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| Passion For Politics and The Body Of Christ / If The Wrong Candidate Wins |
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As the presidential election grows nearer here in the United States we are seeing more political blogs on mychurch where the writer's passion for their canditate is very strong. Is it possible for us to be true disciples of Christ and yet hold diverse convictions over who we should vote for?
Perhaps we should look to scripture for an answer. Remember the disciples Jesus surrounded Himself with. They held differing political views. I seriously doubt Matthew the tax collector who was once a government insider held the same political views as Simon the Zealot. Who was right? Who did Jesus side with?
I'm sure that culture, race, economic standing and religious views forged the political leanings of the early disciples even as they do disciples today. But no one ever got Jesus to commit Himself then to their politics and will not today.
The only things the disciples agreed on was that Jesus was going to set up an earthly kingdom. They were devastated when He was crucified. Not just because they lost their beloved teacher and leader but all hope of life getting better was gone. They lost "their election". Now what?
Strangely, they did not point fingers and place blame. Nor did they say wait and see what happens. Instead of being divided they came together. Within two months the early church was born because they were able to set aside their political differences and seek GOD together.
And in what proved to be a hostile time of persecution the church thrived. Perhaps the wrong canditate needs to win for the good of the church. Or perhaps the church needs to set aside wrong attitudes for the good of the Body.
L et
O thers
V alue, validate
E motions
How did Jesus love? There is a reason the common people heard Him gladly. He accepted them where they were. He valued them and validated them. Did He agree with their sin? Of course not. But Jesus saw beyond their sin into their heart. So often sin is the result of a hurt or wounded heart. How many "invisible healings" took place as Jesus simply loved people where they were?
Do I desire to discourage passionate political discussion? GOD forbid. If you are passionate for a candidate blog on. But remember to l...o...v...e. Look beyond the "sin" of disagreeing with you to a heart that has been changed by the same Blood as yours.
For the brethren who see "heated discussion" as contrary to kingdom principles.....
What is your favorite sport to participate in? Football, bowling, badminton, swimming, soccer, volleyball, boxing, wrestling, shuffleboard, cricket, hockey? What your favorite sport is tells a lot about you. But what sport is the one of true christians? That depends on the individual christian. I know I would make a better soccer player than hockey player because you need to be able to at least stand up and move around to score a goal. And I don't like cold or physical contact. But that's me. I know what I am comfortable with.
But there are many good christians who love sports like hockey or football and would hate badminton or shuffleboard. They enjoy the physical challenge and contact and playing on ice or in the rain. That is what they are comfortable with. Blog hard. Be passionate. But just as in sports, remember the rules. Make sure to put on your pads (armor of GOD) and play clean.
If The Wrong Candidate Wins
Imagine for a moment what they would say
If the wrong candidate won on election day
The one whose words were always true
The one who honestly cared about you
As they scrambled to discover his history
How would the media report such a story
Would they dig up his past and spin it around
Twisting his words until they like the sound
Would they attack his credibility by those he associated with
Would his followers speak out or take the Fifth
Does he truly live here and have residence
Or an elaborate scam with all it's pretense
How could a write-in win this election
Without a campaign or fear of rejection
Who never made a promise he did not plan to keep
Who even had the nerve to call his followers sheep
His rise here to power comes it seems a bit too late
What about the "law" of seperation of church and state
How long before the politicians would act to undo
What is good and right to protect the "rights" of a few
Imagine for a moment what they would say
If Jesus Christ won on election day
.....peace..... |
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| To add a comment to "Passion For Politics and The Body Of Christ / If The Wrong Candidate Wins" |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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If Jesus won the election, there is only one word to say
.....AMEN |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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| I am leaving this sick country if Obama wins |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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When the problems are bigger than GOD we have good cause to worry, get discouraged, lose hope, or get disgusted.
.....peace..... |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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Remarkable Terry -- Jesus is more concerned with winning the elect than winning this presidential election. Isn't it remarkable how He did what had to be done so we could win victory over sin and live in freedom.
.....peace..... |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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It took time, but I can truthfully say that God is now LORD of my political belief system. Thanks for this post Gordon, it is important and I pray highly effective!! "Is it possible for us to be true disciples of Christ and yet hold diverse convictions over who we should vote for?" ........I say, YES!! (but then, you also answered this w/your blog) |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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I say AMEN to Remarkable Terry! Love you sister.
Shalom to you all my friends
Your Sister in Christ, Marcia |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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It doesn't matter on what site you blog you are going to find the political debate going on. As the children of God we cannot and should not let it affect our feelings as brothers and sisters. GOD WILL HAVE HIS WAY through this and other trials that will be set before us. The devil is having a field day and I DO NOT PLAN ON PARTICIPATING....
God will guide me in my choice and that will be that....
Much Love |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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| Good thoughts, apureheart! |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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| if only people were as passionate about spreading the gospel as they are about politics. Can you imagine the people who would be saved? |
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| October 05, 2008 |
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A comment I made earlier in a response about winning the elect got me to thinking of an election that took place a little over two thousand years ago. The results hinged on one man's vote. If he voted in what was in his best interest he could spare himself much suffering but the destruction of many would be sealed. He struggled with how he should vote. In the end he voted so many could be spared and was crucified, died, and was buried. But he did not stay dead or buried. And because of His resurrection I can be free from the power of sin.
Your vote is important. Your opinion is important. You may be very passionate for whom you vote. You may feel strongly against one candidate. But in the end we all are brothers and sisters and whoever is elected will need our prayers. For some that will be easy. For others it will be painful. Whoever becomes president will benefit. Whether those prayers are a duty or privilege depends on your heart.
Because Jesus was passionate about the elect he voted His heart with His life. May I have the grace to do the same.
.....peace..... |
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| October 06, 2008 |
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| Fantastic Blog! |
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