Personal Politics

Personal Politics

When you mention the word “politics” to most people, you’ll usually get a bit of a sneer followed by colorful verbiage flavored with a hint of antagonism. It conjures up visions of illicit bargaining and shady dealings framed by a smoke filled “back room” located somewhere in Washington DC, with the U.S. Capitol Building as a backdrop.  

“Politics” isn’t the nasty word it’s been turned into by the consummate politician whose agenda is focused on power, perks and personal glorification.  We all have a trace of “political DNA” hidden away somewhere in the depths of our being, but how we manage it, defines us as either “honorable” or “dishonorable”.

I see myself as an honorable person with political tendencies, but that’s not to say I’ve always represented my “true” self.  If we’re honest about it, at one time or another we’ve all misrepresented our motives or actions in an effort to project an image of one who has “taken the higher road” on an issue. I’ve pulled the “Christian” card on occasion and presented myself   “a little more holier than thou“ only to realize its effect of bringing dishonor to myself and my faith.

I have learned over the years, by making my own mistakes and watching others make theirs, acting in a way that is not consistent with the heart does nothing but create high levels of stress and anxiety in one’s life.  Presenting one’s self as something or someone they’re not meant to be, comes with a high price tag and each person has to determine for themselves whether it’s worth it or not.

I have determined, for my life (whatever I have left) that I don’t want to pay the high price. This does not imply that I’m exempt from extending grace and being gracious in my dealings with others.  I just want to be intentional in living out of who I am (in my faith) and trying to do that 24/7.  I know, from time to time I’ll succumb to the lure of self-promotion, arrogance and advantage, but my efforts will be focused on un-wrapping that mindset and peeling back yet another layer, to expose the real person.