There is a Japanese proverb which states, “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” Watching local, state, national, and even world events unfold in recent days shows how true this statement really is. It even makes me wonder how frequently we have neither vision nor action. Worse yet, what happens when there is a vision and accompanying action, but the vision is seriously flawed (or evil) in its intentions?
Primary elections were held yesterday in Wyoming, and I believe that a number of observations can be made in regard to the results. First and foremost, it is evident that money is very important for the candidate and the success of his/her campaign. Second, many voters are disengaged and ill-informed about the issues and the candidates. Third, the Christian principles and values which served as the foundation upon which this republic was founded are seemingly irrelevant in modern politics. It hurts to acknowledge the reality of where we are in the current age.
Put the cards on the table. Progressives are more successful at articulating their message. Furthermore, the conservative message does not resonate with modern voters even when there is an attempt to articulate it. The destruction of traditional values once held by a majority of Christian believers has created a new mindset among the general populace. When the President of the United States makes a statement during the State of the Union speech that he will circumvent the chambers of congress to pursue his agenda, and members of the circumvented group stand and applaud, you know we have a problem. In Wyoming, the governor ignored the will of the people by stripping the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction of her duties and responsibilities. Then he replaced her with his own appointee and spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars investigating the one removed. Eventually, the Supreme Court reversed this action. However, this overreach of power did not affect the voters. The incumbent governor received more votes in the primary than both of his challengers combined. Regardless of the political party involved, are people really okay with that kind of power being exerted and their vote being nullified?
Branch out a little further. The indictment of Texas Governor Rick Perry shows what can happen when there is vision and action backed by the money of someone like George Soros. The mainstream media outlets won’t cover this component, but other outlets are starting to connect the dots between the indictment of the governor and a half million dollars contributed by Soros to an organization behind the indictment. A vision coupled with action toward a sitting governor backed by a lot of dollars creates an interesting political climate. We’ll see how this one plays out eventually.
Let’s reflect on Ferguson, Missouri and observe what happens when action without vision unfolds. Protesters in Missouri say they want justice. If they seriously wanted justice there would have been a vision beyond Al Sharpton inciting violence. Thus, we have had the ensuing nightmare. Obviously, some will disagree with that assessment. However, a true vision would not have resulted in a major portion of the city being violated in one fashion or another. It would have pursued meaningful change based upon facts instead of emotions.
Finally, the beheading of an American journalist by ISIS should remind all of us about the fragile nature of life in our world today. ISIS has a vision and they are certainly following it up with action. Will their flag someday fly at the White House as was stated in their video?
The long term consequences of our decisions and actions (or inactions) can be immense. I am gravely concerned that apathy on the part of Christians is having dire results. Keeping our faith trapped in the walls of our churches and in our homes is leading our nation on a path straight to hell. Being content with freedom of worship rather than the freedom of religion to which we have an unalienable right is devastating the moral fabric of our society. If the Church does not influence the moral values of society we are certain to continue our downward spiral in moral decadence and decay.
John Maxwell has a profound statement. “If you think you are a leader and no one is following you, you are just going for a walk.” It is time for faith-filled and Spirit-led leaders to lead. This isn’t just for the ordained. It is for all Christians who share in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Be a person of prayer, study, and action. Be a Christian leader!
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
~Hosea 4:6
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…”
Proverbs 29:2
“When a land has been given into the hands of the wicked, God blindfolds its judges.”
Job 9:24
Primary elections were held yesterday in Wyoming, and I believe that a number of observations can be made in regard to the results. First and foremost, it is evident that money is very important for the candidate and the success of his/her campaign. Second, many voters are disengaged and ill-informed about the issues and the candidates. Third, the Christian principles and values which served as the foundation upon which this republic was founded are seemingly irrelevant in modern politics. It hurts to acknowledge the reality of where we are in the current age.
Put the cards on the table. Progressives are more successful at articulating their message. Furthermore, the conservative message does not resonate with modern voters even when there is an attempt to articulate it. The destruction of traditional values once held by a majority of Christian believers has created a new mindset among the general populace. When the President of the United States makes a statement during the State of the Union speech that he will circumvent the chambers of congress to pursue his agenda, and members of the circumvented group stand and applaud, you know we have a problem. In Wyoming, the governor ignored the will of the people by stripping the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction of her duties and responsibilities. Then he replaced her with his own appointee and spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars investigating the one removed. Eventually, the Supreme Court reversed this action. However, this overreach of power did not affect the voters. The incumbent governor received more votes in the primary than both of his challengers combined. Regardless of the political party involved, are people really okay with that kind of power being exerted and their vote being nullified?
Branch out a little further. The indictment of Texas Governor Rick Perry shows what can happen when there is vision and action backed by the money of someone like George Soros. The mainstream media outlets won’t cover this component, but other outlets are starting to connect the dots between the indictment of the governor and a half million dollars contributed by Soros to an organization behind the indictment. A vision coupled with action toward a sitting governor backed by a lot of dollars creates an interesting political climate. We’ll see how this one plays out eventually.
Let’s reflect on Ferguson, Missouri and observe what happens when action without vision unfolds. Protesters in Missouri say they want justice. If they seriously wanted justice there would have been a vision beyond Al Sharpton inciting violence. Thus, we have had the ensuing nightmare. Obviously, some will disagree with that assessment. However, a true vision would not have resulted in a major portion of the city being violated in one fashion or another. It would have pursued meaningful change based upon facts instead of emotions.
Finally, the beheading of an American journalist by ISIS should remind all of us about the fragile nature of life in our world today. ISIS has a vision and they are certainly following it up with action. Will their flag someday fly at the White House as was stated in their video?
The long term consequences of our decisions and actions (or inactions) can be immense. I am gravely concerned that apathy on the part of Christians is having dire results. Keeping our faith trapped in the walls of our churches and in our homes is leading our nation on a path straight to hell. Being content with freedom of worship rather than the freedom of religion to which we have an unalienable right is devastating the moral fabric of our society. If the Church does not influence the moral values of society we are certain to continue our downward spiral in moral decadence and decay.
John Maxwell has a profound statement. “If you think you are a leader and no one is following you, you are just going for a walk.” It is time for faith-filled and Spirit-led leaders to lead. This isn’t just for the ordained. It is for all Christians who share in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Be a person of prayer, study, and action. Be a Christian leader!
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
~Hosea 4:6
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…”
Proverbs 29:2
“When a land has been given into the hands of the wicked, God blindfolds its judges.”
Job 9:24
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