While James E. Rogan was a US Representative from a district in California, he was faced with a crucial decision. He had been elected by the slimmest of margins in an area that usually voted for the other party. An extremely important public issue with immense moral implications was being considered. If he followed his conscience, it would cost him re-election. If he followed political expediency, he could be certain of another term.

The congressman went with his convictions and voted for what he knew in his heart to be right. He was not re-elected. Afterward, he said, "It hurt to lose. But I'll never regret my vote . . . . It is easy for elected officials to succumb to the illusion that the greater good is served by their self-perpetuation in office. But something larger gets lost. . . . the ability to lead."

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to live by the principles of the Bible. At times, that will cost us popularity or success. Truth may cost more than a lie; conviction more than convenience; honesty more than cheating.

For now, it looks as if the world is winning and Christians are losing. We need to remember that "those who wait on the Lord . . . shall inherit the earth" (Psalm 37:7-9). When we do what is right, we gain the Lord's approval.  —DCE  — David C. Egner