State of the State

Over the last two weeks we have witnessed both the federal State of the Union, Michigan's State of the State, and ESPN's State of Sports. It has been interesting two weeks.  Many conversations about politics and ideas about how to fix the country and the state. What has been most interesting is that people on both sides of the political aisle seem to believe that their position on every issue is what will make the world better.

When we consider how to respond to the issues and problems before us we must look at them from a different perspective.  We can no longer expect a political party to represent "us".  Political parties simply represent those who pay to get them into office. There is little to no accountability. We must realize that the political corporation is the imperial power that we live in the face of right now. There is one simple concern that career politicians desire: power.

Power is something that those who claim to follow Christ need to look for in a different place.  We do not find power in taking control of others.  We find power in relationship with the crucified and resurrected Christ.  This means that if we are going to make change in our community and culture we must look to the way of Christ and find solutions there.  The reality is that the solutions are there. What might they be?

They are found in balancing justice and productivity.  How do we do this? We do this by seeking local development in agriculture, business, and education.  We do this by understanding the process by which various goods and services get to us and into our homes.   We have to make choices in light of creation mandate that requires sustainability. We also must be creative and look beyond the technological for solutions.  People and their relationships with one another are crucial to the fixing of this place.

There is nothing easy about any of this.  We must rise above the din of political fury and realize that there is a subversive way to go about changing the economic reality of our local, state, and federal collectives. They are found in the way of self-sacrifice, community development, and seeking justice.  You can call me naïve. That is fine. But if you do, would you at least be willing to dream with me about what could be if we applied the redemptive and subversive principles found in the joy of the redemption parade?