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Since, then, we have such a hope . . .-2 Corinthians 3:12
I don't know about you, but I am already weary of all the posturing for the presidential election-and we're still not out of the primaries! (I am a political junky, by the way, so I have been following it all, mea culpa). But I must say I'm not very encouraged. Our old world is a mess.
A recent Rasmussen poll shows that only 32% of Americans think the country is headed in a right direction. However, such a dismal attitude is nothing new. On average since then, 7 out of 10 Americans have believed that America is on the wrong track since 1971, the first year that question has been polled nationally. (There have been three times since then that a majority in this country thought we were on the right track: once under Ronald Reagan, once under Bill Clinton, and immediately following 9/11.)
Today we have increased income disparity: the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Student loan debt is at an all-time high. We are saddling a generation with thousands and thousands of dollars of debt before they ever start to make their way in the world. More young adults are living with their parents than in the Great Depression (more than 50%). And Congress is in perpetual gridlock.
As Christians, though, we are not without hope-not because we expect a new president to solve all our ills. Christians hope because it is in our nature to hope. Our hope is rooted in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Strong Christians never lose hope.
I love the story about a great, never-say-die general who was taken captive and thrown into a deep, wide pit along with a number of his soldiers. In that pit was a huge pile of horse manure.
"Follow me," the general cried to his men as he dove into the pile, "There has to be a horse in here somewhere!"
So, have you lost hope? Where does your hope lie? When you wake in the morning do you look forward to the opportunities of the day, or do you face it with dread?
Later in our passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul writes: "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Have you lost hope? Read the full passage to find out how to regain your hope. Basically, hang out with Jesus, and his hope will rub off on you.
Blessings,
Neal+
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