Hello there all who enter here

Welcome to my attempt at a blog spot...A couple of years ago I wrote a newsletter about politics, so I will share it as my first blog...

Politics has become like sports to me…not worth watching (I know that statement just turned a few people off). I know that I am in a fallen world. I know that I am to be ‘in the world,’ but not ‘of the world.’ It is so easy to get caught up in the whole “I’m right, you’re wrong,” mind set. It is easy to condemn that which we don’t agree with.

Political debate has degenerated down to name calling. Issues are no longer debated. One side presents an issue. The other side stonewalls, or filibusters. The issues aren’t discussed. Name calling and character assassination are used instead of well thought out arguments of why the other side of the issue is better. He who has the better sound bite oft times wins the debate. Political discourse is not based on fact but who has the best one liner denigrating the opposing view. But a willing media most of the time taking one side of the issue doesn’t help either. They amplify their own point of view and ask leading or misleading questions.

Each side likes to think that God’s not on their opponent’s side. They like to say the other side is acting “un-Christian.” They like to throw Jesus’ name out as a political football. When falling behind in the polls play the “religion” card. Some people fall for it. Others will roll their eyes but accept it as all a part of winning the battle for power.

Jesus quoting Isaiah said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:7 (KJV)

I’m all for being part of the political process. I’m all for having the right to vote. I’m all for being involved. What I’m not all for is equating one party over the other as being the party of God.

Joshua 5:13, 14.
13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?"
14 So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?"

The only side that really matters is God’s. How many, who claim that God is on their side, are willing to fall on their face to worship and ask, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” and then are willing to do it?

If we want to analyze this whole right versus left debate lets use a little history. In Jesus time there were 2 main religious groups - the Pharisees or the right, and the Sadducees or the left.
The Pharisees were very ‘religious.’ Rules and traditions were their gods. They believed they were okay with God because they constructed this maze of rules that they believed they were following. They were ‘good’ because they followed their rules. The outside appearance was what was important. They held to their rules while inwardly plotting to have Jesus executed. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Why do you transgress the commandments of God by your traditions?” Matthew 15:3.

The Sadducees could be equated with the ‘religious left.’ They were the non-spiritual religious group. They denied the resurrection of the dead. It was more important to get along with the world than be faithful to God. Their standing in the places of power was most important to them. They didn’t believe in angels or the spirit world. Bad theology prevailed. One of the things that Jesus said to the Sadducees was, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the Power of God.” Matthew 22:29.

The thing about the Pharisees and the Sadducees is that both groups hated Jesus and sought to have him killed. On the right, mercy and compassion are sacrificed on the altar of ‘religion.’ On the left the Truth and Life are sacrificed on the altar of ‘self.’

What is the problem with politics? The people we elect into office are still…people – fallen men and women in need of the Savior. We should never place our trust in governments. God sets up governments and God will tear them down. Our trust should be in the God of creation – not in the created. Our problem is not that we are involved with politics. Our problem is we think government will solve our problems.

II Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

May we all come to trust Jesus for all our needs...for in the end, we all need Love (Jesus).

Blessings and Grace,
Glen