While the so-called “blue wave” never reached tsunami stages, there was enough to turn the House of Representatives over to the Democratic Party’s gavel. In the Senate, however, the watermark rose for the Republican Party as it gained several seats. The ebb and flow of blue and red waves leaves the good ship Republic of America afloat in perilous waters, possibly unable to navigate—not as bad as the Poseidon in the 1972 movie, “The Poseidon Adventure,” but here we are in the day after and there is a lot of damage to the Republic. While the maps all show that the nation is predominantly Republican, as reflected by the Senate, urban areas are sharply divided with far-left Democrats.

What does all this mean?

On the surface it means that enough far-left Americans, primarily in highly populated urban areas, bought the vitriolic rhetoric, abandoned the appreciation of the economy and job security, and voted revenge.

It means that Americans will face the next two years of government brought to a standstill because of “communist-like” tribunals investigating every wild-eyed, conjured-up scandal that comes to mind.

It means that there will be an official platform for the “resistance” to continue its propaganda, now even louder. It means that division caused by political parties will be placed far ahead of the welfare of the citizenry.

It likely means that Washington, D.C., will earn a new name—Subpoena City.

But there is a deeper meaning to all of this. It exposes a flaw in the two-party system. George Washington believed that political parties would be divisive and dangerous to liberty and limited government. He warned in his 1796 farewell speech,

“You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection…they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

Washington believed an inoculation against the undermining by political parties was electing moral and religious leaders. He said,

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.”

Exodus 18:21 says regarding good government: “provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness…”

How can those who deny God, fear God? How far have we progressed to even be forced with that choice? This is the day after, and I guess there’s got to be one.

​Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

www.dailyjot.com

As election day approaches, the debate over Christian participation in politics is re-circulating among various Christian camps of thought. Those justifying non-participation often cite Matthew 22:21 where Jesus says, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” Some pastors use this verse to teach their flocks that Christians have no place in the affairs of their nations. Pastors also preach Romans 13 about submitting to the ruling authorities, even though they may be evil. But Peter himself said in Acts 5:29 that, “We ought to follow God rather than men” when he was facing persecution and unjust demands from the ruling authorities.

As I see it, the context of Romans 13 was about the religious leaders that were the Roman-appointed governing body over the Jews. In any case, if those leaders are corrupt by Biblical terms, it is self-evident that you do not follow or support them.

Governments are established for the good and protection of the people. In that, people give up some rights for those protections. Laws are established also to protect the people. As Christians, we know that we are to be a law-abiding people. But when a law goes against God’s law; or a government goes against God’s law, to whom do we submit as the higher authority? Peter answered that question when the ruling Sadducees threw him in prison for preaching Jesus in the Temple.

When this country was established, the Founders were well aware that they were going against the prevailing world view—that God appointed the ruler (the king) and that the people should blindly follow along even if that ruler was unjust. We can see the Founders’ thinking by reading the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Their mantra at Concord and Lexington was “No King but Jesus.” So in our form of government, we the people have the say over who rules us.

To passively submit to evil rulers, especially in this nation where God blessed us with the freedom to choose, is beyond the bounds of God-given common sense and self-preservation.

Many will say that Christians should not concern themselves with earthly kingdoms, but only be concerned about the kingdom of God. I don’t view it as “either/or,” but rather “both/and.” We are charged in Romans 12:21 to be not overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.

In this country, we are blessed to have a say in our government with our vote. And if we choose to be salt and light to the political arena, we have that opportunity as well. I take issue with pastors who promote accepting evils in government or politics by saying they are no concern to Christians. Discouraging taking action against the ills of society by voting, participating in government or politics, or by just speaking out on such issues, is consent. Perhaps the best way to begin overcoming evil in high places is by cleansing the pulpit of those who condone it.

​​ Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

www.dailyjot.com