. And we know from some of
the polls that those who will be voting in the election value consensus and
positive action (and it is fights and negativism that provokes their
displeasure.) It can be argued that the criteria for electability will change
in the coming days. Often it seems that the negative advertising is valued and
more effective (possibly because it is more memorable) the closer that we get
to the ballot box. But when the criteria on which we are judged is how well we
play with other politicians (especially ones from the other party) sometimes it
is hard to remember that the most important thing that the voter needs to know
is what it is that we stand for. Because the axiom is true – if we do not stand
for something, then we will fall for anything.
As Joshua
prepares to say goodbye to the nation that he has led now for a generation, he
repeats some advice that God had given him during the early days of his journey
– be strong. There will be ample times when those around you will want you to
deviate just a little from the plans that God has for you. But if you want to
succeed as a nation, then just follow God in every way that you can. As Joshua
looks at the nation that has been born out of slavery in Egypt, he is proud in
what it is that God has done. His reminder to the people is that it was God who
did it – and who would continue to do it as long as the nation followed him.
In our
situation, we know that both candidates are guilty of doing a bit of
flip-flopping. But my hope is that they have allowed us to see into the core of
who it is that they are. And our hope, is that both of the candidates will have
the courage to stay strong in that core belief when all of those around them
want them to deviate to the right or the left.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua
24
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