What Should I Do?

A few weeks ago I was driving on a two-lane state highway and listening to the radio.  I was listening to a "news" station and found my blood pressure rising as I listened to report after report concerning the political campaigns.  If you've read previous posts here, you might empathize a bit. 

Each report delivered essentially verbatim the latest sound bite from one of the candidates.  There was no real attempt at critical analysis (who has time for that) and "big lies" were coming one after the other.  Fortunately for me, I recognized my condition (rising blood pressure) and took action in the only two ways that ever work.  One: a series of deep, cleansing breaths and two: prayer.

Wherever you may find yourself on the God spectrum, you'll find that these two approaches can work wonders.  There is a wisdom out there that will take every trouble that you hand to it and give back something that is for you.

I asked, "What should I do in the face of such lies, fear and anger?"  An old testament injunction came to mind immediately.  "...what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

"Yeah!" I thought, "that's what they should be doing!"  The answer to my prayer wasn't complete yet, though.  The rest of the story came then, "No, you."  I was busted (again). 

When we attempt to control the lives of others by limiting what they may (legally) do or think or discuss or write, we fail in our obedience to this simple advice.  We fail in mercy or justice or humility or all three at once.  I can do it.  You can do it.

The Big Lies do not come from God (in spite of what their speakers may try to imply) and, in fact, do not come out of any kind of relationship with God by whatever name.  Government that can't effect mercy or justice or humility is no government at all.