NEW BLOG LOCATIONS

I've moved to another two blogs, one on writing, and one on general stuff like this one. Please come visit! MY NEW BLOGS:

http://amydeardon1.blogspot.com

http://thestorytemplate.blogspot.com


Monday, February 16, 2009

The Cloud of Witnesses

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... Hebrews 12:1, ESV

The role of our politicians in the stimulus package made me think, in a corkscrew kind of way, of this verse. As always, I will avoid taking this blog in a political direction, but do want to discuss some personal apolitical observations.

My impression is that this enormous 600+ page bill was rammed through quickly, before any of our representatives had time to read it, much less understand what it said. When we're talking about 800 billion dollars, give or take a few million (!), this seems to be a foolish thing to do -- after all, as a country we'll be paying for this for years, perhaps generations. Would anyone here buy a house, or car, or other big purchase, without at least figuring out what it is? Hmm.

I'm sure there is enormous peer pressure on the Hill to vote positively for something like this -- there has been much rhetoric about how this stimulus package is "needed quickly" and "we can't wait." Perhaps. Still, as an American citizen, with this quick acceptance I feel let down and yes, betrayed. I want to know what we're actually going to be spending the money on, and if the purchases will truly be helpful. Isn't this common sense? No matter that I called, though, my voice made not a whit of difference.

But here I go into the realm of the political, and really I wanted to make a slightly different point in this blog today. It is this: like those representatives, the above verse from Hebrews seems to suggest that WE are being observed, and our actions are being weighed to see if we succumb to peer pressure or stand up and do the right thing. Those observing us I imagine are cheering for decisions that honor the Lord, although I don't hear their voices.

Which way will I vote? Will my own actions be right?

6 comments:

Billy Coffey said...

Amen, Amy. It would seem that the more something would cost, the more time should be allowed to make sure the money's worth it.

But I suppose politicians aren't the only people who think a whole lot of money could solve our problems.

Anonymous said...

Disappointed, let down. I agree. I have to wonder if our leader saying the bill must go through or else "catastrophe" will result is really the hope people are looking for. Ummm.

Dave Ramsey has pointed out Congress is acting in the spirit of fear. This is true, and it is not wise. I still have hope in the Lord, though, and still think our founding fathers had a good idea. So, we'll see what happens in 2 years.

Alison Bryant said...

I agree about the stimulus stuff, Amy--thanks for a thoughtful comment about the situation.

Thanks even more for the great parallel to Hebrews. I'll carry that thought with me today.

KM Wilsher said...

Thank you, Amy. The verse was great!
I liked what you had to say about the stimulus. It all makes me anxious.
Good post!

Gwen Stewart said...

Amy, we were on the same wavelength. I have never posted anything political on my blog, but after contacting my state representative many times, the indignation of recent events had to come out somewhere.

You made great points, as always, and also used one of my very favorite Bible verses. I see the Hebrews witnesses a bit more optimistically, perhaps wrongly so: I have always pictured them as cheerleaders for the saints. But it is a sure thing that our every word and deed is being recorded for the throne of judgment.

Thank God for the blood of Jesus to cover us.

And I pray for our nation. I'm trying not to be alarmist while appropriately expressing my grave concern about the direction of our country.

God bless you this evening.

Amy Deardon said...

Gwen, you're right, although my post makes them sound judging, I do see them not as judges but cheerleaders. I was not clear. The analogy comes here: just as we trust our politicians to make the right decisions for us on the Hill, these witnesses also are hoping and praying and perhaps are able to directly encourage us to do the right things :-)

Just don't get me started on this *stimulus* package!