Anyone who knows me knows that I am a political junkie. I can literally sit and watch the news shows all day into the night. They told me when I was younger that preachers and politics don’t mix but I actually find joy in critiquing the interplay between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of our God. I have very strong views regarding “Mr. 45” and the lackluster, laissez-faire attitude of a faltering administration that has thrown our diplomatic capital into anarchy. (I will save that for another time). But the issue that arrested my attention this week revolves around the newly-released book, “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff. By now, I am sure the media outlets have overwhelmed your psyche with critiques and celebrations; I will not add to the never-ending chorus… but there is one thing that deserves to be mentioned…
Lawmakers, correspondents, psychiatrists are all questioning the “mental fitness” of the President. I dare not question their right to an opinion. But the underlying issue is not about the details of the book (as breathtaking as they are)… The disheartening reality is the fact that the country’s leader lacked the awareness to know that when you live your life recklessly, people gain leverage to discredit your leadership. People must believe in you as a person before they accept your message. When you lack aim, purpose, and vision for your life, the easiest area to attack is your personal failings. We all possess “fire and fury” within our own hearts. Yet if it goes unchecked, we lose our ability to be the helping hand that people need in their lives. Perfection is not an option for our lives, nor is it required to be a benefit to others. Our continuing mission is to remain instruments for the Master’s use so that in spite of our own missteps and mistakes, our lives are used to make someone a better person.
As I recently shared with a friend of mine, remember your life’s assignment. Remember, who placed you on this Earth and the greater purpose that He has called you to do. Don’t spend your energy throwing stones at others AND don’t give others the stones to throw back at you… Burn with fire! Rage with fury! But be gentle as a lamb because people are watching you. They are depending on you…
“…Be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt 10:16, HCSB)