In 1974, many politicians were wearing buttons sporting the acronym, “W.I.N.” It was not an encouragement to support our Olympic team, however. It was an acronym for “Whip Inflation Now!” With inflation raging over 12% and unemployment very high, then President Gerald Ford wanted to encourage the American public to take matters into their own hands and institute inflation-reducing measures such as carpooling, turning down thermostats, and creating their own vegetable gardens. He favored this approach to government intervention and price controls. The government even produced these buttons to encourage solidarity in this program to battle inflation.
It seems ludicrous now and I thought it was nearly fifty years ago. Media outlets castigated the campaign with one labeling it “one of the biggest public relations blunders ever”.
As America and many other nations battle inflation, it is appropriate to remind all of us how futile some of our past actions have been to solve a very complex problem like inflation. Simply wearing a button is meaningless unless all the stakeholders and citizens support the effort. And even if that were to happen, there are many moving parts that cannot be addressed by the feckless interventions that President Ford recommended.
Sin is an even more complex problem. What should we do when we are faced with temptation and sin? Do we recite a prayer or offer up a penance? Do we dismiss or hide it beneath the facade of a pious lifestyle? God provides the answer.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
How does God show us a way out of sin and temptation?
Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Romans 13:14 (NLT)
How do we battle sin? We don’t wear a button. We clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ. Let the armor of God protect you!
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 
