“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NLT)
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9;6 NKJV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 NKJV)
This is passionate, powerful, and long!
Please take the time to read it and prayerfully ponder what is said.
In our current Presidential Race I see a degree of truth and a degree of error on both sides of the fence.
Through the years my core values and beliefs have more closely aligned with the Republican National Party Platform. There have been times in which I could align myself to some degree with the personal character traits of the candidate of either party.
Now, the Republican Party has watered down their platform pertaining to critical moral value issues because the candidate has quote, “gotta win.” The Democratic Party Platform continues to move further and further down the road of the extreme left. Overall, neither Party represent well those who have been their core constituency for the past 50 years and beyond.
I still more closely align with the Republican Platform. However, while as a disciple of Jesus I do my best to love unconditionally, and consistently pray for both candidates, I cannot align myself with either of them. The time has come to vote my conscience without concession or compromise.
National level politics have been tumbling downhill in many ways since 2008.
Media is more blatantly bias and inaccurate then ever before (that is equally true on both sides of the fence). The time to be shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves has definitely come.
Social media is out of control. I definitely have to guard my heart when wading in these waters.
And now even lifelong friends use words that convey either – or messages that are widening our divisions and increasing our prejudices. Messages like “real christians…” or “true americans…”
Finally, this has created an environment where even when a person makes every effort to offer a differing opinion in a discussion without any words of anger or attack, they are labeled as a “hater” and accused of “judging.”
Far too often I hear candidates and their close followers (both sides) purposely create fear by boldly claiming that if the other candidate wins it will be the end of America.
I have not yet found anyone whose goal is to destroy America. And yet that is what I am being told by many voices. Seems to me even though we have hugely diverse, and even opposing views on the best path forward, we are all desperately trying to save America.
Even with all of this, there is hope!
I am a strong advocate of being involved in the political arena and being faithful in executing my civil rights and responsibilities (research platforms, candidates, vote, etc.), but I do not put my hope for the future in politicians and their political ideas.
As long as their are those of us that believe there are powers greater than the powers of politics, there will be a future for America (and the World) regardless of who holds office.
King Jesus is superior to any President. The government that is on Jesus shoulders is greater than any form of American government. The Gospel is still good news and is still the power of God unto salvation (redemption, reconciliation, restoration, reformation, revival, and much more…)!
Hang on to the heart of what is being shared in…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 326: Righteous Ramblings