Bruce's Integrity
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle A
No one was expecting the announcement that Bruce would retire after many years serving on the state legislature. He was loved by the citizens he represented, having won all his re-election bids easily. People could hardly believe the news that he would retire. It would certainly be difficult to find someone to fill his shoes. Bruce decided it was time to step aside to let someone else have the opportunity to serve his state. He was in office longer than anyone from that district. During that time he had served both the district and the state well. Bruce still had a year to complete his term and vowed to work harder than ever before.
As his term was nearing completion, he was invited to speak at various groups and clubs within the district. He was at the height of his popularity and found he could say things he might not normally say. As a guest at a monthly prayer breakfast, Bruce told the audience, "I profess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior!" It was refreshing to hear an elected official, a career politician, publicly profess his faith in Christ. There were several state officials, Bruce said, at the capital who would meet for breakfast and prayer on a regular basis. He was grateful for the opportunity to share with this group of dedicated Christians. As he went about his business in the state capital he felt supported and upheld by the prayers of his sisters and brothers.
Bruce shared an experience: he was running for a leadership position within the state government.
Above all, he said, he wanted to run a clean campaign. He would not resort to mud-slinging or name-calling, which had become popular campaign techniques. He lost his bid for leadership but he said he felt good about the way he had campaigned. As Bruce spoke it was obvious that he was a man of values and integrity, guided by his faith in Christ.
He said he had wanted to win but since he did not, he accepted his fate. A surprising turn of events took place after his defeat. His colleagues gained a new respect for him. They saw a side of Bruce that they had previously not seen. As a result many new doors of opportunity were opened to him. It was ironic that in losing a coveted position he actually received more power and prestige than he would have had he won in the first place.
As a result of that experience, Bruce found that he was taken seriously and frequently asked his opinion in critical manners. Various groups would approach him asking if he would represent them. He would be retiring from public office, but he would still serve his community and state as he had all his adult life.
Bruce was firmly grounded in his faith and did not shy away from sharing it with others.
As his term was nearing completion, he was invited to speak at various groups and clubs within the district. He was at the height of his popularity and found he could say things he might not normally say. As a guest at a monthly prayer breakfast, Bruce told the audience, "I profess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior!" It was refreshing to hear an elected official, a career politician, publicly profess his faith in Christ. There were several state officials, Bruce said, at the capital who would meet for breakfast and prayer on a regular basis. He was grateful for the opportunity to share with this group of dedicated Christians. As he went about his business in the state capital he felt supported and upheld by the prayers of his sisters and brothers.
Bruce shared an experience: he was running for a leadership position within the state government.
Above all, he said, he wanted to run a clean campaign. He would not resort to mud-slinging or name-calling, which had become popular campaign techniques. He lost his bid for leadership but he said he felt good about the way he had campaigned. As Bruce spoke it was obvious that he was a man of values and integrity, guided by his faith in Christ.
He said he had wanted to win but since he did not, he accepted his fate. A surprising turn of events took place after his defeat. His colleagues gained a new respect for him. They saw a side of Bruce that they had previously not seen. As a result many new doors of opportunity were opened to him. It was ironic that in losing a coveted position he actually received more power and prestige than he would have had he won in the first place.
As a result of that experience, Bruce found that he was taken seriously and frequently asked his opinion in critical manners. Various groups would approach him asking if he would represent them. He would be retiring from public office, but he would still serve his community and state as he had all his adult life.
Bruce was firmly grounded in his faith and did not shy away from sharing it with others.
