Should it matter to me?
When I was in college I was supremely involved and concerned with all things political. I listened to Rush Limbaugh religiously. I proclaimed the evils of liberalism. I handed out leaflets and flyers for Republican-backed causes. When Bill Clinton won the '92 election I wore black the next day as a form of protest. I genuinely believed that Democrats were in league with Satan and that their aim was to destroy our great country.
Then things began to change.
At some point I came to the realization that patriotism had reached "idol status" for me. Likewise, I realized my political approach had fostered anger and hatred and bitterness in my heart toward anyone who disagreed with me. I had become very antagonistic. It was important to me that I was "right" and anyone who had different leanings was "wrong."
This transformation continued from 1995 to the present and I find myself a very different person than I used to be. I still vote and encourage others to do the same. I still feel very strongly about certain issues. I believe that Christians should take a biblical stand on issues. But I'm not angry anymore. It no longer sends me into a tailspin to know that the "dreaded Democrats" will control Congress and may well control the White House in '08.
Will the political change affect the particulars of my life? Perhaps. Will it affect the culture I live in? Maybe. But it will not affect my faith. It will not affect the gospel. It will not affect the way I shepherd my flock. It will not affect what I teach my children. Our sovereign God has brought to power those men and women who, in His eternal counsel, He has foreordained to rule. He has given them their authority, whether they be Republicans of Democrats or Independents.
My challenge is not to let my peace and assurance in God's providence turn into apathy. I must work to guard my mind and heart, lest "God is in control" turn into "Nothing really matters." I must continue to stand for what is right and remember to pray for our leaders. I must continue to vote my conscience. But I have to admit, sometimes I'm tempted not to care. Must...not...get...lazy.
Anyone else struggle with this stuff?
Dave
Then things began to change.
At some point I came to the realization that patriotism had reached "idol status" for me. Likewise, I realized my political approach had fostered anger and hatred and bitterness in my heart toward anyone who disagreed with me. I had become very antagonistic. It was important to me that I was "right" and anyone who had different leanings was "wrong."
This transformation continued from 1995 to the present and I find myself a very different person than I used to be. I still vote and encourage others to do the same. I still feel very strongly about certain issues. I believe that Christians should take a biblical stand on issues. But I'm not angry anymore. It no longer sends me into a tailspin to know that the "dreaded Democrats" will control Congress and may well control the White House in '08.
Will the political change affect the particulars of my life? Perhaps. Will it affect the culture I live in? Maybe. But it will not affect my faith. It will not affect the gospel. It will not affect the way I shepherd my flock. It will not affect what I teach my children. Our sovereign God has brought to power those men and women who, in His eternal counsel, He has foreordained to rule. He has given them their authority, whether they be Republicans of Democrats or Independents.
My challenge is not to let my peace and assurance in God's providence turn into apathy. I must work to guard my mind and heart, lest "God is in control" turn into "Nothing really matters." I must continue to stand for what is right and remember to pray for our leaders. I must continue to vote my conscience. But I have to admit, sometimes I'm tempted not to care. Must...not...get...lazy.
Anyone else struggle with this stuff?
Dave
posted by dave woodbury | 9:48 AM
1 Comments:
I have thought through some of these issues, too, without any firm conclusion other than I must never get lazy with my commitment to seek first His Kingdom. I don't think it really matters what our attitude is toward "politics" in general, again unless, in our seeking first His kingdom, we are called to do something in the realm of "Caesar." And, that is an individual by individual calling.
I also agree that we can give idol status to the realm of politics and really hurt our witness.
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