On the Slow Cooker ~ part 2

We are in the home-stretch of this political process we call the Presidential Election and that has me contemplating what my role both as a citizen and a Christian should be. I don’t particularly like how this process draws out the bitterness and anger in people and the focus of the campaigns involve less of what a candidate will try to do to make this country and our lives better to mudslinging and pushing the agendas and ideologies of the extremists and special interest groups. Somewhere along the line, we’ve gone from being proud of America and being a citizen of this great country to It used to mean something to be called a patriot, now when it’s mentioned, a good share of people just laugh or sneer as if it’s an insult. It’s not my purpose to sit here and try to persuade you to vote one way or another. Quite honestly, both main-line parties have pros and cons. I am, however, going to broach the subject of politics, religion and what's the Biblical perspective. What IS my…our… responsibility as Christians in this process?

I’ve heard everyone from political pundits, journalist, ministers and friends, some of them Christians, say that religion shouldn’t have anything to do with politics. This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard! Why would the God of heaven desire a personal relationship with us, ask us to bring all of our burdens to Him (Psalms 55:22 ‘Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.’ Matthew 11:28 ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’) and desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives, except for political matters? God tells us to search out His wisdom (Romans 11:33 - Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!) and honestly, you can’t get more plain than what Proverbs 3: 5-7 tells us, ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.’ Our beliefs don't exist in isolation. They concern and shape our fundamental view of the nature of human life and how it is and should be lived. Romans 13:1-7 tells us, ‘Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.’ 1 Timothy 2:1-3 - 'I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior.' Titus 3:1-2 - 'Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.' It bothers me to see people, supposedly in the name of Christ, speak what amounts to hate and spite against the leaders of our nation, no matter if those leaders are adequate or inadequate, just or unjust, fair or unfair. By doing so, you are, in essence, either calling God a fool or incompetent…remember, Romans 13:7 tells us that God has placed those people in authority.

Sometimes I think we forget ourselves…God has a very distinct plan and goal for this world and at times the things that He puts into motion can confuse us or might even be painful, but we have to keep in mind the character of God. He is in control, knows what’s best for each of us and ultimately it will culminate with the return of Christ.

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” Col. 3:23

To be Continued...

~ V