Politics and the Christian... Part 2

I personally think that politics bring out the worst in people. That maybe an over generalization, but I doubt it.I think the quest for power, absent the spiritual discernment and influence of the Holy Spirit, puts sinful man on a path to destruction and chaos. Listen to the national tone, and you see some pretty harsh rhetoric coming from supporters of both presidential candidates. What is also evident is the bitterness, condescension, and contempt that is displayed among the rival supporters. I don't think this has anything to do with the candidates themselves, although I do acknowledge political candidates encourage this partisan atmosphere for their personal and political gain. 

Unfortunately, it has been this way in this country for every election since Adams ran against Jefferson for the presidency roughly 192 years ago. And even Adams at the time, detested the corrosive nature of politics. And while the dynamic of politics in our country has mostly been extremely polemic, it is even worse in other countries. Unfortunately, these attributes foster a sense of chaos among the electorate, which encourages chaos in the government's operation. Politicians often exploit this sense of chaos and partisanship for personal and political gain. But what is lost on most voters and politicians is the role God should play in a nation's governments. 

Romans 13:1 acknowledges that God's is the author of government: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Even more so, by reading Exodus 18, we understand that government should be comprised of people who fear and honor God: "21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. "

So, we see that God is the author of government, and that godly men (people) should be leaders in government. What else do we know about government? That God never intended for government to replace God as the savior of civilization. Samuel learned this firsthand. As judge of Israel, he provided godly leadership and instruction to the people. However, the people wanted a king. In Samuel chapter 8, Samuel, tried to dissuade the people that a king would " 6 take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots... 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle ^[b] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day... 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."

Why would the people choose an earthly king as their ruler, over God? Galatians chapter 5 gives a clue: "17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Additionally, "19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." 

This presents another question; Is our government dysfunctional because we are dysfunctional, or are we dysfunctional because our government is dysfunctional?

Politics and the Christian

This is Part 1 in a series of my thoughts, as a Christian, on the issue of politics and all that it involves. I'm no political guru. I am a law student, and a financial analyst by trade. I have B.S. In Biology, and an MBA in Finance. I state this not to brag about my accomplishments, as at this stage, I have only accomplished to amass a massive amount of student loan debt. But that is another rant for another post. I state this as an indication of my personality: Organized and methodical, rigid, a bottom line kind of mentality, one who is focused on just the facts. and one who categorizes something as truth, a mistake, or an intentional lie. In short, I think my nature is often antithetical to the political process

Now, politics, by its nature, is one half partisan and one half compromise. Very seldom is resolution of any given issue the goal, but is more so part of the process to gather power. This in itself is not ungodly per se, but can result in ungodly attributes in the individual immersed in the world of politics. At what cost is one's politics successful? And when that power is obtained, how should one maintain it?  Furthermore, as Christians, how far should we go to support one party's quest to maintain control, especially considering the goal of politics is not to solve problems, but to create chaos? What is one to think of the inevitable result that politics often divides the masses? Pits neighbor against neighbor?  Pits family member against family member?

Now, I think all Christians walk a tight rope when it comes to the issue of politics. We should all exercise our God-blessed right to vote. Especially in light of the fact that, what is my opinion, God helping to foster a country such as ours, where religious freedom to worship Him was one of the key principles of our country's founders. However, as Christians, we should not become so immersed in politics that we are sucked into the cesspool dynamic that have governed politics since the creation of government thousands of years ago.

The United States is currently immersed in a political season, that will soon come to a climax on November 5, 2008. Republican Senator John McCain is vying against Democratic Senator Barack Obama for the most powerful position in the world, the presidency of the United States. In my opinion, this election has been tame by most recent standards. But for me, the most remarkable aspect is not the candidates or their campaigns; Its what happens to most people who become immersed in politics? This inquiry is not just on politicians, but involves everyone. Even more, what effect does this dynamic have on the individual and their relationships with other people,  and is God in the midst of this obvious divisive environment?

I hope to examine how the issue of politics has played out in the Bible and throughout history, and try to look at the limited scriptures of how Christ reacted to dynamics and issues that were political in nature. I will also try to address two conflicting realities of how "God has the hearts of kings in His hands", and "how Satan is the prince of this world". These two biblical concepts alone imply a fact lost on most people, believer or not; That spiritual battles not only play out in our individual lives, but also in governments and their leaders.

Finally, I will prayerfully consider how should the Christian involve themselves in politics, and how we should prioritize our alliances with our party oriented government. This includes consideration of our primary roles as Christians doing the work of the Father, to bring light to the world, and winning souls to Christ. We often forget the fact that we are not of this world, and should be just as focused on winning people to Christ by being vessels of God's love and truth, as we are often focused on the things of this world. Should we check our politics at the church door, or should we check our spirituality at the door of the poll? I don't know, and don't know if I will ever have an answer. I do know that often when I am overcome with the noise and frenzied divisiveness that is part of the political process, a voice inside my head cautions, "He is coming back.  Stay watchful". I then fear, that politics is just one tool of Satan, to distract people from God and His impending judgment of this world.

Warning to Those Who Expolit the Vulnerable in the Pursuit of Wealth

"He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty." Proverbs 22:16 (NIV) 

God is a God of love and mercy. He is also a God of divine judgment... a just God if you will. In His infinite wisdom, He has declared that no person who has amassed their wealth at the expense of the oppressed, or who has tried to curry favor with the rich, by giving them gifts, will escape financial ruin. Why? 

To the first issue, God hates man-made systems that are created to enrich people at the expense of other people who are helpless or vulnerable. Is God against capitalism? I would think not, as he requires each man to be compensated for his work. In Leviticus 19:13, the Lord outlined within the law “Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.” In the marketplace where goods and services are exchanged for currency, God has ordained that we are to pay a fair wage for services or goods that we receive. Those who do otherwise will lose the wealth they so desperately cling to.

To the second issue, why would a person give a gift to a rich person who probably has more than he needs? While silent on the issue, the context implies that the rich person in this case is a person of influence and power. The gift is not given in the spirit of love, generosity or grace. If so, one could consider giving it to someone who was of more meager means than the giver. In fact, the gift is nothing more than a bribe, given to curry influence or consideration to future wealth or power. Here the goal of the gift is to obtain wealth. It controverts the principles outlined inProverbs 22:9 that states “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor” and Proverbs 28:27 which also states “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” One who seeks to obtain true wealth by means of a bribe or seeking to curry favor with the person who would actually receive the “gift” will not have the discernment to escape calamity, and will lose their riches.

I Suck At Blogging

I get this ingenious idea to blog, but I can never do so consistently. When I'm not studying for class, I'm reading other people's blogs. Instead of writing long, drawn out posts, I will try to keep it short and pithy. 

To the one or two people who have stopped by to graze, thanks and come again. To others, let me experiment by blogging for one week straight, before you pass judgment.

Thanks

The Case Aginst Abortion

Often times, the topic of Abortion is discussed in a purely political context. Terminating a pregnancy is often articulated in the context of "A Woman's Choice". Dissenters to the practice of abortion are often labeled using the complementary "Pro-Life," or the impliedly derogatory "Anti-Choice." Proponents of abortion lean on the Roe vs. Wade decision from 1973, in arguing that the Due Process Clause in the 14th Amendment and the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, entitled a woman to the "right to privacy" in terminating her pregnancy. Justice Harry Blackmun wrote the reasoned opinion that supported a woman's right to have an abortion, making Roe vs. Wade one of the landmark cases of this country's judicial and political history. When considering the term "Abortion" does not not appear in the Constitution, proponents point to the evolution to America's social and political landscape over the past century to be more "enlightened" as to the superior intellectual and social qualities of mankind.

But a woman's right to "Choose" to end her pregnancy has far greater implications than those presented in the political sphere. Women in the present day can choose to a large extent: what career she will pursue; her husband (Some women will argue a thinning herd of marry-able men makes this option one of semantics); where she will live; her friends; what form of contraceptive she will use (I'm not advocating this option or a trying to imply biblical approval; but am simply elaborating on the "choices" a woman can make); and her eternal fate. It is true that women do not enjoy complete equality with men, but this examination is not one of comparing secular roles and liberties. It is an examination of mankind's role in the creation process, and a woman's God ordained role as the catalyst for all human life. So the central issue of choice is not really one of life and freedom, but is really a question of whether God's gift of life to us supercedes His gift of free will to us.

You see, God is the author of life. In the book of Genesis, Chapter 1, one witnesses The Holy, Living, Thinking, Reasoning God proclaim in v.26 "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..."

He thought about doing it, then He did it:

"v.27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

God created man and woman, and gave them the gift of life. Not only the ability to live and grow, but to create others like them.

Now, it is true he also gave this same gift to the beasts of the animal kingdom. But like the seasons, the cycle of life within the animal kingdom is really one similar to an automatic timer. The animals have an internal clock that governs their need and desire to procreate and perpetuate life in their individual species. Human on the otherhand, have more autonomy. Besides, it is we who were created in God's image.

The gift of life God gave man is special for another reason. Not only do we have the ability to take part in the creation process, when a husband and wife express their love and attraction for each other through sexual intercourse. But, when man and woman unite in physical intimacy protected within the bounds of marriage, God is also present. He sanctions the union of a man and his wife in their intimacy. What is even more mind-blowing, He communes with the unseen, but fully alive fetus as it grows in the inner most parts of the woman's body. In Psalms 139, King David laments how God's delight in us begins even as we grow in our mother's wombs:

"13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.'

Even in our mother's wombs, God knows us and communes with us. With that in mind, what conclusion would a rational person come to, as it relates to God's opinion on the issue of abortion?
It is true, the political opportunists in our country have used the issue of abortion as a wedge issue in national politics, to create division and obtain a political advantage. But God is not a politician, and when Christ was here on Earth, He seemed to go to great lengths to avoid political debates altogether.

Instead God is the loving Parent who gives His precious children a gift, in the hope we use it with the respect and reverence one should have given the magnitude of of the gift's power.

So, with that in mind, how does God feel about the topic of abortion? Does He nod in affirmative approval? Shrug His shoulders in preoccupied indifference? Or does he cry inconsolably as the cycle of life He gifted to His children, comes to a violent end?

It Really Is Time For A Change

Turn on any news program, and one will be filled with stories of doom and gloom. News reports of "Global Warming", "Rising Energy Prices", 'Rumors of Wars", and a "Sense of Restlessness" permeate the airwaves. Why?

Is it because Republican President George Bush has been in office for the past 8 years?

Is it because of the war in Iraq?

Is it because this is an election year, and people are just ready for a new political climate?

Is it because of the failing financial markets around the world?

Will a change in the affiliation of the political party in the White House cure what ails the masses? Or bring comfort to the human heart?

Isaiah 55 states:

"55:1 “Hey, all who are thirsty, come to the water!
You who have no money, come!
Buy and eat!
Come! Buy wine and milk
without money and without cost!

55:2 Why pay money for something that will not nourish you?
Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me and eat what is nourishing!
Enjoy fine food!

55:3 Pay attention and come to me!
Listen, so you can live!
Then I will make an unconditional covenantal promise to you,
just like the reliable covenantal promises I made to David.

55:4 Look, I made him a witness to nations,
a ruler and commander of nations.”

55:5 Look, you will summon nations you did not previously know;
nations that did not previously know you will run to you,
because of the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he bestows honor on you.

55:6 Seek the Lord while he makes himself available;
call to him while he is nearby!

55:7 The wicked need to abandon their lifestyle
and sinful people their plans.
They should return to the Lord, and he will show mercy to them,
and to their God, for he will freely forgive them.

55:8 “Indeed, my plans are not like your plans,
and my deeds are not like your deeds,

55:9 for just as the sky is higher than the earth,
so my deeds are superior to your deeds
and my plans superior to your plans.

55:10 The rain and snow fall from the sky
and do not return,
but instead water the earth
and make it produce and yield crops,
and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat.

55:11 In the same way, the promise that I make
does not return to me, having accomplished nothing.
No, it is realized as I desire
and is fulfilled as I intend.”

55:12 Indeed you will go out with joy;
you will be led along in peace;
the mountains and hills will give a joyful shout before you,
and all the trees in the field will clap their hands.

55:13 Evergreens will grow in place of thorn bushes,
firs will grow in place of nettles;
they will be a monument to the Lord,
a permanent reminder that will remain.

Wow!! God promises to fulfill our needs and give peace in our hearts. But that fulfilment only comes when one returns to God and enters into a real relationship with Him.

Thus the crux of the problem when Man has the free will to choose his path, and that path takes him away from the God that created him.

The news reports don't reflect a need for a change in public policies. They reflect the frustrations of mankind in being disheartened with the path he is has pursued apart from God.

Man has become blind, weary, disillusioned, and frustrated. We worship the Earth. We worship political parties. We worship ourselves. We worship the idols we have crafted of wood, brick, silver, and gold. In Biblical times, they were pagan gods.

In the modern day, they are the homes, cars, clothes, and lifestyle that are a little too luxurious for our wallets.

And yet, we as humans are still unhappy...

God's promises to give what our souls thirst so much for. Him. We were created with a God shaped hole in our hearts that only He could fill.

Putting our hopes for peace, fulfillment and salvation in anything besides Him will always result in more despair and decay.

Instead of hoping in Obama or McCain to fix all that is wrong in the world, hope that the authority and person of Jesus Christ becomes more of a reality with each passing day.

Back Up and Running

I must have been smoking crack, when I decided to start a blog while a full-time law student, part time law-intern for a law firm, part-time mediator for state court, father of 2 kids (ages 4 and 3), and the husband of the baddest chick on the planet. In other words, I not only don't have time, I probably need an extra 20 hours each week. But God gives strength to the weary, so I hope to be more diligent going forward.

I just completed my second year of law school, while working full time hours as a law intern for a small firm, and doing an externship for state court as a mediator. At this point, I am pretty much fried. I am enjoying spending time with my wife and kids over the summer. I will enjoy this time next summer even more, which is when I hope to graduate from law school. In the mean time, I hope to post at least 1 small entry each day.

Till next time... God Bless