Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard the news that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I would say congratulations, because it is indeed a prestigious achievement, but the resounding sentiment is, and I would agree with this opinion, that the Nobel prize was not merited by any of President Obama’s actions. Indeed, little has yet been accomplished in his young presidency.

Some claim the award has diminished into a popularity contest, but I do not.

There are often other reasons given for awarding the peace prize – one such reason is the ‘potential’ award. This would seem to fit President Obama, as he is seen, both nationally and internationally, as a symbol for hope. Similarly, although health care reform and both wars in which America is invested have not improved, the man’s presence in these situations make it seem as if there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

But I think the more proper description for this particular award is the “Mandate for Peace.” Those who award the Nobel prize, along with the international community, have given Mr. Obama the award because they expect him to fulfill it. They expect the history books to mention our president in the same breath as past recipients like Martin Luther King Jr., Aung San Suu Kyi, and the panel of the Red Cross. “Live up to it” is what the optimist in me sees. What the pessimist (and perhaps realist) in me sees is that the international community is making a political statement to further their own agendas instead of what may actually be best, impartially, for mankind as we know it.

But that’s not for me to decide, and the motives may never be revealed. All I know is the Laurette’s, Mr. Obama’s, outward response, “Humbled.” And here do I personally congratulate him.

What I will do is make an analogy to the Christian community.

President Obama was given a gift, one that should come with prestige and honor, not yet deserved, because he has been given a mandate to become that type of figure: He has been given a mandate to better humanity. And his response was one of being humbled.

As Christians, God has given us a gift, not by our own merit but by grace, and it is a mandate to reflect this gift: We have been told to be Christ to the world. And our response needs to be humility.