The Struggle for Power

As we're in the throes of the political campaigning season I can't help myself... I'm just cynical about the real political motivations of those seeking office. One of things that I genuinely appreciate about John McCain is his history of sacrifice and service to the US. He has served a very long time, and given much. Having said that he isn't a compelling candidate overall. Not sure what to think about Obama. I truly don't see any real experience. When his own campaign is citing running for office as an example of his executive experience that's weird. To say, "I'm qualified to be President of the USA because I've run a large Presidential campaign seems something like circular reasoning.

What's the motivation when it's all said and done, for each party? I think it's power and the thrill of being in power. It causes us to completely lose our objectivity. I don't see political parties - or candidates - spending much time truly seeking the welfare of those they serve. I don't see them being faithful to their pledges. I just got a flyer from the Doc Hastings campaign last night. He ran on the "term limits" platform. Now he's been in office... continues to run for office... long after the "time's up" on the limits he was espousing. Why doesn't he get out of the race and throw his hat in with someone he can support? He likes power - and somewhere deep down he probably thinks he can help more in office than out - but he likes power. (Someone please correct me if it wasn't Hastings who ran on that platform - I'll gladly retract).

I was reading this morning in the gospel of John chapter three. Jesus and his disciples, along with John and his disciples are baptizing in the land of Judea (v.22ff) because there was much water there. In a discussion between John's disciples and a Jew they asked John a question, "What do you think about this Jesus guy baptizing too?" Are they asking John how he feels about someone stealing his thunder? "Hey! We're the popular baptizing guys... what's he doing horning in on our territory?" I love John's answer -

"You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom's friend, his 'best man'—that's me—in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start? "That's why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. "The One who comes from above is head and shoulders over other messengers from God. The earthborn is earthbound and speaks earth language; the heavenborn is in a league of his own." John 3:28-31 (MSG)

John effectively says, "Hey guys, this thing is not about me, and I don't need the popularity. The point is Jesus, let's not lose focus." He isn't consumed by power. When John's in prison seeing the handwriting on the wall and his head soon on the platter only has one concern... did I bet on the right horse. He doesn't seem overly concerned about his own welfare - he just wants to know, and sends his disciples to ask, "Are you the one or should we look for another?"

It's refreshing to see that heart and it challenges me to have that heart. My power an success are immaterial in the whole scope of things. It's not about me - or you either if you're reading this I guess.