The U. S. political conventions this summer were packed with so many wonderful promises as to make us wonder how many could ever be fulfilled. Yet, as the old saying goes, hope springs eternal. Each convention assured us that the leader it offers is the best qualified person available. Will he not give us the very best in education, public welfare and military preparedness? Will he not provide us with the best care for the sick, the old and the young? Does he not have the best solution for the economy, terrorism and the AIDS crisis?

Follow me to the American Dream, each pleaded!

Though America's political system is far from perfect, and its presidents rarely fulfill their promises completely, it has produced some remarkable leaders. But so have different political systems in other nations.

Yet, the opposite is just as true. In all human political systems there is plenty that is corrupt, sad and disappointing. For all the sincerity that politicians bring to debates, none can guarantee what we need the most: lasting peace, enduring prosperity and perfect standards with total justice and fairness for all. No humanly devised system has ever completely eradicated corruption or scandal. None has ever truly earned a political gold medal.

But isn't that what we all want—a leader who deserves a political leadership gold medal?

The Olympic Games fascinate us because in them we see extraordinary achievements of athletic individuals and teams. They inspire idealistic visions of our own potential. Striving for the Gold, doing one's very best, is the 'Spirit of the Olympics'.

This also is true of being a Christian. We are offered the gift of eternal life, of becoming the children of God. This is much more than a mere gold medal struck by man—it is the Gold "struck by God". Everyone who receives this gift gets the Gold for all eternity, and everyone is the winner!

But we need a competent leader to make all of this possible. And that Leader has been promised—in the person of Jesus Christ. Not only does God promise the perfect Leader, He also promises the perfect system of government.

But, if God is able to give us perfect leadership, why has He waited so long to do it? Why hasn't He already provided us a leader who is capable of instituting perfect government?

The answer is very simple. At the creation of man God gave us a choice between two opposite ways of life—to trust and obey Him or trust our own perception of good and evil. Since that time the majority of human beings have consistently resisted God's leadership and put their trust in their own resources and opinions. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:20 -21, New American Standard Bible).

We have preferred to set our own standards, establish our own rules and choose our own leaders. And God has allowed it even to this day.

However, when Christ returns all this will change. As a result of His rule, "... the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9). "... For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem " (Isaiah 2:3). "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (Isaiah 9:7, New International Version).

Finally, the whole world will have a Leader worthy of the political leadership gold medal! This is the true hope for all mankind, God's promise to send His Son back to the earth to establish His everlasting Kingdom in power and glory.

When Christ was on the earth he taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come." Their hopes for a perfectly righteous government lay in that future Kingdom. They believed Christ's promise: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 3:21).