‘And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.’
(Matthew 3:9)
Donald J. Trump’s victory at the USA Presidential elections makes me think about my own modest turn as ‘President’ nearly 30 years ago. No, I don’t mean as the political leader of the American nation (akin to The Don) but as the elected Headboy, also elected President of the Debating Society, at a British senior school (known as a high school, I believe, in America).
For a whole year I would turn up at events representing the student body – speaking at school assemblies, showing dignitaries around the facilities, taking part in meetings with school governors and teachers, giving readings in church buildings, and organizing the leavers’ ball with the other student heads of school. It was a very public role in the small community I was part of, and ended with me receiving a ‘headboy’ cup at an end-of-year presentation ceremony.
And then school ended and so did these public roles. I was soon in my ‘gap’ year before university. I got a job at an insurance firm to save money for travelling and one evening found myself attending an event, I think a Christmas celebration, at my old school hall, following an open invite. The year before, I had attended this event and received much attention because of my ‘Headboy’ status. Everyone seemed to say “hello” to me. A year later, I stood upon the same spot and no one talked to me. I just slumped there, nursing a glass of wine by myself and surrounded by people literally turning their backs to me.
Looking back, it was an excellent experience to be humbled in such a way. I am so grateful for the lesson learnt, bursting my puffed-up pride. God is no respecter of persons is an often quoted saying (Romans 2:11). It doesn’t mean the Lord is indifferent to our need for respect but he sees beyond the fluff and ceremonies and grand speeches and promises – and looks right into the heart. So, as Mr Trump begins his second adventure as President, let’s pray he isn’t distracted by all the buzz and adoration and furore, but brings himself daily before the Living God to seek clarity, humility, reassurance and guidance. A reality check.
The focal point surely, at this time and always, is Jesus himself. Because He is far more than any of us, His glory alone matters and serving him in love is all that really matters.
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