Yes, we all want to be a part of something bigger, but at the same time that being a part of that has to fill the inner void that's in our lives.

And that's done not by a movement, not by religion, but by a relationship.

And when we discover our identity in Christ and we become a child of God, then it doesn't necessarily

always happen overnight, but it's a process of walking in that identity, knowing who we are

in Christ, and living it out.

Outstanding is a production of The Washington Stand, where you can find news and commentary from a biblical worldview.

Welcome to Outstanding, where we have critical conversations about the news of the day and the ideas that shape us.

Once again, I'm your host, Joseph Backholm, inviting you to another exercise in taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

We're at the time of year where it's very common to reflect on the year that has been

and look forward to the year that will be.

But this isn't just the end of a year and the start of a new one.

It's the beginning of a new administration.

And it seems like in many ways that it could be the beginning of a new era for our country. Is this an

inflection point? And if so, what are we inflecting to? That's going to be part of our conversation

today. And joining me for it is someone you're all very familiar with Tony Perkins, the president

of the Family Research Council. Tony, welcome to outstanding. Well, Joseph, it's been a year, but I'm glad I finally got an invitation to be on Outstanding.

Well, we are glad that you have finally accepted our invitation to be on Outstanding.

And there's a lot to cover here, and I think as we kind of look back, look forward.

Sounds like Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.

No, that's true. That's right.

The years past, the year's forward. Christmas is past. Christmas is in the future.

That's exactly right. What's your mood right now for where we're at as a country?

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