One Week Away

Change - 1 a: to make different in some particular : alter b: to make radically different b: transform c: to give a different position, course, or direction to 2 a: to replace with another b: to make a shift from one to another : switch

We are only one week away from the inauguration of President-elect Obama. The message we continue to hear about change. But what does that really mean? What will really change this country?

I think everyone agrees that our nation faces several challenges with the economy, social injustice (i.e. crime, racism, lack of family structure), terrorism, and individual rights.

So what are the answers? How do we make our nation the place that everyone else in the world is envious of?

The new leadership in Washington would have us believe that the government can legislate and mandate change.

I disagree.

From an economic perspective, it is individual businesses that drive change. Especially small businesses. As they develop new goods and services, they also create jobs. This is model that spurred growth over the last two centuries and made America what it is. We have seen our economy change and adapt through the decades from a manufacturing focus to service oriented to technology based. But Washington wants to tell business what they need to do and how they should work.

Note: As Christian I realize that the Bible does not tell us what form of economic policy (capitalism vs. socialism) is right, but looking at the history of our nation I realize that capitalism is what made us great.

From the social perspective, it starts with the family at home. It is about raising the next generation with values such as commitment, honor, perseverance, honesty, and generosity. It seems we have lost our direction in teaching these values.

The government has come in and said let them teach values to the next generation - this is mistake that has not worked for several decades now. We see the results with crime statistics, pregnancy and divorce rates, and addictions to drugs and pornography.

Note: The government has a role is provide law and order in society but they should not be expected to provide the moral backbone of our communities.

The change we need only happens within the family unit. I would also argue that it also driven by teaching a faith based value system. Jesus gives this through the gospel message. True change only comes this way.