This morning, it was with a certain sense of foreboding that I drove to the ballot drop box before heading to the office. For the first time, ever, all four members of our household were casting our votes. And yet, in spite of this awesome privilege of participating in the democratic process, instead of a great sense of anticipation, I headed to the ballot box with a great sense of dread.
However, for a moment, I was distracted from my apprehensiveness by the need to figure out exactly where this ballot drop box was…since it was a location I had never been to before. And so, it wasn’t until I was actually at the drop box that I realized what song had come on the radio. I was just in time for the chorus. “Dust in the wind. All we are is dust in the wind.” I could not imagine a more appropriate song by which to deposit our votes this election! I suppose part of what we appreciate about voting is the sense that we have some say in the process—it gives us a semblance of control. But what control can a person have when the two choices for the top post in the land are considered repugnant by a majority of voters? It tends to diminish one’s joy in participating in democracy. And yet, in some ways, this situation produces a healthier sense of perspective than being able to vote for the ideal candidate…for it reminds us that there is no candidate who can save our nation. Is our country in need of salvation? Without a doubt! But will that salvation come from Hillary or Trump or even our dream candidate? Absolutely not. It makes me think of a recent “Pearls Before Swine” comic that begins with the people chanting “Rat” for president. (Rat is one of the usual characters on this strip.) But then Rat offers this campaign promise, “I promise that most all of the real change in your life will not come from any politician, but only from your own discipline, hard work and determination.” In the very next frame, the chanting has stopped and a dumbfounded look is upon the faces of Rat’s supporters. Sensing the tension, Rat follows up, “And I promise to give you a whole bunch of free stuff.” Once again, the people cheer. What a great picture of politics in the USA. We do not vote for candidates based upon integrity, fitness for the job, or wisdom. We vote for those who we believe will do the most for us. It isn’t about my country, it’s about my comfort. But the reality is, real change in our lives is never the product of politics, it is the product of the choices we make each and every day. Do politicians have an impact? Certainly. But the impact they have is nothing compared to the impact of our own thoughts, words and deeds. I find great encouragement in these truths, especially in view of the fact that when I wake up tomorrow morning, I will have a president not of my choosing. No matter which party wins, the result will be a disappointment to most. Having said this, I also recognize that no matter who wins, it is incumbent upon me as a follower of Jesus to show them proper respect. I must say…God’s timing is impeccable. For those who are doing the 1st Peter challenge in our church, this week’s reading was 1 Peter 2:13-17, which begins with the words, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king [or president?!?], as the supreme authority, or to governors….” And the concluding verse reads, “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King [or president?!?].” If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called upon to honor the president—whoever he or she may be. This does not mean that you necessarily support the person’s politics. But it does mean that when you do disagree, you do so respectfully. Hey, I didn’t write this stuff! But I do believe it is best. But beyond all of these things, our greatest encouragement comes from remembering that far more important than the latest election cycle is the fact that God’s plan is still being carried out, God’s purposes continue to prevail, and God is still on the throne. Do you want to have a REAL part to play in what’s going in our world? Do you want to have a REAL say? Then be about the work that Jesus began 2,000 years ago. In submission to Christ as our true King, advance His eternal Kingdom. For in Him is the salvation our country really needs. As we read in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Amen and Amen!
2 Comments
Scott Tsao
11/8/2016 06:51:52 pm
We should take comfort by the fact that Christ is sitting on the throne (and over the White House) right now; "For he [Christ] must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" (1 Cor. 15:25), and our body will be resurrected upon His return: "The last enemy to be destroyed is death" (v. 26).
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Dan Gannon
11/8/2016 07:44:24 pm
Scott, your comments are spot on. How good to know that no matter what we face--our God reigns.
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Dan GannonDan has ministered at Renton Bible Church, with his wife Debbie, since 2003. Archives
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