Spirit Filled Puritan

All I can say is wow!  Honestly I am speechless.  I never thought this country was at a point where we could elect a young, African-American man as President of the United States.  I offer my humble congratulations to him.  I am proud to be an American.

Regardless of our politics we should be acknowledging the greatness of our country and the process we have that allows each and every adult person to choose their governmental representatives.  We should be celebrating the peaceful transition of power, which is a grace from God, regardless of whether our man won or lost.  Compare the blessings we have to those who are struggling in Zimbabwe where peaceful transition is almost impossible.  Praise God for what we have and pray for the poor who are caught in the middle and who suffer the consequences of the politics of selfish gain.  We have much to be thankful for.

Yet, this morning I am amazed by the response of evangelical Christians in this country.  I am amazed that so many are acknowledging the fact that God is sovereign.  I am elated by that fact but I need to ask this question?  Why all of a sudden this outpouring of acknowledgement?  Why is it that so many feel driven to acknowledge this after Barak Obama’s victory?   I find no evidence of such statements when George Bush won in 2000 and 2004.  All I could find was numerous references to the further defeat of the secular left.  I am pondering why so many people are acknowledging God’s sovereignty today when they didn’t  do so when a Republican won?

Honesty, why would a Christian’s public proclamation of God’s sovereignty depend on who is elected?  If one truly believes God is sovereign, that fact should transcend politics and be acknowledged on July 4th each year as well as when the stock market tanked in September.  Is it just me or does it appear that people’s hearts are not  lining up with their mouths?  

Over the last few weeks I have read helpful things from many people who were asking questions and also sought for a right response to the election from the pages of Scripture.  Among many probing questions, I found the following ones of help to me.

1. Is my hope really in God as the sovereign Lord and Savior, or am I most hoping in a certain outcome of the election?
2. Have I ascribed certain attributes of God to my favorite politician?
3. Would people know more of my political views than of the gospel? 
4. Today am I mourning political defeat more than my own sins?
5. Am I taking more credit than is due in my candidate’s victory?
6. What is motivating my response to proclaim God is sovereign? 
7. Do I acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all aspects and situations in my life? 
8. Am I more aware of the crucified Christ today than yesterday? 
9. Are my words and life clearly drawing attention to His finished work as my Savior?

Today, many are celebrating their new idol.  Sadly, it appears many Christians are mourning the the destruction of their idol and are already erecting new ones.  Actually I’ll be the first to admit, I was carving a new one this morning!  Then, God showed me I was wrong in repeating my past sinful responses.  Before falling back into this trap again, I needed to stop  and reflect on my motivations.  Our sovereign God  faithfully opened up a window again to show me I was wrong in my thinking and in doing so opened a window into his unending fountain of grace.  It was time to confess and repent of my sinful idolatry, pride and unbelief. 

My encouragement to all is to proclaim the sovereignty of God, but don’t stop there, take the next step and examine your motivations for doing so.  If the Holy Spirit reveals fear and anxiety, confess your unbelief.  If He reveals your heart’s propensity to elevate man over God, confess your idolatry.  If he reveals prejudice, vindictiveness and anger, confess your pride.   Turn your hearts to the Lord and receive the grace that comes through repentance and renewed faith.  Then bask in the sovereignty of God over all things with joy and expectancy rather than out of fear and uncertainty.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” -  Romans 13:1

This post is not political.  It is my intention to keep my blog focused on the Gospel, not politics.  However, I posting this note not to brag, gloat or elicit sympathy, but to express my opinion on the “deeper” issues that separated the two main candidates.  I also wanted to celebrate process through which I cast my vote today which stands as an evidence of God’s grace and providence.

Today I voted.  It’s a right we have in this country that men and women have died to protect.  Around the world, its a process denied more people than allowed.  I am also proud to say I voted only once.  This should go without saying but the fact is that many people feel its more important for their man to win than to respect the law, they find ways to cast multiple votes.  Actually, its quite easy to do.  Why we as a nation insist on other countries having stronger voter fraud laws than us, is beyond me.  However, abusing our right violates God’s commandment for honesty and mocks the sacrifice of those who died for the ideal of one man, one vote.   Finally, I voted for John McCain for President of the United States of America.  I did so not because he was more qualified, or because of his party affiliation, or because of his race or out of fear.  I didn’t vote for him because of his self proclaimed “maverick” status, his economic policies, what he promised to give me or even because of his focus on bi-partisanship.   I voted for him based on three principles founded on ideology, ethics and morality.  For me they are three non-negotiables that clearly draw the distinction between him and his main opponent.    I voted my conscience.

First, was the issue of life.  It is my belief that all life is sacred and that morally and ethically, it must be protected.  Political rhetoric doesn’t apply here.  The records of both men speak clearly and distinctly here.  Morally and ethically, drawing a relative distinction between who is person and who is not, sets a dangerous precedent. 

Secondly, was the issue of national defense.  It is my belief that according to the US Constitution, this is the highest priority of the President.    Again, political rhetoric is irrelevant.  While I do not doubt the sincerity of Barak Obama’s belief in national defense, I believe the records of both men speak for themselves.  It’s not a matter of sincerity, but judgment.

Thirdly, was the issue of the role of government.  I believe government must be strong enough to hold the states together yet weak enough not to interfere with individual liberties.   While John McCain is no constitutional libertarian (in the founding father’s sense), his ideals of less government are in sharp contrast to the ideals of big government advocated by Barak Obama.   My father told me 35 years ago that no matter which candidate wins, every year the country moves further away from its founding principles.  “Your role in voting” he said, “is to slow down that slide as much as you can.”  Government will inevitably grow under John McCain, but it will grow slower.

Finally, even after voting, I find my peace not in “my man” but in the fact that I live in the greatest country on earth.  I share in things that I take for granted and that are only dreams of millions around the world.  I find my peace in the realization that God did shed His grace on us, in a way larger than I think Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote America the Beautiful, even imagined.  And while there are times  I forget this and feel my destiny is in the hands of our President, I am always quickly reminded of that grace “shed” on me.   I was reminded of it again through this…

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”  – Romans 13:1.  

Thus when I participated in the electoral process, I voted my conscience, as a civic duty, through the process of government, instituted by God, for His ultimate glory. 

Well, we’re 24 hours from Election Day.  For many people, tomorrow will decide which one of these men can best solve the problems of our country and the world.  When you think about it, that’s actually a very ridiculous statement.  Why?  It presumes that one of these imperfect men will achieve the status of which only one perfect man has ever achieved. 

Both men have been described in prophetic terms.  Barak Obama has been parodied by his opponent as “The One”.  Some have both seriously and comically called him “messiah”.  John McCain has said his campaign has been “resurrected” and that he is the one to bring reform, peace and prosperity to all.  Who do we trust?

Throughout the campaign there have been issues that have come and gone.  Illegal immigration, the war in Iraq, race and gender have all now been eclipsed by the economy.  Both campaigns claim global climate change is the single biggest issue facing the world today.  So, in your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the world today?

Let me suggest one that is so huge, that nearly everyone misses it.  It’s so large and so significant that is that it affects every person, place and thing on the planet.  It respects no age, sex or national boundary.  Its been around for thousands of years.  It’s one that many great respected world leaders have tried to solve or deal with; all unsuccessfully. It is the single most denied fact facing mankind.  What is it?   The inherent evil that exists in each person, no matter how good they think of themselves.  It’s commonly called sin.  It’s the thing that is the root of every world-wide social ill.  It’s consequences affect every aspect of life.  It’s the thing that makes us personally think of ourselves as better than our fellow man or woman.  Its the thing that drives us to pursue selfish ambition at the expense of friends, family and co-workers.  It’s the thing that motivates us to corruption, anger, greed, prejudice, hatred, war and exploitation.  It’s the thing that arrogantly claims that other people are evil or bad, but not me.   Yet its also the thing that deludes us into thinking that our generation will succeed where others have failed in dealing with its consequences.  It’s the thing that leads us to believe that with a few more government programs, some more money and the right person at the helm, all our problems go away.   Think about it, Is Barak Obama or John McCain going to solve your relationship problems, illness, hatred, selfishness, greed, racism or prejudice.  If you think so, you’re deluding yourself.  All these things stem from the condition of the human heart,  not as a reaction to socio-economic consequences or situations. 

Sin warps our view of everything.  That which is good becomes evil.  That which is evil becomes good.  And to top it off, to make sure we’re all equal, your view is relative your your situation in life, culture, ethnicity or beliefs.  Theoretically, the idea of good and evil no longer exist but in practice, we deny our our theory  and label one another good and others evil.  

Sin is the root cause of all our problems.  Coal plants are not the root cause of global warming, nor are cow burps.  Derivatives are not the root cause of the Wall Street collapse.  Economic injustice is not the cause of poverty and unemployment.  Sin is, in one form or another. 

So what’s this all mean?  Well, I can tell you, this post is not part of a conspiracy to suppress it vote.  It doesn’t mean that your vote tomorrow doesn’t count.  It does and you should vote.  SO DO IT.  Yet, it also means that we need to recognize that neither candidate is  the real candidate of change, hope, prosperity, reform or peace.  There is only one man in all of human history who can claim to be the candidate of all of these ideals and the only one who truly dealt successfully with all these issues.  His name is Jesus.  He was God’s perfect candidate; nominated to deal effectively with sin.  He dealt, once and for all, with the root of all evil and the thing that prevents us from seeing perfect “good”; God Himself.  God’s platform was one of perfect change, hope, reform, peace and prosperity.  Yet in our sin, we selfishly elected Jesus because of what he offered our fleshly desires, then when he became too much of a threat, we voted him out and had him executed.   Yet, He transcended all of our selfish and evil intent and forgave sinners for what they did; past, present and future.  By grace, seeing no special deed or tendency in sinners, He purchased the salvation of countless souls who  put their faith in Him.  He called this the Gospel.  Its the good news that God changes the human heart, not just situations.  It’s the true solution to mankind’s problems and the only true hope.

For me, I struggle to keep this all in perspective.  Especially in an election cycle, I slip often and get caught up in what “might be” or find myself placing my hope of change with some elected official.  Yet, the Gospel calls me to be the ultimate informed voter.   I need to see myself for what I am; a sinner and respond in repentance and faith, trusting only in the Gospel.  For I am still a sinner saved by grace, with nothing of myself to boast.  My hope is not in the man who rose up during this generation, but a man who transcended all generations past and future.  Ultimately the only vote that really matters is the one for Jesus.