Sunday, October 05, 2008

A NATION DIVIDED

I have made several comments regarding the present Presidential election saga. What a cliff-hanger. What drama unfolds day by day. I'm hooked. I'm interested. I care.

However, I don't enjoy some of it. Our nation, my opinion, is in sad lack of humility on the part of the nation's leaders as well as the media. How much more heavy sighing and rolling of the eyes in disgust are we to view as the heavy breather speaks of another with biased contempt? Yes, serious matters with opposing opinions are on the table. But, I've not noticed the perfect candidate nor interviewer yet. Have you?

With so much at stake, why the distracting factor of negative innuendo and tackiness? Why the lack of civility? CNN? FOX? Both lack sheer courtesy at times. Democrat? Republican? Both parties possess obstinance and narrow-mindedness. Why the lack of respect? Where did all of this unkindness and divisiveness originate?

Could it be the divided American church has had more influence in the halls of Congress than we had imagined? Has media taken on church snobbery and narrow attitudes? Could it be our disregard for scripture calling for harmony and love has actually gone to such strong seed it comes back at us through our radios and televisions and we don't like what we are receiving?

What we are seeing in the political arena has much which is a far cry from the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Our job will be to see that such fruit is coming from the churches where we serve. Maybe if the spiritual world begins to care deeply for one another instead of living in competition, some such Holy Spirit traits might actually make their ways to the halls of Congress and build our country on the meaningful principles of God.

4 comments:

Terry Laudett said...

Our problems seem to be too big for our leaders to handle. As I have followed the news about our current economic crisis, I have noticed that nobody seems to know exactly what to do about it. They seem to know who to blame (it's always the leaders of the other party), but not how to solve the problems. They need our prayers, not our condemnation.

As far as voting goes, I vote for pro-life candidates. I cannot in good conscience vote for people who will not try to protect children from those who would unnecessarily harm or kill them. The pro-life candidates may not be able to achieve all of their goals, but I want to have candidates who are at least trying to achieve the protection of the lives of children. However, my candidates do not always win. So I will pray for them and not seek ways to harm their reputations when my candidates lose. I want to make a positive difference in the civil life of my country, just as you do. Thanks for trying to make a positive difference.

Leon Mission Effort said...

I probably shouldn't comment. it's not easy to vote from down here, but I have always been of the opinion that one vote DOESN'T make a difference. I know I will "hear about this", but I do believe one with GOD makes all the difference. I have been and will continue to pray for the leaders of the USA! God is using that nation to send the gospel out around the world. It is important that we return our messed up country and even our messed up church to the Only One who can save. Thanks for your thoughts Terry. It again challenges me to love my brother! msg

Anonymous said...

Not to stir-up political stuff but I was wanting to vote pro-life/pro-family and now must decide between abortion versus affair/alcohol dealership/back to work day after special needs child is born. Romans 3:23 is proved true again and again. Sin is never solved by man's efforts--including presidential elections.

Anonymous said...

Romans 13:1-14 (NIV)
Submission to the Authorities
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love, for the Day Is Near
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.