Simplistic solutions?

The Presidential political campaign is started in earnest. From all sides we have candidates claiming they have the solutions for complex issues like poverty, caring for the Creation, reducing crime, and making health care affordable for all people. What I find frustrating is the implication these challenges can be met if just one program is put into place, if just one thread is pulled the whole knot will unravel.

Want to reduce crime? Get tough on criminals and hand down longer prison sentences.
Want to reduce poverty? Create an government program to collect more taxes and re-distribute wealth to more people. Etc, etc.

I cannot think of any social problems that has a single cause, nor can do I believe that any will be be solved with simplistic solutions outlined in campaign speeches. Complex issues require thoughtful solutions. Addressing the issues of the nation will demand leader who are willing to ignore polls, men and women who tell people the hard stuff, the truth that few want to hear. And that is the tough part of democracy, for how does one get elected unless he wins votes; and how does he win votes unless he tells the voters what they want to hear?

The same impulse to 'solve' problems with simplistic solutions makes it's way into Christianity, too.

- Guilt got you down? Just say the 'sinner's prayer' and you can instantly change!
- Struggling with a chronic sickness? Find a healer and say a faithful prayer and claim your healing.
- Has spiritual apathy kept you from becoming involved in hands-on ministry? Have you confused a life full of stuff with having real and eternal life? Buy the newest program from the popular Christian author and borrow inspiration from his grand stories.

Now that's I have offended most of you in one way or another, let me hasten to add - I do believe in conversion, healing, and think that there are some great resources out there that really do help mobilize Christians. But, simply getting someone to say a prayer, even an orthodox one, does not guarantee real transformation of character unless that person subsequently becomes a disciple of Jesus: a life-long, day to day, and very costly choice! Healing is sometimes a miraculous relief of symptoms, but more often healing comes through multiple adjustments in the way we live- forgiveness, better work habits, more exercise, improved diet, and learning to live within Biblical guidelines. Books and programs can inspire, but real servants emerge when people get passionate about One Person, Jesus. That kind of passion truly 'consumes' us and makes all other interests secondary to Loving God, and showing that love by serving others in His Name without careful calculation of cost vs.benefit. No program, no set of pictures in PowerPoint, no stories that tug on emotions, can replace the conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings about a genuine and complete devotion to the Person and Work of our Lord.

If that all sounds complex, it should; because it is. Life is complex! While we might like the attractiveness of simple slogans, most of us know they are not enough to change the world. While we might like to sing songs that make it all look simple and easy, and hang on sermons that promise quick relief from the troubles of life, the real answers involve careful thought, lots of sacrificial work, and ongoing prayer which allows the Master to guide us to the Abundant Life He promises to those who love Him, not just in slogan, but in fact.

The most profound path for developing a life of wholeness, that is marked by spiritual maturity, was laid out by God and delivered to us by Moses. It is neither simple nor easy, but it is comprehensive and yet succinct. Jesus said that if we love God and love others, we will be moved and empowered by the Holy Spirit to conform our lives to these holy directives. Here they are.

"Then God gave the people all these instructions:
"I am the Lord your God, .... You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind ... I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. ...
Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. ....
Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
You must not murder.
You must not commit adultery.
You must not steal.
You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
You must not covet your neighbor’s house,...wife,...servant, ...or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:1-17, NLT)

Please do not misunderstand. You cannot save yourself by any amount of self-righteousness or hard work. The weakness of the Law is our broken, sinful nature that confounds our best intentions to keep it. But, in Christ, the power of that nature over us is replaced with the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Christ did not erase the righteous requirements of God for holy living. He made holiness truly possible! Enjoying the full benefit of the salvation given to us through the grace of God will require ongoing application of the Truth, and daily discipline.

Here's a word from the Word for your thoughts today....

"Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." (Philippians 2:12-15, NLT)