Dear Reader

2008 September 10

by Tyler

Dear Reader,

I’m sure you’ve been wondering why I’ve been writing about politics with such a negative tone. And that is a valid question. I’m sure that I managed to offend almost everyone with each of those letters that I posted. I do have a method behind my madness (if you want to call it that).

First off let me say that my words are not Gospel. I am truly a “man of depravity”. I could very well be in sin with my thoughts on politics and I fully accept and embrace that.

I spent plenty of time the past few weeks watching both conventions, only this time my vote was up for grabs. I remember watching these growing up and thinking they were extremely boring. Most of the time I thought the same thing watching them this year. Something did catch my eye this year though.

I think we’ve fallen for the politicians this time. What do I mean?

It seems now more than ever we are content with praising politicians for their ability to change the world (Of course I am young, so call me naive…I’m sure this has happened before).

I could swear that some people think that Barack Obama is Jesus. He is going to take away all our problems, he is going to make our country incredible again. I could swear that some people think Sarah Palin is the Virgin Mary. The perfect Christian woman who is against the right things and for the right things. She is going to turn our country around.

They both might be incredible people, but neither are the Savior.

While watching all those people at the conventions giving those mere mortal candidates endless standing ovations, I couldn’t help but wonder why.

I found myself yesterday asking, “Why am I getting all fired up about this stuff?” “Why do I let politics become about ‘they’ or ‘them’?” We’re all able to get pulled into the game of American politics, yet God calls us to something much more important: following and serving Him.

Somewhere we missed the idea that the hope of glory is Christ in us, not the next President. Changing our country isn’t their job, it is our job.

My friend Ross said it really well, “I don’t like that we want the government to do the Church’s job.”

What would it look like for followers of Christ to give all their energy in following Jesus instead of praising their favorite Presidential nominee?

Sincerely,

Tyler

Watercooler Wednesdays @ Ethos.

Filed under: the rest... Tags: Jesus

http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

“Revolt” my friend, it can only come to good. Wink.
http://www.aworshipfulheart.typepad.com janowen

I think we many times also want the govt to do our own job – to totally take care of us, solve our problems, fix our mistakes, etc. We want to abdicate responsibility personally as well and – at the bottom line, perhaps have the govt eradicate consequences of sinful behavior and attitudes. As long as man is sinful, there will be difficulty living in this world – we cannot create heaven on earth although we’d all like that! I do love the quote from your friend, though. (although I think sometimes we want to choose to go our own way and the church fix that too!!!!)

Perhaps it is our age difference, Tyler, but I honestly am very jaded about ANY politician. They are – after all – politicians running for office. (i.e. power and influence and opportunity) They promise many things that NO WAY can they deliver in 4 years, they spend much of their time bashing one another. I have become very jaded and cynical – and I am an extremely idealistic person normally! I’d just like someone to be honest and say “Nope, sorry, I can’t save the world. The guy now in office probably tried his best – I never had to face those situations so I don’t know what I would have done. I will do my best but much of what you want is truly almost impossible so let’s be realistic about it.” I’d vote for a candidate that was just sincere and honest and didn’t spend their whole time bashing someone else.

Wow, that’s a long comment for someone who really is not very political at all.
http://newheights.wordpress.com/ Darin

With you.
Yonas

I will have to say it I was mentally tired by the end of the day, it was pretty rough reading some of the comments.

*wear his flame retardant suit on* I just felt that there were too much arguing. I understand that election is one of the important things for the future of the country, but regardless how important it is, why do people still let that stress to affect the way they talk to each other?? I understand ‘passion’, but can’t people still be passionate about a topic yet, still be civil when talking to each other?

Maybe it’s the blog mentality that ‘encourages’ people to ***** (the other word for “complain”) or rant about things.

I don’t know.

Bottom line is….can’t we just be nice to one another??
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Jan- Yeah they do over promise. I found a list of things that both McCain and Obama have promised to do as President. I’ll post that soon.

Darin- Thanks.

Yonas- It is always my desire to keep the conversation uplifting to the people in the discussion, to the topic, and to God.
Debbie Stewart

For more along this line of thinking check out this blog post:
http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/ from 9/6
Debbie
http://billychia.com Billy Chia

“I don’t like that we want the government to do the Church’s job.”

I totally agree with that. One of the reasons I favor smaller government.

And I think your letters are pretty cool
http://brentinworship.com/blog brent(inWorship)

Amen!
Preston

For once I actually agree with you Tyler! Wow! I bet you didnt think that would ever happen? I will say this, the reality is we live in democratic system and regardless, we as Christians are required to limit evil whenever possible. God gave us all a free will to chose and I hope that we all will at least vote this coming November, not necessarily the candidate that will “save the world” but at least the candidate that will best (or better) limit evil or oppression for this country. In the meantime, as followers of Christ let us continue our responsibility to bring forth light and truth to our neighborhoods and the world.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Thanks for the link Debbie.

Glad you liked them Billy, thanks man.

Preston-

It is about time Here is my small disagreement with you on what you said. I don’t want to choose a President based on how he will rid the world of evil, I want to choose one that will promote the most good. See the difference? Well it really isn’t one, just going from a negative standpoint into a more positive outlook. Glad we can agree on something though brother!
http://www.godthepossible.blogspot.com Preston

I guess that’s what i was trying to say also – for me lessening evil/depravity/unrighteousness/wickedness, etc is the same as promoting good. Whenever mankind substitutes evil for good or love for hate, this has to be pleasing to the Lord.