As you all know the nature of this space has been very political over the last several weeks. Today it’s done. I have said all I know to say and now only prayer is left.
I have been praying and engaged in the arena of ideas. Trying to explain why I believe a straight Republican vote is the best thing for this country. I am weary from the fight and if I’m honest I’m hopeful but a bit discouraged. Regardless of who wins; a number of my friends and acquaintances believe this country is something vastly different than what I believe it is. That saddens me.
As Christians we must always pray. Only in prayer are things really “Changed” and only in prayer is there authentic “Hope”. So now I have done all I know to do. I voted early on Thursday. Stood in line for two hours for the privilege of voting. Thankful I have a voice.
Please do whatever is necessary to get out tomorrow and vote according to what you believe is best for the country and how you believe would please God. Yes He cares and it matters.
I will be back but for now I’m done.
Hey Gary, you may remember me from down under. Peace to you – I guess you and the family are in Colorado now?
I’ve read all of your recent posts, although I must admit that I won’t be voting, and in fact cannot (legally). Although, heh heh, I’m paying taxes – go figure.
But for me I feel that there may be a third way, and here are a few articles are articulate that well:
Nathan Snow – Politics Begins On Wednesday
http://www.jesusmanifesto.com/2008/10/31/politics-begins-on-wednesday/
Mark Van Steenwyk – Electing For Change
http://www.jesusmanifesto.com/2008/11/03/electing-for-change/
Shane Claibourne – Voting As Damage Control
http://www.sojo.net/blog/godspolitics/?p=3293
I don’t hold any false beliefs that I’m going to magically change your mind, and I frankly don’t mind you voting Republican – heck, my wife is.
But I just wanted to expose you to a different perspective, a third way, where one’s hope is not in a party or a candidate. As Douglas Wilson put it;
…confirm it in your heart and soul that the day after the election, God is still on His throne, and Jesus is still at His right hand. Certain things are not on the ballot, as the sovereignty of God is not. When Christians react to elections with despair and panic, they are demonstrated that their faith is in the wrong place. If the election goes badly, do not soak your hair with lighter fluid, set it off, and then run in tight, little circles. Be a Christian. If the election goes well, do not act you have just been saved. Salvation is not something that Caesar holds in his hand, whether to give or withhold.
http://www.dougwils.com/index.asp?Action=Anchor&CategoryID=1&BlogID=6010
Peace, and God’s blessings to you
Jordan,
Of course I remember you and I appreciate your comments. If I have given the impression that my hope is in John McCain or the Republican party I’m sorry. My hope is in the Lord always, He is on the throne and I will serve Him and place my trust in Him only. Regardless of who our next president is I will not change. If McCain wins I will rejoice and get back to work, if Obama wins I will mourn and get back to work.
My disappointment lies in the lack of understanding from otherwise intelligent people of how the world works. They lack even a basic understanding of economics, civics, and scripture. I have heard a dozen or more times; “I’m pro-life but” or “I believe in free markets but”. My job is hiring people. Obama wouldn’t make the first cut for most of my management jobs let alone my executive jobs.
Not voting is not an option. It’s a stewardship issue. This country was founded by Christians who believed it to be a gift from God. I agree and to the extent it’s struggling is because the church has given it away by not being engaged. Psalm 115:16 says the earth was given to us, Proverbs 14:4 says Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. Another translation says an empty stable will not get dirty but it will also make no money. If we don’t take responsibility for the direction and future of this country it will be taken away. I fear it is being taken away already.
I have read some posts from “God’s Politics” and I have to say I am in complete disagreement with most of what is posted there. The state has a responsibility to protect its people. War is necessary. I don’t believe we are the aggressors in Iraq and I don’t believe Bush “lied us into war” he doesn’t have that power. It’s not about killing or not not killing it’s about protecting the innocent. Defending those who can’t defend themselves. I am not going to defend every decision that has been made militarily but the state has an obligation to protect the interests of it’s people. I’ll stop at that.
This country was founded on freedom, life, and opportunity. Though I have plenty of issues with McCain. I believe Obama to be counter to everything I believe in and everything this country was founded on. As a steward I believe I must vote as well as make sure my church is fulfilling it’s role, and I must fulfill my role to love my neighbor. So again it’s not a trusting in a candidate or a party or a salvation issue it’s a stewardship issue.
I hope that clarifies where I’m coming from. I sincerely appreciate your comments. I think a lot of people feel like you feel and this gives me the opportunity to speak to it.
Bless you my friend, hope to see again sometime. I hope your family is well.
I think our methodology is the same even though our end results are quite different! 🙂
I’d challenge the bit about a Christian nation, but I wasn’t trying to spark a debate (and besides, Greg Boyd has already done a fine job with his book, The Myth Of A Christian Nation). So we can save that for later.
I’m happy for you, and glad to see where you’re coming from and the meditations that have brought you there. I just wanted to prod a little, see what substance was behind some of the posts I’ve been reading.
My family’s doing well, our daughter is nearly 1 and a half now – it’s crazy. We also sort of inherited a dog…it’s not ours, but it lives with us…go figure. It’s the family-faith-work-study-etc routine for me still, but it’s good.
You can challenge the bit about the Christian nation all you like. A lot of people have. I haven’t heard anything that is sufficient to change my mind. I welcome any conversation about foundational issues and will pick up Greg’s book.
As long as were both passionate to discover the truth only good can come of it.
My youngest just turned 13 and my oldest will be 16 this month. I can hardly believe it. Sounds like your life is full. God is good and faithful. stay in touch.
Blessings,