Completely ASIDE from the realm of political viewpoints and policy, I was recently struck by the words of a friend, R.J. Heijmen, who had noticed Obama's "obvious joy, energy, and creativity" in his first few days on the job. Here's what he points out:Letting his girls take [the day after the inauguration] off from school after allowing them to run around the White House all night, a treat which culminated in a surprise private concert by their favorite band, the Jonas Brothers.
The party he held at the White House for 200 randomly selected supporters, whom he encouraged to "relax and look around."
The dinner he held in honor of John McCain.
The fact that he is a "struggling" smoker (give the guy a break!).
Perhaps all of this "fruit" is the result of the imputed righteousness that he has been granted by the American public in the form of 80% approval ratings. I can only hope that it lasts.
Of course, the "struggling smoker" part is not necessarily a way that he's brought joy or creativity to office, but it is one way that we're able to see Obama as an actual human being who has issues just like you or me. This leads well into RJ's final comment, in which he suggests that Obama's special kindness to his children, some random people off the street, and even his opponent(!) perhaps arose from the "imputed righteousness" of America's overwhleming approval.
"Imputed righteousness" means rightness, worthiness, beauty, goodness that is not built-in but stamped-on. It is not pre-existing on the inside, but gifted from the outside. It is the gift of unconditional love.
And it is the meat of the "good news" that Paul brings to sinners in the New Testament, when he says: "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law (apart from ourselves!), has been made known..." in Romans 3. Or when he says, "You have clothed yourselves with Christ..." in Galatians 3.
Yeah, we actually believe that God sees the righteousness of Christ when he looks at us. Because Christ died in our place, we stand in His. And this not only saves us, but makes us into the kind of people he created us to be. His Love compels us.
If you have a father who is always expecting you to earn his approval, despite your best efforts, it can only be embittering. But if you have a father who loves you unconditionally (no matter how much you let him down), you will actually want to please him. His love will compel you.
Perhaps this could explain, at least partially, the impotence and failure that (most people think) marked the end of Bush's time in the White House? Maybe not. That's a complicated situation. But unconditional love is a powerful thing! And God knows he needs it now.
The party he held at the White House for 200 randomly selected supporters, whom he encouraged to "relax and look around."
The dinner he held in honor of John McCain.
The fact that he is a "struggling" smoker (give the guy a break!).
Perhaps all of this "fruit" is the result of the imputed righteousness that he has been granted by the American public in the form of 80% approval ratings. I can only hope that it lasts.
Of course, the "struggling smoker" part is not necessarily a way that he's brought joy or creativity to office, but it is one way that we're able to see Obama as an actual human being who has issues just like you or me. This leads well into RJ's final comment, in which he suggests that Obama's special kindness to his children, some random people off the street, and even his opponent(!) perhaps arose from the "imputed righteousness" of America's overwhleming approval.
"Imputed righteousness" means rightness, worthiness, beauty, goodness that is not built-in but stamped-on. It is not pre-existing on the inside, but gifted from the outside. It is the gift of unconditional love.
And it is the meat of the "good news" that Paul brings to sinners in the New Testament, when he says: "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law (apart from ourselves!), has been made known..." in Romans 3. Or when he says, "You have clothed yourselves with Christ..." in Galatians 3.Yeah, we actually believe that God sees the righteousness of Christ when he looks at us. Because Christ died in our place, we stand in His. And this not only saves us, but makes us into the kind of people he created us to be. His Love compels us.
If you have a father who is always expecting you to earn his approval, despite your best efforts, it can only be embittering. But if you have a father who loves you unconditionally (no matter how much you let him down), you will actually want to please him. His love will compel you.
Perhaps this could explain, at least partially, the impotence and failure that (most people think) marked the end of Bush's time in the White House? Maybe not. That's a complicated situation. But unconditional love is a powerful thing! And God knows he needs it now.
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