Daily Worship

Vanities and precepts

Jane Denniston September 15, 2017 0 0
govern_wisely_microphone
Image credit: Elizabeth Cathcart

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.