Here in Grand Prairie we have school board elections, City Council elections and then of course our country is moving toward a new presidential election. I don't like politics. In fact I tend to be a naive "cockeyed optimist" like the character Laura in "South Pacific". I enjoy people of all views, personalities, beliefs, passions, and opinions. I don't mind having someone disagree with me or see things differently than I do. I don't mind discussing thoughts, ideas, hopes, dreams, desires, and ideologies with people. I admire people who think, read, study the facts, and who want to do what they can to improve things. I also love America and I equate patriotism right up there with spirituality! I cry when the national anthem is sung and I like that our American currency says "In God we Trust". I hope that never changes. I do believe in the separation of church and state. I think that is necessary and good. I am so thankful to live in a country where freedom is highly valued and fought for and I want that freedom to continue.
Austin Cline say, "Many politicians and other important figures in society have long appealed to the support of gods for their various projects. Whatever it is they wanted to do, they managed to find some bit of authoritative scripture or prophecy that purported to demonstrate divine favor for their agenda. How likely is it, though, that many (if any) have been right?
Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them.
- Abraham Lincoln, Letters to Thurlow Weed, March 14, 1865
Abraham Lincoln was well aware of the ways in which people could appeal to supposed existence of God's favor for their projects. Both sides in the American Civil War eagerly claimed that God was on their side, helping them defeat an evil enemy. Both sides in the debate over slavery commonly cited scripture in defense of their positions.
Some, but probably not enough, learned an important lesson from this: just because a person claims to have divine favor, and just because they can offer plausible-sounding arguments, doesn't make it true. Lincoln certainly learned it, if he didn't realize it already, and it impacted how he dealt with religious and political issues."
Whatever your views, it is important to vote. Be involved and be civic minded. Your participation in your community and your national politics are important and you do make a difference. Don't get discouraged and choose to be apathetic and not vote. I believe it is our civic duty to vote. I also believe it is my duty as a Christian to be kind, gentle, respectful and loving to all.
Ephesians 4:29 says, "Don't let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
The sermon Sunday was about Barnabas in Acts. Barnabas was an encourager. His name means "Son of Encouragement!" Barnabas was consistent, generous, positive, faithful, served others willingly, he stood strong theologically, and he supported other believers redemptively. I so want to be like Barnabas! My husband and pastor is so good at all of the above and he is truly like Barnabas in these ways!
It is so important to register to vote and to VOTE! Your thoughts, desires, opinions, and views are important and matter. Make a difference in your community and your country! However, be like Barnabas when you do! Be positive, passionate yes, but be polite and don't sling mud. Voice and share honestly your thoughts but don't attack others. Be respectful and expect others to do the same. Be positive and take the high road always. We need to model this for our children as they mature and become our future leaders.
Philippians 4: 8 & 9 says, "Finally brothers, and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
