Theological Lessons from Joe the Plumber

Some good words for us from Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.  There's that challenging phrase - "making the most of every opportunity" - you know, we honor God and please Him as we take advantage of situations in which He places us...strategic positions from which He can use us for His glory.   In order to bear fruit for Him, it can take a measure of courage to step out, a comprehension of the overall circumstances, and just being obedient - capitalizing on what He desires for us.

From Esther chapter 4:13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. 14 "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

Jews around the world are celebrating Purim, which commemorates the brave deeds of Queen Esther, who was strategically placed in a position where she could intervene on behalf of the Hebrews, who were under a death threat at the hands of a man named Haman.    We can learn from Esther, and from a modern-day example, the great theologian Samuel Wurzelbacher.   Seems he had a chance to ask a question of a very powerful man, who was running for the President of the United States - he asked him about his plan for taxes on small businesses, to which the candidate gave his answer, including the now-famous line:  "...I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

Well, this man, better known as "Joe the Plumber", may become Joe the Congressman; you see, he seized this opportunity and decided to expand his so-called 15 minutes of fame.   He just won the GOP primary in his district in Ohio and will face 15-term Democrat incumbent Marcy Kaptur, who just ousted liberal Congressman Dennis Kucinich in a redrawn district.

I think there are some spiritual principles we can take away from Joe's story:
He demonstrated a measure of courage - He asked Mr. Obama a question in a campaign stop.   And, at times, we need to step out and step up, to be courageous in the midst of what we face.

He also demonstrated a comprehension of his situation.   He saw that this sudden fame he acquired, which was even referenced by Republican candidate John McCain in a debate, was an opportunity to do more.  And, as believers, as we discern our opportunities, we could actually do more, to stretch, to grow, and to see how God might want to use us.

And, Joe walked forward - capitalization...He decided to campaign for Congress, and he won.   He did what was necessary to accomplish his goal.   And, we might have the want to, and how to, but if we don't walk in obedience to God and follow Him, then we'll fall short.   

Like Esther, who had courage to present her case to the King, who had comprehended the situation, and who capitalized on the opportunity, we can be challenged to make the most of the opportunities that God give us, so that He can receive glory.