Midterm elections were yesterday. As I’m writing this, I don’t know the results, and that’s not the point of this post.
The point is that two convictions have been creeping in on me.
- Voting
I haven’t been a consistent voter. The process seems archaic and the content of platforms and policies unclear. Nevertheless, voting is critical. Our society is what we make of it, together. And governance is a fundamental framework that we share and, in a small but important way, have a voice in.
- Cleaning the swamp
The “swamp” has been referred to as “Professional politicians in D.C.” But that’s not the real swamp.
The real swamp is selfishness.
Selfishness kills community and culture, and it’s wreaking havoc on our society.
Yes, selfish political figures. And… selfish interest groups that are buying political figures… who are selling products to selfish people… who are a lot like ME.
I’m the problem. It’s not just “them,” it’s me, too.
What if on this Wednesday we each took a moment and considered what it means to the clean the swamp in our own hearts? What if we acknowledged that we’re all the problem, and so we’re all the solution? And what if the only way to shift our self-centered culture is to make personal decisions that are in the best interest of others?
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:3-4