Election Day Potstirring

It's Election Day.

Not that you needed me to tell you that, because unless you've been living under a rock for the past several months you've been inundated by the relentless political ads, debates, conversations, even fights- and that's just on Facebook amongst your friends.

I'll admit to not being in touch with all things political, but I can't remember an election cycle that has been this ugly. The attacks between the candidates, the attacks between their supporters, the angry rhetoric and vitriole from their "fans," it has been complete and utter madness.

One of my friends (who happens to be dramatically more liberal than I am) said it well when she posted,

"I am far more concerned about what this election season has done to humanity than what either of the candidates can do to this country."

That's sadly quite true.

I'm conservative. Heck, I'm probably more conservative than you. If you doubt it- I can prove it- I'm a Family Pastor for a Southern Baptist Church. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church in a small town that's way conservative, I'll always be Southern Baptist, I'll always be conservative. But COME ON- some of the things my conservative Christian friends have been posting about this election are driving me absolutely crazy.

Is it okay if I just come out and say that President Obama is not the Anti-Christ?

Is it okay if I say that I think all of the "birther" controversies are completely ridiculous?

Is it okay if I say that American will not collapse if President Obama is not reelected?

Is it okay if I say that Obama has only been leading American down the path of loose morals that we're already on?

I think we (speaking to the church- those who claim to be Christians) need to wake up, get our heads out of the sand and realize who is really in charge here. Let's stop thinking that a certain President will be able to redeem our country, and let's stop thinking that a certain President will destroy our country.

This nation is in need of redemption, but it won't come from a Democratic President, and it won't come from a Republican President- it will only come from the Lamb, the true King.

So let's quit acting like the sky is falling, and start acting more like Jesus is King.

After all, the Bible is clear who it is that appoints the rulers and what our role is to be in supporting them:

Romans 13:1-5 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval.  For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.  Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godlinessand dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

So go vote. Vote for the person who lines up with your views more consistently. But don't forget who is in charge, and don't misplace your hope. For while it is okay to hope that your chosen candidate wins this election, don't place your hope in your candidate winning.