Reading a newspaper anywhere in the world brings out a familiar story line. Local political leader acts (with honesty or a huge semantic blanket) and the truth of his leadership finds itself being played out in the words, actions, and scandals of those who work for his cause. There is a direct correlation that extends from top to bottom, active follower to casual participant. In the middle of the leader’s term it is as if the corruption will never end. Stories repeat themselves with different participants and colors, but the core accusation just grows and matures with time.
The irony is that those who stand up and openly fight the problem seem to be getting less and less. It is as if “when corruption takes over, good people go underground, but when the crooks are thrown out, it’s safe to come out.” (Proverbs 28.28) People have grown so accustomed to the problem of integrity that their behavior is predictable. N general, a few, very few, fight and the rest fade into hiding. When I was young I was one of the few that gladly took on every fight, ready to stand for the causes of justice, mercy, and compassion. With age I find that I am less ready, less willing, and less able to fight the battle.
Where is God in all this? Do corrupt politicians have a free ride? Is it a personal moral failure not to stand and fight? Are we automatically called to every battle?
God is here, seeking to restore you and me into relationship. Everything at his disposal is being used – experiences, nature, Words, testimony, and conversation. For God, this drive is more important than anything else that remains undone in this universe! When evil reigns he works with even more intensity to present the case for love, compassion, and mercy.
The question that remains is simple yet difficult. Where are we in all of this? Hiding is one thing, ignoring the needs of others is something else. Whatever you do, do for others what God has done for you.
