So, the Democrats and Republicans continue to jockey and gamble with the future of the nation. Each one believes his own philosophy. Each one considers his own political future. Each one tries to convince the American people that disaster looms ahead if the other side gets their way. Meanwhile, the ship continues to sink.
The truth is that neither party knows exactly what to do no matter how passionate they argue their positions. They both agree that they don't want to increase the taxes on the middle class. They both agree that the deficit spending must stop (though they have definite differences on the definition of deficit spending). Both parties want a minimum of pain in the solution. The Democrats have determined that the "wealthy" should shoulder a portion of the burden for the sake of the poor. The Republicans have said that taxing the "wealthy" will result in less investments and, thus hurt the working poor since they could lose their jobs. Both have strong points.
This debate can go on until the ship hits the bottom of the ocean. Something needs to happen which will bring the two parties together. I am afraid that there is nothing on earth other than a unprovoked attack on the United States which would unite them. So, the American people suffer because neither party knows what is right.
What could bring us together? A common religion? No, the Middle East is largely Muslim but has more conflict than America. They are in constant battles with one another. They have factions within their factions. I'm afraid that mere religion will fall inadequate.
But, make sure that you understand that I said "religion." I didn't say relationship. America became a great nation because of allowing people to believe without coercion. But America did believe because faith was held high until the past fifty or sixty years. There was virtue in a relationship with the Lord. Knowing what is right came from prayer and depending on this relationship to reveal what needed to be done. It was through this relationship that the poor were helped. It was through this relationship that hospitals and schools were established. People knew what was right because of this relationship.
Sure, there were plenty of fakers. They were the ones who could talk the talk but revealed who they really were by their unloving actions. They were cold. They gave Jesus a bad name. Unfortunately, almost everyone can point to someone in their own churches who were just plain mean. The problem is that these have become the face of those who reject a relationship with Christ. I know. I rejected their religion too but I didn't reject Jesus. That has made all the difference.
There are times when the Bible does not specifically say what you should do. This is when the relationship is oh so necessary. It is then that prayer becomes the means of knowing what to do because simply doing what others say or what "feels" good will lead you to destruction. It's not magic. Its a loving Lord leading His people to do what is best.
Many people will say that faith needs to stay out of politics. I will agree to a point. I do not support candidates publicly because of my position as pastor. I believe that Jesus died for all parties and offers all salvation. However, I will not go so far as to say that a relationship with the Lord wouldn't help those who need to make decisions. I do not understand why the God who helps me find which car to buy my wife won't help a nation find out what is right in much larger matters.
I am convinced that people will continue to make bad decisions as long as they don't know what is right. Just think of both parties coming together and forgetting their own philosophies to look for what is right instead of seeing how they can get popular opinion to go their way.
Do I know the end of this political wrangling? I am afraid I do.
1 comment:
A little tidbit from what used to be the politically correct dictionary--when I was in school (okay, that was decades ago) we never--I mean, never--referred to people as lower class, middle class, or upper class.
The terms we used inserted the word "economic" between the two words we now use. We did that because we understood that we were referring to money--not the quality of the person who had the money, or lack thereof.
It may seem like a trivial difference, but I'm not so sure that it is.
Moving on. As far as the fiscal cliff goes... Awww, Pastor, the earth is unrolling as a scroll. The ship IS sinking, fiscal cliff or no.
It's time to do what you've been doing--leading people to Jesus and setting the prisoners free. Let the inmates who refuse the open door fight it out amongst themselves.
I, for one, refuse to be distracted. I know you do, too.
Deb
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