Tahrir Square
Almost a year ago, the small nation of Tunisia began the current spate of revolts against despotic regimes in the Middle East. The country recently held its first elections since the overthrow of the country’s one-party rule. The elections appeared to be free, fair, and relatively unmarred by corruption or violence.
By contrast, violence has flared again in Egypt, where elections are held this week. The violence has included the deaths of demonstrators as well as the burning of Christian churches and the killing of Christians. Much of the protest centers on the Egyptian military, against their perceived unwillingness to relinquish power. The military partnered with the Egyptian people in the earlier revolution to rid the country of the corrupt rule of Mubarak, yet now appears unwilling to allow an unfettered civilian government to rule.
This is a recurring theme of newly freed nations. The group which plays the role in ridding the country of tyranny, itself refuses to relinquish power.
What would have happened to our own country if George Washington had followed the usual pattern? He could have used his powers as commander of the American armed forces after he successfully led them to victory over the British to seize power. Instead, he resigned his commission. Later, after two terms as president, he stepped aside, saying two terms was enough. By leaving the office voluntarily and allowing for a peaceful transfer of power, he established a valuable precedent for the country.
The decision of a popular individual to see power as a trust and a refusal to use it for selfish purposes is a rare choice.
To have ‘goodness’ in our country, it is helpful to have a good Constitution. But we must have more than just good laws. We as a people must also be good, just as George Washington was good. Somehow (because we no longer teach Christian religion in our schools?), we are no longer good people. And no set of laws, not even those that are as perfect as our Constitution, are going to save us. We must all repent, and return to God.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, Gerald.
I remember school devotions when I was growing up, prayers before sports contests, and once in a while a Christian-oriented comment by a teacher. More lasting, I think, were church youth leaders who listened to us and discussed with us and guided. But even more important were my parents and Christian friends. Many of us are parents. All of us can be friends. It seems to me that these relationships, more than any formal ones, carry the most influence for Christ.