Thursday, August 20, 2009

Politics...

First of all, I warned you - NO subject is off limits.

Last night I had the pleasure of participating in a political debate.  It was even more entertaining when I found out that one side of the argument was only playing the devil's advocate and pretending to be on the opposing view.  It's insane how passionate everyone is about their political views.

I am no different.  I am very passionate about politics - but I don't really participate in any arguments.  Here is why:

Jesus had an open door to be a political figure.  In fact, that's what many of His followers thought He was!  But He chose not to be.  If He was involved in politics at all, it was as an ambassador for His heavenly kingdom.  I don't need to remind any theologians that Jesus mingled with tax collectors - who were the political enemy of the day - and told everyone (in Matthew Chapter 22) to be faithful in paying taxes - even if the government is one that you do not approve.

But God did give us a political assignment is scripture.  Many of you know one of my favorite scriptures, Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future..."  But earlier in that very chapter, we are given the circumstances in the midst of this wonderful promise.  God's chosen people have been LED into captivity. They have been carried away as captives of Babylon.  So what does God tell His people to do about this terrible oppression?

"And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace (Jeremiah 29:7)."

In the midst of our heated political debates, let us remember that we live in a country that is blessed to have compassionate people leading us.  That's right...  I believe our leadership is moved to their beliefs out of compassion...  And I believe those who oppose them are moved by compassion as well.  Even on the heated debates such as abortion and the sanctity of marriage.  For example... On abortion, the pro-lifers are moved by their compassionate  for unborn children, the pro-choicers are moved by their compassion for women.  Neither side is going to communicate with the other until they can accept that fact...

I believe there is a perfect kingdom waiting for me.  Until then, I will be more concerned about showing the love of God to sinners - like Jesus did.

I leave you with a quote from one of the most beloved politicians in history, Winston Churchill:

"If you are 20 and not a liberal, you have no heart.  If you are 40 and not a conservative, you have no brain."

Haha.

9 comments:

  1. Its great to see your views on this. I liked the part where you said that our leaders are moved to their beliefs out of compassion...

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  2. Glad you have a political opinion...and loving your blog, so far.

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  3. This is my favorite scripture concerning our leaders and those in authority. Where our passion and debates fail, God mysteriously moves.

    "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

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  4. hahaa. i love this Phil!
    i myself am not passionate about politics, but i like hearing what people have to say. i guess you could say i like being on the sidelines when it comes to politics. like you, except you ARE passionate about politics and im not. specially those heated debates. among teenagers, those can get out of hand. haha!

    take care! i was led here from your Twitter. hahah.
    , gabyy

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  5. I agree with you, Phil, on the scripture in Jeremiah, and also on the fact that we should consider ourselves blessed for living here. God's people had to also exercise what He said in Jeremiah when they were under the Romans in Jesus' day. Not an easy thing, I'm sure, when you see from the many movies, and even books, like the classic "The Bronze Bow," how the Jews were treated. And I also agree with Gwen, that we should be more diligent to pray for our leaders. I also think we should pray for whom we want to lead us. Like my pastor said, "vote your values and not your pocketbook." I believe we will be better for it in the end, and God can move on our behalf when we consider what He thinks about things.

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  6. *sings* "With the thoughts you'd be thinkin', you could be another Lincoln, if you only had a brain...."Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz..hehe.

    This is awesome Phil. I had a conversation with someone recently about how we need to look at where people are coming from before we debate them on their beliefs. Even if we don't agree with them, we need to understand them.

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