Along with so many other Americans last night I watched John McCain give his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. It appears to be the most watched political convention speech in history.
Through the first third of the speech I got bored and thought he would not make any breakthrough. McCain does not do well with a scripted speech on a teleprompter. His strong suit is a town hall type of meeting where he can speak extemporaneously and mix it up with the audience.
But something happened when he began to tell his POW story. Most of the details are well known to anyone who has acquainted themselves with the man. This time McCain dwelt on the type of man he was before being shot down over Hanoi–a cocky “top gun” pilot wrapped up in his own mystique. This bravado stayed with him through the first period of his imprisonment. Walking back from interrogations he would smile and give his fellow prisoners a thumbs up. He was handling it and all was ok.
After he refused early release his captors intensified their torture and finally broke him. He came back to his cell and could not face his fellow prisoners. Here was where McCain broke through last night when he spoke about how in solitary confinement he regained his self respect through falling love with his country. His country, he said, saved him.
At this point in his speech he had his audiencein his hand and he came alive. He brought them to their feet when he urged all to “stand up for their country”. “Country first” is his campaign theme and it works off his life story. It is embedded deep within his heart. I believe the man is sincere.
Country first. For me I turn that around and say that for me “kingdom first” is my life theme. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus Christ tells His followers to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righterouness and all these things shall be added to you”.
For a follower of Christ the kingdom of God is first on our minds each day and the last before we sleep. It is the compelling and driving thought of all. Burn that into your heart and it will define a life and a commitment. It is everything.
Fall in love with the kingdom of God.
