what makes us great

A Presidential election is right around the corner, and once again we hear the politicians and the pundits making their case for this or that candidate. Once again, we are told that if we vote for so-and-so we will ensure a better future for ourselves and our children, and we will overcome poverty, rescue a struggling economy, counter racism, and make the world a better place.

Please don’t misunderstand. I think politics matter, and I do believe that certain candidates and certain philosophies are better for us than others. Some candidates, frankly, make me cringe, and I deplore the idea that political correctness and sound bites too often determine which candidate is (supposedly) better than another. It is important, in other words, to take our civic responsibilities seriously, to do what we can, to get out there and vote.

But, and this is what we need to understand, politicians of neither party are our saviors, and what makes America great is not the promise of some Washington bureaucrats. What has always made us great are these two things: (1) The goodness, guidance, and grace of God (sorry about the alliteration; it just happened. :-) ), and (2) the integrity, hard work, and ingenuity of good people.

Politicians can, of course, play a role in all this. Some policies strangle our economy and promote (intentionally or not) an attitude that is not conducive to personal and societal prosperity. Some political views are, in my view, contrary to the intentions of our Founding Fathers, and stand in the way of progress. However, at our worst and best times, what makes any people great is not what a candidate promises.

When you listen to some of the talking heads, you get the impression that we are getting ready to install some sort of benevolent dictator, a kindly king who will lead us to the promised land. But that it not what American is about . . . thank God. America is about freedom and the opportunity to make a mark in this world. It’s about overcoming odds and living our lives in humble but confident ways, fortified with the knowledge that our greatest treasures are gifts from God.

Have you ever watched the hoopla associated with past presidential elections? Take a look at the Democratic and Republican conventions from, say, the 1960's. When you do, I’ll think you’ll find that a lot of the same things that we tout as new and necessary have been spoken by previous generations, as have some of the exaggerated claims.

Perhaps this is a good thing. Maybe it’s unavoidable. So long as we live in a country where free people remember their past, understand their responsibility, and are mindful of a higher calling, we have a fighting chance. But make no mistake about it, our ultimate hope is in God and in faithfulness to him, his promises, and to one another.

Get involved. Think through the relevant issues, and vote with an informed conscience. But don’t rely too much on politicians or their policies. Unhesitatingly pledge your allegiance to the flag . . . but especially to your Creator and those he sends your way. This is what has made America great, and it is what will keep her great!