Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Hope in Who Can Really Save Us


It's that time of year again! Everywhere I look I see political statements and ads and everyone seems to have an opinion of what ought to be done. When I was in high school, I spent a lot of time around a crowd that is very politically savvy. They knew quite a bit and cared deeply and as a result, so did I. But now I spend a lot of time with people who are disgusted with all of the broken promises they have experienced and disillusioned about anything political. Most of them would rather not vote because there is no one that they feel that they can fully support.

I tend towards the disillusioned side myself, but for a different reason that most of the people I know. My hope isn't in the next president or congress or any bill that they promise to enact or retract. I know  beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will fail me. Ultimately, there is not and never will be a perfect government or solution in this world. Are some options better than others? Absolutely! I am unashamedly pro-life and pro-small government, and my vote will reflect those things because I believe that they are better for the people who I care about.

But at the same time, my hope is in Jesus, not in the next person who promises to solve our nations problems. The reality is that we live in a sinful, broken world that will always reflect the fall. No leader, no matter how wise and just, can change that.

I do not believe, however, that this releases me from my political responsibility. I am called to love my neighbor and I believe that part of that responsibility is found in voting for the person who can best serve them. I believe that certain actions our laws allow are wrong and take away human rights. And so I will vote for the person who is most likely to restore those rights. As Christians, I believe that we are to be salt and light and I think that command extends past our business and social life and to the political arena.

Finally, voting is a privilege, no matter how much it seems like it isn't or that our vote doesn't matter. It is a precious and rare thing in most of the world to have any say at all in politics. And we have the privilege of voting regularly and in an organized fashion for the individual who we think would best represent us in government. It is a good thing.

And so when November comes around, I will vote, joyfully, knowing that whatever the outcome, I have done my best to obey the Lord's commands. But more than that, I will vote joyfully knowing that no matter what happens, my peace and future doesn't rest in the hands of whoever is elected to run our nation, but rather in the hands of the sovereign, loving Father who has saved me and loves me.


2 comments:

  1. wow. i wish more people felt the way you do. I certainly appreciate and agree with everything you just said. Especially voting vs not voting, that part just gets me! this will be my first time voting ever, I proudly go to put my say in, and do my duty to God and country. Frankly I find it sad that so many brethren refuse to vote, just because one candidate over the other isnt perfect... i could go on, but yes Katie, I appreciate your take on this:)

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  2. I agree with you, but I can understand too...it is frustrating when you don't feel like your views align with any of the candidates. But I'm with you - I think we ought to vote anyway. :)

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