Settling for less

When I was in Africa, a local man, when we were talking about politics and corruption, told me that he was tired of the ‘West’ always telling them how it needs to be done.

Now, even though I am from the ‘West’, I usually don’t even try to defend it. In fact, that would be stupid, irresponsible and impossible. It is important that we admit mistakes that we have made and are making, and then ask for forgiveness and change our behavior. Why do we always think that we know best?

The reference in this conversation had to do with corruption in the government. He, like others I have met in the global south, is against corruption, but argues that corruption is and will always be a part of their politics. It is not even a topic worth talking about, goes the argument, because one candidate will be extremely corrupt, and maybe the other will be a tad less corrupt, but both (or all) will be corrupt. Therefore, the ‘west’, as in governments and donor organizations, should stop pressing them on the issue and just understand how things work.

Some might call this a realistic approach, but that doesn’t mean it is not an important issue. Corruption is an injustice, for the country and its people. When there are injustices, we should demand change, and work for that change in a constructive way.

We also have corruption in the United States government. A lot of it, in fact. It is a different kind of corruption- gone are the days (largely) when people passed politicians envelopes stuffed with cash. Now, instead, it comes in the form of giving political favors to businesses and individuals who have given to your campaign. This is an injustice, and we should work to right this wrong, too.

We will never have the kingdom of heaven here on earth until the second coming. Poverty, disease, slavery, homelessness, hunger, human rights violations, corruption, and many other injustices will always be a part of this world until then. Man, there are just so many injustices happening! It would be easy to give up and give in. There will be many obstacles in working for good and we will probably never be able to totally eliminate all of these injustices.

Jesus even told us that we will always have the poor amongst us. But, by his example in action and in words, he advocated change by caring for these people, providing for them when necessary, and even learning from them. Jesus was realistic in his statement about the poor, but he was also clear that we should work for the ideal. He sets the example and lays down the mission for us. I hope we don’t settle for less.