From Politics to Perfection

     Have you ever been in a room where the air is so thick with tension that you could cut it with a knife?  Well, I think that best describes our office reception area yesterday as politics became the subject du jour.  A friend had come in and sat waiting for his spouse.  We engaged, initially, in some friendly conversation over the happenings in our community and nation.  As the discussion became more serious, my friend suddenly piped up with a comment that people in a certain political party could not be  Christians and be in that party.  Then, he followed up with a comment on an always contentious subject namely abortion.  He believes it is the murder of the unborn.  These words brought forth two strong responses from others in the room who believe that a woman has the right to choose.  The verbal parrying went on for a short while longer and then all calmed down.  As he got ready to leave, he said, "I guess I stirred things up."
     In all honesty, I agree with my friend on some of the things he said especially as it regards abortion.  Scripture tells us in Job 1:21b:  "....the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."  This statement was made after Job lost all his wealth, and his children whom he counted dearest of all.  He recognized that God and God alone has the right to bring someone into the world and to take them out of this world.  It is not a man or woman's prerogative...not their choice.  As a Christian, I believe in God's infallible Word to us which is full of truth and sets the foundation for our moral choices.  Man can and does find ways to ignore this truth, get around this truth, make excuses or reasons for ignoring truth, but in the end, it is still the truth, and one day, we will be held accountable for what we have done with the truth as found in God's Word.
     Where I departed from my friend's approach to political discussion was in his emphasis on getting the right man in office and lining up the legislature.  Certainly, it is important to vote, know the issues and be involved, but it will not solve all the problems.  No matter where we stand on the debate as to whether our country has a Christian foundation or a Deist one, no government is perfect or able to save us.  Our salvation comes through the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   He, alone is able to change the heart of men and women.  This is what changes a nation.  Psalm 33:12 reads: " Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance."  This is what makes a difference in families, communities, states and in the nation.
     Recently, many Christian pastors, including John MacArthur, have made it clear that we are citizens of heaven.  We are passing through this earth, and while we are here, we are to be salt and light to influence those around us for good.  Our job is to be an ambassador for Christ who alone has the truth, the way and the life for those whom He calls.  Until Christ returns to this earth, we are to stand firm and point to Him.  When He comes to reign and rule, scripture tells us  "....that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11).  Christ will bring the only perfect government and sin and suffering will be no more.  This is worth waiting for!
     Putting all our hope in politicians, legislation or some other gimmick will not accomplish what we are looking for in this life.  We will always be disappointed by people.  Likewise arguing over things that some day will mean nothing in light of eternity does not bring resolution.
     As good citizens, we are to fulfill our duties by participating in our form of government and staying informed.  However, we also have to keep in mind that our ultimate destination is with the Lord.  What we think on issues in light of eternity does not matter, but what God thinks and speaks in His Word will
stand even if the world passes away.  Therefore, as believers we must know what is in the Bible for it contains the foundation for our life and conduct.

     Political firestorms will come and go.  Candidates will rise and fall.  Governments will please some and disappoint others, but none of these things will fill the spot in our hearts meant only for our Creator God.  He, alone brings us all that we have need of in this life and prepares us for the next.  Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us about the future government of our Lord and God:
     "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
     This is our hope and our future in Jesus Christ.  Let us be engaged in our current affairs on this earth, but let us not allow them to overshadow the fact that we are citizens of Christ's Kingdom .  When He comes again, He will establish the perfect government for which men long.  Selah!