Political seasons can be rough at times because nothing seems to bring up more debate than our political beliefs, and often our theological beliefs which we often see as closely related or intend to integrate.
I’ve become very disullisioned at times with the political process and the malicious 24 hour news cycle that accompanies it.
Two themes have really discouraged me in this election season. A lack of forgiveness and a spirit of judgment aimed at both candidates.
Though I could expound to great length, let me just suggest two glaring instances and then close this post.
First, a lack of forgiveness. I’m quite shocked and appalled at the number of people (especially Christians) who keep bringing up John McCain’s first marriage, often referring to tabloid articles and sensationalist material. McCain described the failure of his first marriage as his “greatest moral failure” in his interview with Rick Warren at Saddleback. If that is the case, then are we to take him at his word and forgive him…for something that happened over 30 years ago? And even if we don’t believe him, is it really our responsibility to be the moral police on this issue, determining whether or not we will or will not forgive?
So whether you like McCain or his politics should not matter, but to continue to bring up an issue I think reflects on our culture, and especially negative on us as Christians who are unwilling to forgive, and in fact bring up pass transgressions.
Second, judgmental behavior. Like above, I too have been shocked and appalled by people (especially Christians) who have been so quick to judge, and been judgmental towards Barack Obama. I have seen a real strong sense of judgment from others towards his full name (Barack Hussein Obama), implying because of that that he must be Muslim or have ties to Muslim extremists. Or that he can’t be a Christian, or is the enemy of Christianity. This can be seen in the mass chain email that everyone was asked to forward that claimed he is a “radical Muslim” who “will not recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
You may have even been someone who forwarded that email to others.
So whether you like Obama or his politics should not matter, we shouldn’t be passing judgment on him because of the fear of others. I think it reflects negatively again not only on us as a culture, but as Christians as well.
I think that whether we have voiced these views or not…either one of them…we have probably all been guilty of at least thinking something like it. True? False?
And I know, there are many more issues I could have raised, but these two just came to mind.
As a Christian and a citizen I believe that being involved in politics is important for us and a worthy obligation. But I am a Christian first and a citizen second, and my faith is not in the rulers or powers or principalities of this world, but in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. So at the end of the day, no matter who is in the Presidential Office, my faith is not in them, and my energy and strength will not be spent fretting and worrying about that. I will vote and be active, but not put faith in them as the end all. As the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians our struggle is not against the rulers of this world, but spiritual forces (Eph. 6:12).
Thoughts?
Agree?
Disagree?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Agree. However there is a very big difference between judgment and discernment. As followers of Christ it is our responsibility to, first and foremost, pray for our leaders (1 Tim 2:1-2), and then to discern the alignment of the candidate’s to scripture by careful examination and prayer.
A good suggestion as well is to watch the coverage on C-Span rather than on the networks – it’s hard enough to exercise discernment without the pundits screaming in our ears.
I meant to say “candidate’s worldview”
I meant to say “candidate’s worldview”
I too, am disheartened with what I see and posted thoughts on a similar vein today. You were much more eloquent than I was. Thanks!
Marcus,
I agree. Discernment is needed. And I didn’t mean to not imply that, though I can see where that can be thought. When I go into vote I hope I bring much discernment into it the process. And I don’t mean that we shouldn’t care about what our leaders think…but I hope, and I know you do to…that when we disagree with politicians and their views, etc. that we can still have it within us to forgive one another and be less judgmental.
Andy…I’m sure your post was great. Going to check it out now.
I believe that we are to choose wise leaders, but in the end I believe God is in control…..
rhett
Rhett- What happened how was I able to submit my comment as you? Anyways I’m re posting it as me.
I agree with you. The Church tends to be pretty quick to pick up the stones to throw. I agree that discernment is important but I’m not sure that’s what’s happening here. There is not even a fine line between wearing a sandwich board declaring who God hates and just loving people who are living in Sin. In this election we seem to be quick to condemn but very slow to love. I’m scared it’s going to get worse.
What I really care about is not what people say they believe. I just want to have facts in front of me showing that they actually do what they believe.
Definitely agree Rhett.
It is not for us to judge-as for are we God? I placed my vote-yet don’t despise either. I know God has reasons for everything to happen. Overall-Jesus is my #1 leader-then our president, whom of course I pray makes decisions wisely through Jesus. As for yes-the spiritual forces are for us all to battle…and prayer goes out to all for that. I clap for every president. They all have a tough job-and when things aren’t going our way in tough times, many have a habit of pointing fingers of blame to them. When it is this whole world that is of cause. Protect with honor. And not all will go perfect-what is other than Jesus? They make their decisions as best they can-and as senate allows-tough, tough job.
As for McCain-I have been through a divorce as well…it was tough and hard, and physically hurt-but this world is going down with so many today-and it is so sad. I commend him for his dignity in his speech. Military is tough on marriage-as for that was what I was in. I give him gratitude and big applause on his current one!
God bless you all…God bless America…may we all prosper in faith, love, & patriotism!
In His Love,
Hetty4Christ
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