Vanities and precepts
Psalm 119: 33-40
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees,
and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.
In the White House there are many temptations, just as there are in any circumstance where we have access to power. TV drama ‘The West Wing’ is perhaps a bit too squeaky clean in the lack of corruption it portrays.
There is no doubt that a leader sets the tone, and in Jed Bartlett the White House has a leader who is not easily corrupted. Nevertheless, there will always be those who do not follow their leader. There will always be those who fall prey to temptation.
Lord, the psalmist knows what it is to be human.
He understands the temptations we face.
Thank you, Lord, that we don’t face the temptations
of overreaching power, or great wealth.
Yet we know that even our small temptations
can loom large in our sight
and even small temptations
if we succumb
can separate us from you.
Keep us safe we pray
and keep safe too
our leaders in government.
May they govern well and wisely
may they care for the poor
turn their eyes from vanities
and walk in your ways
for the good of the earthly kingdom
as well as the heavenly one,
Amen.
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