Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Elections and Illusions

 Republican vs. Democrat 2012

Wow.  Yesterday was a big day for America. 
And we've all seen the levels of reactions from both sides.  I've seen outspoken Democrats who have just been mean and cutting towards the Republicans as they celebrate a victory.  And I've seen Republics posting bitter and angry comments as they face another 4 years with a president they didn't want.

I don't mind telling you where I stand:
I wanted a Republican president.  I didn't completely love Romney, but I liked him so much more than Obama.  I wanted one of the Iowa judges to be out, and I was glad for the Latham win for the House seat for our district.

I also think it's good to be involved politically.  I get tired of people who take an apathetic stance towards our country by claiming no interest, and therefore no responsibility in the outcome.  I think it's good to promote a candidate you believe in, and work towards a cause that you think is right.  

But now that I've laid that out on the table so frankly, let me say that's not really the point in my post.

Because now the elections are done.  They are over, and they are decided. 

And while we can all celebrate the fact that the incendiary political ads will stop running, there are still so many adding inflammatory remarks to fuel the flame of anger and hatred.

But I'm trying to extract myself from the chaos, and be intentional with what we teach our kids when we have lost an election that was so very important to much that we hold dear.

We teach them about the Sovereignty of God. 
We teach them that He alone holds the power.  He alone is in control.  We have chosen to make sure that they know that no matter who resides at 1600 Penn, that God alone knows our future. 

We are forgetting the truth of his power and greatness if we let ourselves believe the lie that the Creator of the world, the God of the Universe, needs the "right" person (whomever you think that is) to control the White House.

I am all for fighting for what I believe in the political world. We are called to stewardship, to doing our civic duty and working to be responsible citizens. But at the end of the day, we are committed to teaching our kids, and reminding outselves, that God sits on the Eternal Throne, and the person sitting in the Oval office is but a blip on the line of eternity.

Words from Job:[personal note: Mentally I replace "he" with "I" when I read this to myself]
Will he find delight in the Almighty?
    Will he call upon God at all times?
11 “I will teach you about the power of God;
    the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal.
12 You have all seen this yourselves.
    Why then this meaningless talk?


From Psalm 62
My soul finds rest in God alone;
    my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I think it's okay to be disappointed in the election or happy with the results, depending on your leanings.  But I also think it's good and wise to keep things in perspective, and we are trying so hard to do this especially with our kids.

To God be the glory!
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