It's Not the Government's Responsibility
When I began this blog months ago, I cautioned myself to never talk politics. It’s just too dangerous and messy. I made this decision for several reasons – one, I didn’t want those with differing opinions to drop me like a hot potato, and two, I didn’t want to be one of “those” people. You know, the angry, opinionated types that insist on freedom of speech, but only when they’re the ones speaking. The ones that seem to be looking for a fight, stirring up trouble and casting stones. The ones who are...well... just mean.
However, even with the election over, I find myself increasingly frustrated as I witness relationships disintegrate for what seems to be nothing more than a difference of opinion, especially when it comes to politics. Friends are no longer speaking to one another. Everyone seems to have "defriended" someone on Facebook. Families have ceased communicating and being united. Even churches are experiencing tension and division. And don't even get me started on our vicious, divisive media! It seems that everyone is waiting to be offended. The theory of everyone having their "own personal truth,” has created an atmosphere of hostility, offense and extreme judgment, as everyone seems to believe their truth is the only truth. This very thing, which deceptively promised freedom of expression and unity, has instead delivered captivity and division.
Everyone has a position, whether it be Republican, Democrat, Independent or non-interested. However, there is only ONE POSITION that is right, true and honorable – God’s position. God’s position is not based on opinion, agendas or politics, or even what I personally want, but rather His Word and His Truth. I am not afraid to boldly declare that I believe God’s Word is completely true. I refuse to add to or take away from it. It’s not old-fashioned or out of date, but rather extraordinarily relevant. Its principles are timeless and effective. It doesn’t bring condemnation, as some believe, but rather delivers freedom and wholeness. It holds a power that no government, organization, or political party can aspire to immolate.
That being said…I believe we’re expecting the government to do things that only God can do. Much of what we expect from the government isn’t the responsibility of the government at all, but rather our responsibility as individuals and as the Church.
God didn’t tell the government to take care of the poor, needy, hungry and hurting. He told the Church to do this. And if you, like me, confess that Jesus Christ is your Savior – like me, you’re part of the Church. If the Church was doing what God called it to do – help those in need – welfare and other government programs wouldn’t be needed.
God didn’t tell the government to fix racial tension or promote one people groups agenda over another. Rather, He commanded us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4. If we truly considered others better than ourselves, looking to others’ interests instead of our own, there wouldn’t be racial tension nor division. If you believe your race is better than another race…you might want to hold on to your hat, because there will be absolutely no racial divides in eternity!
Neither has God called the government to declare what is or is not morally right and acceptable. Only His Word can do that. With this in mind, I will not apologize for believing what God’s Word says, being told I am a bigot or prejudice. Believing God’s Word doesn’t make me either of these things. I can love you and still disagree with your own definition of what is good and right, if it indeed differs from God’s Word. Sometimes love is best shown through someone bravely, kindly showing you another way. I can love you, showing you respect, kindness, generosity and good-will, and not celebrate your choices, if they do not align with Scripture. This doesn’t mean that I hate you, because I don’t. This doesn’t mean that I can judge you, as only God can do this. It doesn’t even mean that I can even attempt to bring about conviction in you, as only the Holy Spirit is capable of doing so.
What happened to agreeing to disagree? What happened to honest, open discussion without cursing, hurling insults, and being downright cruel? What happened to honoring the position of President, even if I am not happy with who is in that office? What happened to respecting one another and loving one another no matter what? I don’t mind others speaking the truth, as they believe it, as long as they do so in love, with kindness and respect. Don’t we owe each other this?
My heart has hurt as I’ve seen so many individuals, especially public figures, curse our President. I don’t care who you voted for – respect the office! Cursing the President, or wishing him to fail, is literally equivalent to bringing curses upon ourselves and our country. My favorite candidate wasn’t even in the final election. So what did I do? I prayed and I voted for the party that, although not perfect, more so follows the guidelines of God’s Word. Now that the American people have made their choice – I commit to pray, honor, support and in my own way, encourage President Trump. I commit to pray for his brave family. If we believe God is sovereign, then we can believe He placed President Trump in office for such a time as this. With this in mind, why wouldn’t I pray for him?
I’m not a woman first. I’m not a Republican first. I’m not even a wife, mother or "Lola" first. Rather, I am first and foremost a child of God. I will do my best to live and vote according to His Word. I will speak blessings and not curses over my President. I will honor the office of President. I will lovingly differ with those I may disagree with, agreeing to disagree with love, respect and honor. I will take God’s position – pure and simple – choosing to behave like who I claim to be – His child. It's not what happens in the White House that matters most, but rather what happens in my house.
