A Tree of Inspiration

I love trees! They are always beautiful to me, and it never matters if they are full of leaves or void of leaves. A good tree inspires me. We just had to remove some trees from of our back yard, and for me, it was a sad day.

This tree inspired me to think about inspiration. I have sensed, for a while, that this concept of inspiration has been damaged by today's world. Why?

Reading the book, John Adams, provided me some insight into this puzzle, at least enough for me to formulate an opinion. Opinions are great because they are opinions, regardless of being right or wrong. I do not know if this one is right or wrong, but I do know it is my opinion, and that is about all I know, right now.

The question today is this: why are we not inspired much, these days, by our public leaders?

When we are inspired, it is usually only temporary and short lived. Why is this, or am I the only one who feels this way? To examine this, we must begin with the semantics of inspiration.

Inspiration is the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions of someone else. It is also the act of influencing or suggesting opinions. Inspiration is dependent, according to these two definitions, on actions, and not just any actions, but actions that are selfless, servant-oriented and honorable. To inspire action on the part of others will always take words back by actions. In today's world, what we usually get... is just words.

Words alone, again my opinion, will never inspire people to act in a way that will change culture or the world. Actions, followed by words, that support those actions will inspire change only if those actions, first, validate the words as true and accurate. Second, the actions, themselves, are selfless, honorable and moral. Third, the words are meaningful, easily understood and clearly communicated. And, finally, the words lead the listeners back to the speaker's actions, which consistently and clearly provide multiple examples of those words.

Let us take John Adams as our example. Everyone did not always agree with him, but when he spoke most people listened, even if it was to voice opposition or criticism. His words were given weight because of his actions. I can not remember one instance, in my reading of his words, where he wrote for the expressed purpose of deceit or to cast a lie. He inspired many because the words he wrote were backed by the actions of a life that lived according to the words spoken. John Adams was a consistent man who lived and spoke from a heart-felt belief that ruled who he was. And, to make a better point, his morality, his belief in Christ the Lord, ruled his life.

We are in desperate need of inspiration from our public leaders that lasts longer than a speech. It will always take more than words to inspire people. And, that is why I believe a Christian education that provides a Christian worldview is so very important. A Christian worldview is a worldview that can be lived out in a clear and consistent way through words and actions. I have yet to see any other worldview that can do the same. This Christmas, may your gift be the Savior of the world and the consistent Christian worldview. Blessings!