Both Political Parties Are Wrong
Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on
us, for we have endured no end of contempt. We have endured no end of ridicule
from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud. – Psalm 123:3-4
It’s the day before Election Day. We have survived the
ugly political ads, the nasty comments from friends, and the political signs
that seem to multiply overnight.
You’re probably thinking it’s those nasty Democrats
causing all the trouble. It’s fun to bash them and blame all our troubles
elsewhere. But the truth isn’t so pretty. This is a primary election and those
nasty words are coming from Republicans who also loudly proclaim their
Christian faith and conservative values.
The truth is that neither party gets it all right or
all wrong when it comes to Biblical teachings. Someone who is a Republican isn’t
necessarily a “good” Christian. Attending church every Sunday doesn’t make
someone a person of faith. And loudly proclaiming your religion doesn’t mean
that behind closed doors you actually live it.
Two candidates running for office are a good example.
One proclaims his faith. I just found out we attend the same church. I’ve never,
ever seen him or any member of his family at any service or event. Maybe I
missed him. Or maybe not. His opponent keeps his comments on the issues and
says nothing about faith. I know his family. I know he is a man who slips into church
without announcing his presence. I know his faith goes deep and it shows in his
integrity. Who is the “better” Christian?
Some candidates who proclaim their faith loudly bash immigrants
– both legal and illegal. They condemn the poor as lazy and blame the media for
every exposed lie. We need to put God back in schools and government. That’ll
fix everything. Just ask them.
But don’t ask them what the Bible says about welcoming
immigrants because our ancestors were once foreigners in a foreign land. Don’t
question them about Jesus’ comments on taking care of the poor, about guiding
one another, about teaching our children right from wrong. Yes. Everyone should
obey the law. And, yes, everyone who is able should work. But the issue goes
much deeper. Who among us has bothered to research it? Who among us even
attempts to show compassion and mercy to those who are in need? Who among us
dares to be Jesus when doing so contradicts our political tag?
Others think it’s okay to kill unborn children. They
consider that everyone has rights but not those in the womb. They remember that
not too many years ago Christians used the Bible to “justify” racial
discrimination. Some of them still do. They believe that putting God in “His
place” will put everyone on a level field with equal opportunities. They try to
deny our identity in a vain attempt to justify multiplying wrong.
Politics is about power, money and self. Does anyone
run for political office to try and truly bring change? Sometimes. But it doesn’t
last long. Compromise and working together are what bring change. Unfortunately,
compromise doesn’t win elections.
How do we change this political climate? I don’t have
a clue. I pray and vote for individuals. It’s not about a particular political
party. It’s about God. It’s about honoring Him. Until we get that right,
nothing else will ever change.
