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?