Well here is my one and only political comment which I will give prior to the debate tonight.
At church this Sunday, I had the privilege of being reminded that there are people on both sides of our political system that believe in God, claim to be Christians and think that their viewpoints accurately reflect their belief and faith.
Here within lies our biggest challenge as citizens of this great country, that is as imperfect as we are; but also as strong and diverse and unites in any tragedy; much like a family joins together, September 11 showed that all too well. We were truly united in those weeks following September 11.
There was a point in history where Caesar was demanding more taxes and the Jewish people came to Jesus, who had already cleared the temple of all of the people who didn't belong there. They asked him what they should do? Pay the taxes or revolt? His answer was perfect. Whose name is on the money? It was Caesar's. He said, "Give back to Caesar what is his." The bottom line was that they could not and would not lose anything more because they belonged to God.
Jesus chose not to have a revolt. His example is one many 'Christians' certainly need reminded of.
To me, this is the big picture; if you are arguing from the Bible you stand on...
People in this country on opposing sides are being hateful, intolerant, ridiculing, threatening and acting like the other party will surely destroy our nation. In my way of thinking, that gives very little respect for how we were taught to 1.) let the light of love and forgiveness and compassion be burning so bright that another person will know we are Christians by our love and the light that shines from within. 2.) Be not a follower or a lover of money but to see the beauty of the Earth and all that God created. 3.)Gives a presidential nominee more power than the " Almighty God" who I am pleased to remind you is the God of many religions, many political parties and opinions and a God who has been gracious in forgiveness and clearly told us not 'to judge one another, lest we be judged."
Our country isn't weakened by candidates that win. It is weakened by people fighting with each other over who is right. Judging each other like one is a Christian and the other isn't. Cleaning up our own backyards before we condemn others, getting to let people and lives that are different from our to get close enough to impact our life experience.
I am probably a liberal Democratic Republican. LOL I have been shaped by life, the people and circumstances that have allowed me to realize that a lot of propaganda is bullshit.
So, if you are claiming to be a Christian and fighting with your neighbors, not speaking to family members about how you may vote, then I challenge you to reexamine your faith and to also look at what you condemn. Many people and their plights may never touch you in this life, but they do touch God, if he is all knowing, all feeling, and forgiving. If you believe in Jesus, he hung out with everyone. He showed grace and love and compassion and forgiveness.
I am most certain that the hatred and innuendos and accusations that are taking place give a more accurate picture of how weak we are as Christians and how far removed and out of touch we have become from what was taught. I am talking to every party.
Have faith. Vote like you feel compelled to do. Be kind and tolerant and loving.
The way "Christians" act is the reason I will not stand under the broad umbrella that no longer represents how I believe or how I believe I should be living my life. I am too tolerant, too forgiving, too loving, too accepting, too non judgmental to be a Christian by today's standards. Yet, I do believe.
