On what basis?
is a dirty business, P olitics a blood sport, it has devolved into a theatre of thespians attempting to lead disheartened and disquieted people.
I wonder what politics would be if candidates based their lives and campaigns on Scripture.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
Wow! – honest conversations without vitriol, name calling, avoidance, condescending, misleading and gaslighting conversations from both candidates.
“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” (Matthew 7:12).
In our present world it is, do unto others before they do unto you. It is no wonder our country is failing. We have leaders (both parties) using government agencies to altar election results, suppressing people pursuing happiness without government intervention.
We are a critical and judgmental society but we read, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2).
I remember when President Gerald Ford pardoned President Nixon after he resigned his presidency in shame – it was a national nightmare. President Ford judged correctly, by applying mercy and forgiveness to President Nixon and our nation moved on. A little mercy and forgiveness between the two Presidents now would reset and strengthen our nation.
Jesus “sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums.
A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.
Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, al sha had to live on” (Mark 12:41-45).
According to Alina Wang, in an article posted 3 October 2024 on Wealthgang. com our current and immediate past presidents have done very well! President Biden “Since becoming president, his wealth has grown to around $10 million”. President Trump “With an estimated net worth of $3.7 billion before taking office … according to Bloomberg, his net worth rebounded in 2024, driven by the resurgence of his business ventures … ”
President Obama “… the 44th president of the U.S., had a net worth of $1.3 million before taking office … today, Obama is among the wealthiest former presidents, with a fortune estimated at over $70 million.”
President Bush “ … the former governor of Texas and 43rd president of the U.S. had an estimated net worth of $20 million pre-presidency thanks to his ventures in oil and his ownership stake in the Texas Rangers. After his presidency, his fortune doubled thanks to highly successful book deals …” President Clinton “… entered the presidency with a relatively modest net worth of $1.3 dollars … after leaving office in 2001, his wealth increased dramatically (to 120 million dollars). It would be nice to see a person enter the presidency and leave as he or she entered.
Every President is fallible, I am and so are you. However, rising to the Presidency requires a leader to have wisdom and understanding that limits his or her fallibility. We read, “Acquire wisdom!
Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from my words. Do not forsake her and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding …” (Proverbs 4:5-7). It would be the height of leadership, maturity and wisdom should one of the candidates genuinely ask the American people to pray and ask God to give them wisdom and understanding that surpasses their skills and knowledge.
Whoever asks this would be a humble servant to our Constitution, laws, culture, and people, indeed they would be a great President. These biblical principles are also applicable to local, county and state candidates too. On what basis or standards are you basing your vote?
Clayton P. Adams, West Memphis, Arkansas, email: clayton padamslll@gmail.com.
Clayton Adams
Time in the Word
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