Perhaps the challenge in the credit crunch and economic downturn lies not in our politicians, but in ourselves.
To be sure, federal policymakers in the executive and legislative branches have outraged taxpayers. The so-called experts have repeatedly dropped the ball or turned a blind eye to difficulties until they've exploded into crises.
The shortcomings of the public sector are matched by bad judgment and, yes, even corruption in the private sector. ...
But as we resent some in the executive suites, and point our fingers at the pork-barrel politicians who build bridges to nowhere, it's important to remember they aren't much different than many Americans who are fellow travelers on the road to bankruptcy.
For decades, too many have lived beyond their means. Consumers buy items they can't afford and pile up debts they are unable to pay. The concept of sacrifice is largely ignored. In the ceaseless quest to acquire more toys, instant gratification trumps patience.
Then he ends his article with this:
Instead of legislating, taxing and spending our way out of this mess, it's time to realize that the solution has been around for 2,000 years.
While we drown in debt and beg for bailouts, Jesus offers a peace that can calm the storms of life. In John 14:6 in the Bible, he said: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Earlier in the book of John, it chronicles how Jesus went to Jerusalem and found men around the temple selling cattle, sheep and doves and others sitting around exchanging money. He drove them from the sacred area, scattering the coins of the money changers and overturning their tables.
According to Jesus, a person's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. The real value is found in a person's soul. The day of reckoning has arrived, and all must ask: Does the almighty dollar merit worship, or is it in God that we trust?
A new occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue might make a difference. But let's have the audacity to hope that Americans are able to change. Yes we can.
It has been some time since I have heard anybody in the general media suggest that personal responsibility is important (and an invitation to turn toward God, also). Ben Franklin, in his autobiography, outlined 13 virtues (here), among them can be found:
Temperance
Frugality
Industry
Moderation
Rarely is temperance spoken of anymore. Moderation is almost unknown. Industry tends to be avoided. Frugality is scarce, almost never voluntary. Perhaps as Americans we need to pause and examine ourselves.
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