Courageous

Psalm 15:1-3 - LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend...

We in Wisconsin have been inundated for months over the attempted recall of our governor, Scott Walker. There is one thing that is not broadcast about Governor Walker that many people may not know. He is a man of God and all he does, I believe, is what the Lord would want any man or woman of God to do...be honest, have integrity, have God's wisdom and stand courageously for what is right and true. This is Scott Walker. 

I'm not going to dwell on the recall. We've listened to months of angry words. I just want to recall what God says about living in an upright manner. It bodes well with God! And that's the most important thing. Do we do, do we say things that He would be pleased with?

I've watched Governor Walker being raked through the coals over the past few months and every time he is interviewed his demeanor is neither frazzled nor angry. Instead he had (and still has) a look of peace and determination. The peace that passes all understanding and a determination born out of knowing what he does is the right thing. A peace that comes with Godly wisdom. There was a hand made poster everyone could see while Walker was giving his speech: You Can't ReCall Courage... How appropriate. This man is courageous, standing against his opponents for what is right.

I had an email devotion show up this morning, whether coincidence or not, that seemed to have been written just for Walker, although I know it's for the nation as well. The one thing it said that struck me most was a sentence regarding political leaders who do not look just to their own future but the future of generations to come. And that is just what Walker alluded to in his acceptance speech.

He believes in the Constitution's words "by the people, for the people." He IS for the people. He is only trying to do that which is good for all. Later in his speech he said he had just spoken with the Mayor of Milwaukee who was running against him. A series of "boo's" began to erupt and he nipped it in the bud. "No, no, no, no, no, no..." he said waggling his finger at the crowd, "the election is over." He is committed to working with our mayor to move forward. He had no desire to attack.

Such deep animosity from opponents. There seems to be little peace in their lives, only a desire for revenge. When one has a relationship with God, with Jesus, one has the peace that passes all understanding. Revenge should not be an issue. You accept your "enemy" as they are and move on. You do what you know is right. Sometimes we fail in the attempt because we are overpowered by the opposition, but sometimes God helps us win our battles. I love when that happens! We are allowed a righteous indignation for our opposers, but we are called to love them and pray for them, that they be changed by the only Person who can take the anger, fear, vengeful feelings away.

All throughout the Bible are stories about the kings of nations and what happened when they followed after God's way and tore down altars and idols and they brought the people back to living for their God. There was a time of peace and prosperity when that happened. When the kings chose not to heed God's commands wars erupted, there was unrest. Which do we desire?? Where is God in our society today? Despite this one man's success here in Wisconsin, it's just one small incident. There will be other attempts and some successes, but if there are so truly people opposed to the good things, who demand control and oppression...and removal of God's name and commands...we can still fall as a nation. God can still turn His back on us. I'm just thankful for the promises God keeps for His people.

God is always seeking those who desire to do what is right and just in this world. He seeks people to come into relationship with Him that hearts would change and become right, not only with Him, but in the world. He desires people to have His peace, protection and guidance. There is enough evil in this life. It only seems to get worse...and will only get worse, despite the few who desire doing right, despite the small forward, good movements like what has transpired in Wisconsin. But if we do right, God will see and bless. He has told us He will watch over and protect His children, those who have laid aside their lives in this world and seek Him in all areas of their lives. 

Praise God for this man of integrity...and courage. In Psalm 119:1-3 describes this kind of man: Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. 

My prayer is that other politicians will catch on and stand strong for what is right and be as courageous and determined as Scott Walker! Bless him and bless those who do the same. Bless those who are on the side of goodness. And let God work in the hearts of those less inclined to believe in what is good and true and just, according to biblical standards. Let us not condemn them but let us pray their eyes would be opened and hearts changed.

Isaiah 33:15-16 - He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil: he will dwell on high; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; bread will be given him, his water will be sure.