Ask Not
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When I was young, I remember hearing John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address to the nation say, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
It was a powerful way to end a speech that began with his acceptance of the responsibility of the office. "For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago."
As Kennedy told us, we have the power to change the world, to end poverty, to place the needs of people all over the world before the needs or desires of any one nation.
Did we do that?
God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.’- Kings 3:11-14
When Solomon stepped into his reign as King, succeeding his father David, he asked God for wisdom so that he would be a good and just ruler of the people. God gave him all that and more.
What is it we ask for when we take on a new role? Do we pray for God's help? Do we look to God to supply us with the wisdom and grace to accept the job responsibly and with His will in mind?
All too often, we find ourselves conflicted. Our personal needs and wants come before the needs and wants of others. It is only natural, but it is not God's approach. When Solomon flipped the equation, seeking for others and not for himself, God took care of him.
Do we trust God to do the same for us?
When Kennedy put the needs of the nation before the needs of each person at the close of his speech, he made a similar statement to the other nations of the world who looked to the U.S. for help. "My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
If all nations and all peoples put the needs of all of humankind first, what type of world would this be?
I wonder if we will ever know.
More to come...