politics

I'm really enjoying all the campaign coverage.  I guess it's because there's nothing else on TV.  It's like watching a reality television show (which I rarely do because they are just one notch above Jerry Springer).

Just like in a reality show, I've come to the conclusion that all the contestants must be severely flawed to even want to participate, and each is willing to sacrifice a bit of his or her humanity and decency in order to win.  It's sick, but it sure is entertaining.

Anyhoo, I was watching them bicker last night, and I was thinking about how the different behaviors make me feel.  For instance, sometimes certain candidates demonstrate humility, honesty, and hopefulness, which makes me think that they are perfect for the job, and have no chance of winning.  Other times, they are arrogant, judgmental, and convinced that everyone else is wrong, which makes me not want to listen to anything they have to say.

I apologize, as I realize I am creating a wall 'o text here, so I'll get to the point.  I'm currently reading a book called "They Like Jesus But Not the Church."  It's all about how our arrogant, judgmental, everyone-else-is-wrong attitudes (see it all ties together) is keeping people away from the church.  Most people think Jesus is great and respect his ideas and what he stood for, but they don't like us.  Jesus demonstrated humility, honesty, and hope, which is what drew people to him.  We tend to be known for what we're against and for being holier-than-thou.  Sometimes I don't like us either.

Of course, none of this is meant to be a knock against any particular candidate or anything like that.  Instead, I was just thinking that if the politicians, who have paid professionals monitoring how they are perceived, often come across as callous, self-serving, hate mongers, how do we come across to the people we run into everyday?  Are we demonstrating hope, love, and humility?  I probably don't do that as much as I should.

See you Sunday...