I have to admit, I'm having a hard time with the election this year. In all honestly, I'm not particularly 'sold' on either candidate. Making an informed decision this year is going to be difficult with all the bias out there. You really have to work hard to find a balanced view on politics and even those are still slanted just a little. I have to ask myself over and over again, what are the major issues at stake? Why do I vote the way I vote?
After moving to the East Coast about 3 ½ years ago I started to see politics in a whole new light. I was so saddened by all the hate and controversy that surrounds what we call politics. The chasm that is between the Liberals and the Conservatives is so vast it's almost sickening. It seems the division is getting greater and greater with time. What is even more disconcerting (as a Christian, who believes in the authority of Scripture) is the arguments Christians make to defend their position based on what the Bible says. Arguments are made against war, to care for the needy, for moral values, etc. I think it is important for Christians to examine what the Bible says about these very important issues, but why all the hate? Excellent arguments could be made for either Presidential candidate this year, but what I'm trying to understand is why some people are saying hateful things about the other side.
I've heard Christians say that Obama is the anti-Christ. I've heard Christians say that McCain is a selfish man who doesn't care for the poor. I've heard Christians say that Obama is a terrorist. I've heard Christians make harsh judgments about McCain's stance on war.
What if we looked at the election with a different lens? What if we took a step back and thought about what the Bible says about God? The Bible says that God is sovereign. What does that mean to you? Does that mean that God has the power to put people in office? Does that mean that we can rest in Him no matter what the outcome? Does it mean that we don't have to fear because we know that this world is not all there is? Over and over again we see things in the Bible that don't make sense and we don't have answers for. If you take a look at our culture right now you can clearly see that American values and morals do not line up with the Bible. I have heard Christians say so many times during this election they will be terrified if _______ becomes President. I can say with 100% certainty that I am not terrified. The Bible clearly teaches that Christ is coming back and until then pain, suffering, and brokenness will continue to be a part of our lives. If any good has come out of this election, it is the realization that I can't expect the government to change millions of Americans. This election has certainly inspired me to take a look at the plank in my own eye before criticizing the government (Things like, what am I doing in and around my community to make it a better place?)
November 4th will come and go, bringing us a new President. This is an important election and I encourage everyone to vote. But no matter what the outcome I also want to encourage everyone to think about their words and their actions. Think about the things you have said about Obama or McCain. Think about what the Bible says regarding your tongue. Think about all the false assumptions that were made about Jesus before his death and resurrection. I'm thankful those accusations were wrong and God was in control. I'm thankful God is still in control.
2 comments:
very well put. i feel the same way... tough to choose wisely!
while i do agree with you that at the end of the day God is more than in control and is sovereign over this nation and it's leaders even if the leaders choose not to acknowledge him I would say that there is a very convincing argument that as a Christian we are called to choose life which would in the end lead us to being very opposed to a lot of what Obama stands for. Living in a massive swing state it's been heartbreaking to watch church after church promote a man that has no obvious regard for life especially newborn life. Obama will not be some massive christian proponent just because he wants to give money to the poor. as Christians we should be opposed to his plans for our money as it takes our responsibility for caring for the poor out of our hands out of the churchs hands and places it in the governments which is not what Christ had in mind. Beyond that I don't agree with Mccain on everything however he has chosen to align himself with life, with protecting the unborn. I will gladly place myself in the values slot and gladly campaign for life at any given chance. At the end of the day you are correct that we as christians should not buy into messages of hope from either candidate as we KNOW our hope comes from Christ alone and not from man. And He is still in control at the end of the day.
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