Grace and Truth

A Chicago Sun-Times columnist, along with other print and electronic media people, discussed the word “proud” in regard to comments by Michele Obama and Cindy McCain.

For the columnist, Ms. Obama and Ms. McCain, as well others, including myself, it is suggested that the words pleased, grateful or glad better serve the nation’s well-being. It is possible such words convey more accurately what the wives and the columnist intended.

While the words proud and pride have been used and accepted in regard to feelings about the accomplishments of people, groups and nations, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Also, God did not even speak of being proud of Jesus, who was the “Beloved Son.” Instead, at Jesus’ baptism and in a mountaintop transfiguration vision, God was “well-pleased” with him. Might we—individually, nationally and ethnically—benefit more from heeding the words of the Lord Jesus than from acting and speaking pridefully? He said, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Luke 18:14).

The well-being of this graced nation could be greatly enhanced by having more people—especially Christians—focusing on praying for candidates and citizens to be endowed with wisdom “from above” while manifesting attitudes of gratitude and gladness for God’s graciously given cultural, ethnic and national identities. For candidates and their supporters to focus on what they have to offer and intend to promote rather than on self-exalting claims of entitlement and tearing down their opponents would be a cause for gratitude.

Such a focus could move the nation to a long-overdue demonstration of the intents of the Constitution’s 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th amendments, plus the lofty proclamations about equality in the Declaration of Independence. That could also lead to increased turning from unjust and unrighteous behavior that produces recurring cycles of anger, cruelty, hatred and violence.

Is it possible that praying and saying no to pride and self-exaltation and yes to gratitude and gladness could help bring about such changes? If we were limited to human wisdom, resources and control, the answer would be no. Praise and thanks be unto the Lord God. We are not so limited. Based on scriptural pronouncements and principles the answer to the question is yes.

One familiar pronouncement is, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Another is, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God” (Luke 18:27).

Finally, Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through … the Scriptures might have hope.” If we take the pronouncement seriously, there is reason for confident expectation (hope) that, if believers in Christ not only pray but cease behaving and thinking pridefully, then God will graciously forgive and heal our families, communities and nation.

Is that all that we would have to do? Probably not, but by depending on the promised presence, help and leading of the Spirit of Truth, we can trust that we will receive knowledge about what else needs to be done.

It is surely worth a try for healing change by praying and living in a way that says, “Down with pride and self-exaltation. Up with gratitude and gladness for God’s grace.

Elaine Bryant is prayer network coordinator for Illinois Mennonite Conference.