Politics Schmolotics

Like me, are you tired yet of all the political ads and accusations going back and forth? Are you worried about how the election will turn out?

I receive a weekly inspirational email from Brian Keel at Toledo YMCA corporate office. I thought I might share it here:

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. “ Romans 13:1

The quadrennial American trip though the mud is nearly over. Yes, I do mean the Presidential election, a process that seems to become more angry, divisive and hard to stomach with each go-around. Politics by its nature creates opposites...every issue has a camp for and against after all. But more and more that difference of opinion on issues quickly leads to anger, harsh words and attacks on a person’s very character.

I believe the verse above is clear. We are called to submit to, or show respect for, those who are elected to lead us. Just a few days ago Sen. Obama from Illinois showed up unannounced at the YMCA branch attached to our corporate offices for a morning workout. I disagree with the Senator on a variety of economic, political and social issues. But he had come to our facility not to discuss policy, but rather for a quick strengthening of the spirit, mind and body. And so I took the opportunity to observe him in a candid moment, to see him accept an offer of prayer from our YMCA pastor and even to shake his hand. In a few weeks he might be elected to lead our country and whether we agree with that decision or not, we must show respect to the office. I did it...it’s not as hard as you think…..

Those are great words.

In addition to this, the result of this election is really in God's hands. And as I shared last week, He works everything out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 paraphrased). The bottom line is that God is in control. Why worry if He has it taken care of?

I have heard it said, if you are going to worry, why pray? If you are going to pray, why worry? I would suggest we pray!

Truth

A good friend of mine and I were talking on the phone last night. Our discussion turned to politics and the upcoming presidential election.

We talked about the fact that there is a lot of mud-slinging going on and that it seems like you can't get the straight story from any of the prime media outlets. He said that he is starting to question anything he hears from the main stream media. I could not agree more. The news seems like the above picture (stare at the picture for a few seconds)--it appears to be moving and deceptive. I feel like I cannot trust it.

In fact, I have tried to pull away from that form of news as much as I can. Sure, I want to know what's going on, but I also want to hear about it in an unbiased way.

Just one more example of the fact that the only real Truth can be found only in the Bible.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:32