The fans rose to their feet in thunderous applause and cheering as the team ran into the stadium. The excitement in the air was electric, as the promise of a new season unfolded before the fans in the stands. The long summer hours of training and practicing were now being put to the test as the teams took the field for the first game of the season – both with visions of victory, and both with goals of successful seasons.
BuckleyThis picture is played out thousands of times throughout the country each fall, as small towns and big towns alike celebrate the launch of high school football, each team setting high aspirations in hopes of a dream season.
In many ways, the recent party conventions for Republicans and Democrats remind us of this atmosphere, as both parties rally and cheer for the promises of new beginnings and a better tomorrow. There have been countless hours of campaigning, writing, raising funds, making speeches, writing party platforms, and developing strategies for what looks to be a pivotal race for the office of president of the United States.
Just as local football fans passionately voice their opinions in support of their home teams, you don’t have to travel far to find passionate Americans who will gladly share their opinions on their choice for president.
It is amazing to see that the self-worth of so many Americans is wrapped up in the success of their football teams. In the same way, there are also many whose entire world is wrapped up in the drama of their political party. Both parties are convinced that their strategy is best for America and that their candidate is the best choice to lead our country.
In the midst of all of the noise, rhetoric and opinions, we are all driven by hope – the hope that tomorrow could be better than yesterday.
President Harry Truman once said, “I do not believe there is a problem in this country or world today which could not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount.”
It is interesting that for many decades, our country’s leaders faithfully sought the wisdom of God and his leadership. This doesn’t mean everything they did was perfect, but they recognized that apart from God, any plans or strategies that were implemented would be futile.
Our selfishness, pride and personal agendas are the cause of division in our communities and country today. In contrast, selflessness, sacrifice and perseverance mark the early decades of our country.
What made the difference? We believed in a cause greater than ourselves, and we would never think to put self above country. In the same way, the spiritual depression we see so many people suffering from today is because we have placed ourselves higher than God in importance.
A great recipe for our country’s healing begins with the healing inside each one of us, as we read in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
We must focus less on ourselves and fix our eyes on Jesus – the author and finisher of our faith – and let the real change begin.
– Buckley is minister to students at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg.