Politics: Without character and ethics, capitalism and democracy cannot survive for the long haul. Lying, cheating, cooking the books, irresponsibility, self-centeredness are self-destructive. We always reap what we sow—even if it is eventually.

Same is true with politics. Perhaps as never before we urgently need capable politicians; and I am thankful for those who are genuine, responsible, honest, and have at heart the best interest of the people they serve—not necessarily giving them what they want, but always seeking to provide, wherever possible, what they genuinely need. Today, unfortunately, the word “politics” has become a dirty word because of those politicians who are more interested in serving themselves and doing all they can to stay in power by catering to the wants and special interests of the majority of their constituents—or to please those who give them the most financial support. Then there are those who shamelessly blame others for the very problems that they themselves helped to create; those who lie, get caught, and call it a misspeak; those who look to dig up dirt to destroy their opponent; and others who spin their reports to make them say what they want them to say.

Unfortunately, some people are like this too. We’re like “two birds that fly over our nation’s deserts: One is the hummingbird and the other is the vulture. The vultures find the rotting meat of the desert, because that is what they look for. They thrive on that diet. But hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants. The vultures live on what was. They live on the past. They fill themselves with what is dead and gone. But hummingbirds live on what is. They seek new life. They fill themselves with freshness and life. Each bird finds what it is looking for. We all do.”²

If we look for the good in others, that’s what we’ll find. If we look for dirt, that’s what we will find. The same principle applies to people’s view of God. If we want to see him we can—everywhere we look. If we don’t want to see him, we won’t. The fact remains, people see exactly what they want to see, hear what they want to hear, find what they want to find, and do what they want and choose to do.

As Frederick Langbridge said, “Two men look out the same prison bars; one sees mud and the other stars.” What you look for is what you will see and what you will get.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to be honest with myself and with you so that I will see more clearly the truth as it is and not as I want it to be. And, while not being blind to deception, help me to look for stars and not for mud. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV).

2. Author unknown.