How to Handle Politics And Government

How to Handle Politics and Government

It is apparent that our fair country is nowhere near solving our national problems at either the federal, state or local level. There are so many obvious problems that to attempt to list the top ten would be an exercise in futility. This is deeply disappointing to many people, who hoped that by means of elections last fall problems would begin to be solved and positive productive action would be a reality.

You may recall this famous anecdote: A lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin after the 1787 Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic,” replied the Doctor, “if you can keep it.”

What does this mean, to “keep” the Republic? Does it mean to adhere to it's founding documents and principles, or does it mean to continually adapt it to meet current “felt needs?” Or is it some of both? Or does it mean we need judges to make our laws from courtrooms?

The problem with politics and government is that it involves people. People tend to be sinners or saints, or by practical estimate somewhere in between the two all the time.

John Adams once told a military audience "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

So are morals important for politicians, judges, government employees, for citizens and those who vote and have opinions on how our city, county, state or nation is governed?

When we have frustrations with the words, actions, or even opinions of others, we might consider the morality of the source. And most importantly of all, we must always consider our own morality. When we are thinking, speaking, acting, or sharing an opinion or viewpoint--- are we reflecting what we believe to be moral, both within and without our own self?

Apparently many only consider others, while they exempt themselves from careful moral examination. Many of these claim to be the most moral people of all.

So what is the solution to the moral crisis in which we live?

As you might imagine, I strongly suggest repentance and faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This requires a humility, a submission, a willing awareness of ones own need for God. It will lead to the dependence upon God for which we are created, and a reliance on the Spirit for peace, love, joy, hope and faith that no circumstance, or problem of politics or government, can take away. This love will lead us to consider other's needs as more important than our own, and will help us to see more clearly the world around us as God sees it.

While we may still be upset, irritated, or incredulous at the world in which we live, and which our children will inherit, we can still even then rely on the Spirit to lead and guide us as to how we respond.

What is God calling you to do to help “keep” the republic? How can you leave your concern and frustration behind, and help others to join you in making the world a better place?

Psalm 33:12 KJV “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

How We Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils

I won't vote for “the lesser of two evils.” Really? Why not?

Perhaps the desire could be framed, “I will vote for the better politician.” That's an ironic term to be sure, but it lets us make a good choice in light of the true situation.

The hope for an ideal candidate in any election is surely a fond one. “Hope springs eternal” the marketers know. Politicians always strategize to maximize their benefits and minimize their liabilities. It is up to their opponents to maximize liabilities, right? This should be no surprise to anyone.

For some reason, people are “shocked” and “surprised” when American political campaigns swerve into the gutter. Or when they are swerved intentionally in the gutter.

Proverbs 18:7 says, “A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.” A few verses later we read, “The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.”

We don't like to be disappointed with politicians. Like optimism and hope, disappointment is ever-present and looms around every new sunrise in politics and government. Many of us would like to cast a vote and solve some problems. There are so many problems that it is hard to keep track of any progress if you are actually trying to hold down a job.

So why the insistence on idealism? On Godly, righteous people in government, especially if they are not running? At the end of the day we have to “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's.” The Kingdom of God is not equal to any human government, no matter what Evangelicals fondly wish.

And just because a particular politician is sub-optimal is many ways this does not mean voting for that person is a dramatic and revolting act of evil. It is actually a rather mundane act, like raking leaves. It may not be fun or “holy,” but it needs to be done.

Character counts, but only if character is a selection on the ballot. Character is measured against promises of action and policy. Politicians influence public policy, laws and their enforcement, regulation and initiatives of public investment, and hopefully moral leadership. Only with time will the true nature of politicians be revealed, so you have to look at the record, not the mud that is slung.

So, when one candidate is to you better or worse than another (after you've formed evidence based opinions) then you have to “pay your money and take your choice.”

It may not do any real good to see candidates as “evil” just because they are less (or even very far less) than ideal. This is silencing your own vote.

If you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

Keeping Cool During Hot Elections

Keeping Cool During Hot Elections

Rush Limbaugh is famous for saying that “everything is political.” To this we may all say together, “Oh no!” As we begin to see hundreds of TV ads from Trump vs. Clinton, it is important for Christians to not loose composure (2 Thessalonians 2:2) and remember what is truly and eternally important.

It's important to think about the relationship between Christians and their government. We find this in God's Word. We know that God has some requirements.

First, we are to occupy positions in our government if we can do so. You will recall that Joseph was appointed to positions, and eventually was a very powerful person in Egypt (Genesis 42:6). Next, we are to pay taxes to our government. Jesus famously said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar, and unto God the things which are God's.” (Matthew 22:18-21). Next we are to pray for our government. This means praying for people individually, even those politicians we don't like or agree with (I Timothy 2:1-3). Christians are to be promotors of a “righteous peace,” and this begins with prayer. Next, we are to obey the rules of government. The basic formulation of our obedience to law is found in Romans 13:1-7. Here Paul gives a perspective that we should cherish ourselves. We don't control everything, but we know that God does! Finally, I'll remind you that we are called to obey God first. Gov. Mike Pence famously says, “I'm a Christian first, an American second, and a Republican third- in that order.” To most Christians that sounds like good priorities. In Acts 5:29 you see that people “must obey God rather than men.” Obeying God is our first priority. This is where the idea of God-given rights comes in our Democratic Republic form of government.

Whatever your political beliefs, always remember to try and let them be influenced by God's Word. While we may be moved to tears by our nation's problems, or frustrated by the decades of social decline and injustice, we can always show others that our hope is in God and not man. Further, we must always recall that our enemy is not other people, but the evil one who wants to deceive the whole world, the enemy of God, the devil.

If you're going to watch TV or hear the news, there is really no telling what we are in for this time. With all of you, I'll be hanging in there. While everything may have a political aspect, what is most important is the mission of Jesus and of Rolling Roads Baptist Church!

Happy Because of Jesus,

Pastor James

Jesus Pays His Taxes?

"Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said.  And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.  Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away."