Spin Factor

When I was a boy a gyroscope was one of my favorite toys.

To get a gyroscope going, I wrapped a string around the shaft or spin axis and pulled it. As long as the disk was spinning, it stood by itself. When it stopped spinning, it fell down.

For me it was just a toy. Real life gyroscopes are used for navigation and stability on aircraft and satellites in space. But when a gyroscope stops spinning, it’s useless.

Kind of reminds me of television opinion shows and commercials during an election!

Many channels run ads and employ commentators to spin facts about the candidates. But when they stop spinning they’re useless, leaving more questions unanswered than answered.

For some people the spin is enough. They’re glad to let someone else do the thinking for them. It’s too much trouble for them to check out a candidate and compare positions on issues.

In his book, “The Curate’s Awakening,” George MacDonald describes a college student with this quality. He wrote, “She never had an original thought. She thought a great deal of other people’s thoughts, thinking they were her own.”

My first thought was, “I know people like that!” My second thought was, “I hope that doesn’t describe me!” Does it describe you? It can happen so gradually you don’t realize it.

For weeks we’ve been overwhelmed by opinions and pressured by pundits, prognosticators and prophets. Believe this. Think that. Vote for this candidate to fix America.

It takes a while, but after an election we gradually realize new politicians can’t fix it either.

What’s the solution? Stop thinking politics or a politician can save the world. If only our politicians would remember the first rule of medicine: “First do no harm.”

Well hold on just a minute! Can’t an election make things better?

It may change some things, but if you think our problems are over, I’ve got news for you! Politicians can’t issue proclamations and change things at will. They must work within the law.

Besides that, belief in the ability of one person or a political party to fix what’s wrong in America is misplaced faith. If it were possible, we would have solved most of our problems by now. The history books are full of leaders who tried their best--but to no avail.

The real solution goes back beyond the founders of our country to the founder of our faith. Jesus had the answer when he said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

We’ve all heard politicians quote that. But Jesus wasn’t talking about political truth or truth in general. He wasn’t speaking of political freedom. He meant the truth leading to salvation and freedom from sin. He added, “If the Son [Jesus] sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

What Jesus said is honest truth, not spin. Although politicians promise security and a better life, it is impossible for them to deliver. Jesus, however, can and does deliver.

Faith in Christ is the only solution that can save us from the mess we’re in. Because if history proves anything, it demonstrates that people let us down. Big time.

Presidents, senators, congressmen and governments will eventually fail us. Even military power doesn’t guarantee safety. But those who trust in Christ know that Jesus never fails.

So as you listen to the post-election analysis, skip the media’s spin. Listen to God first. He doesn’t spin the truth.

Regardless of who runs the government, God is still in charge. What does he recommend? He said of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” And that’s no spin.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!