I usually try to avoid the political fray. I have my opinions; I just choose not to share them. I married into a political family and I know what passion looks like, both the good and the bad. I have seen politics polarize a group over a dinner table, at the water cooler, and around a nation. It seems to me that ostracizing people you care about defeats the purpose of discussing politics in the first place, but that’s just me. It’s kind of like children, throwing rocks at each other. Not very fruitful.
My personal view is that politics is kind of small in the overall scheme of things. I try to think of things in light of eternity… doing this kinda keeps things in perspective. (It’s a little trick that cancer taught me.) There are two beings that sit before the throne of God…the accuser of the brethren and the Intercessor, who is Christ. I do not want to imitate the accuser by pointing fingers and placing blame. I would much rather be like the intercessor who prays always, over everything and everyone. It angers me that the enemy could use the body of Christ so effectively to do his accusing for him, while at the same time ruining our testimony of the love of God so thoroughly in the eyes of the world. I refuse to be a part of it. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for voting and doing my civic duty. I am thankful to live in a country that allows me to express my opinion at the polls. I am grateful to the men and women who stand firm and defend my right to vote. I will “give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” all while knowing that I serve a higher authority who has all of it in the palm of his hand…no matter who I vote for, or who wins the election.
I think we have a mindset that is small, and only sees our own corner of the world, which is changing drastically. At least mine is. Pay is down, work is pressure packed…if you can find work at all. Costs are skyrocketing on everything, and we are having to give up a lot that we are used to having. We are looking for a man to rescue us. We may differ on HOW we want to be rescued, but I think both sides are looking for the same thing. Rescue. Honestly, I do not believe any man can do that.
Our comfort is of utmost importance to us. I include myself in this statement. At the same time, I know that God doesn’t put my comfort at the top of his to do list. In fact, I have found over a lifetime that the more uncomfortable I am the closer I draw to him. Sitting in a hospital, wanting nothing more than to walk out with a whole husband, or sitting in a chemo chair wanting nothing more than to walk out with strength and health, you learn that sometimes you don’t always get what you want. Timing is everything. Surrender and trust are essential. I have found it is easier to surrender than to fight with God. Letting God have his way, is hard for a person like me who likes to be in control. It requires a death of pride, and a complete trust that no matter what things look like, or feel like, that God is for you and has your best interest at heart. I do not like it when I cannot see his plan, but I know he has one. I put my hands up and give up my desire for something other than what he has given me. Sometimes I have to do it over and over again.
This election isn’t a surprise to him, no matter who wins. Neither candidate can save us from the mess we are in. It will simply be rearranged. Neither man is the Messiah who rescues. As long as we trust in them, we will be disappointed and frustrated. I don’t know why it always surprises us so when people do not do what they promise. Assurances that are made for earnest or dishonest reasons don’t even matter…the fact is we are looking in the wrong place, and it is way too complicated a puzzle to be solved with a two or three word political slogan. My guess is that it is likely to get worse before it gets better in our world. That is the way I SEE it anyway. I pray that I am wrong, but I feel the need to brace myself. Dig deep. Hold on tight. Look at the eternal perspective, which is that my Ruler is not of this world.