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I hesitate to ever comment on foreign policy because I readily acknowledge my ignorance of international relations. Of course, from the looks of the last 50 years, I’d suggest many folks in government have also lacked finesse in foreign policy. I yield to the insight and expertise of friends like Charles Strohmer who have focused extensive time and analysis from a “wisdom perspective” into the challenges of foreign relations. With that disclaimer aside, I thought I’d foolishly venture into this space and something that has been on my mind over the last few days as I’ve watched President Obama interact with Chavez et al.

Could it be that Obama is modelling a cruciform foreign policy? What do I mean by cruciform? I am talking about a foreign policy in the shape of the cross (at least to some limited extent). I don’t know that Christ calls nations and national leaders to replicate his Golgatha journey, but I do think Jesus reveals the hidden wisdom of God that can guide many human relations. In Philippians 2, Paul argues that Jesus freely exchanges his position in the Godhead to take the position of man and a cursed man at that.

Jesus reveals the way true kingship works. The true king lays down his life for the nation. (Think legend of Holy Grail.) The only one who can give power is the one who possesses true power. So only God in Christ can come to the cross on behalf of his enemies (sinful humanity). Paul calls for God’s children to model this same power giving attitude in their relationships with one another. Now I am not suggesting the Scripture indicates that this is a model for relationships between nations, but what if? What if a nation possessing virtually ultimate power, could operate in humility and “limited” deference.

I am not suggesting that we turn a blind eye to enemies or even invite terrorists to the “table” as equals. But I am suggesting that there may be room for a model of foreign policy that turns “realpolitik” on its head. Right now the United States has a power unequaled by any one nation. While some continue to prophecy our demise, what if our power is not decreasing but could actually be increasing for the foreseeable future? Could we model a behavior and a foreign policy that does not have to prove it’s power. We have it and can use if and when needed. As a result, we can also humble ourselves and engage other countries in a “wisdom” way that might open doors for renewed friendships and even transformation of some enemies to friends.

I am not a pacifist and am not suggesting the nation lay down and give in to all the demands of other nations. But we might rethink how we listen, we might respond in wisdom ways that look to tomorrow as well as to the next 50 years. We might be willing to make a few compromises in the short term for long term rewards.

Jesus embraced the cross for the joy set before him. Is there a way a nation can embrace the cross? I don’t know, but sometimes I wonder.

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