Tag: politics

Good People

It has famously been said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

I am stunned by the number of “good” men and women who do nothing on election day. Do they honestly think evil takes the day off? In America, the very minimum – the absolute least – that Americans can do to forward what they believe in is vote. Instead, I often hear song and dance along these lines:

“I just don’t like the candidates!”
(You don’t have to. This is not a popularity contest. Use your brain, not your feelings. Vote platforms, not people.)

“I am not in the mood for this – I just don’t want to mess with it.”
(Sooooo – you think the world is totally fine as-is? Time to wake up.)

“Political stuff is too hard. I just don’t get it.”
(You are not that stupid. Really, you’re not. Talk to those you respect. Read a little. Figure out what you believe, then vote that way.)

“I can’t vote for anybody. All politicians are corrupt.”
(Nobody’s perfect. Failing to vote is not a protest against politics, it’s surrender to everything you oppose. Once again – platforms, not people. Do your best.)

“As a Christian, I can’t get involved.”
(Seriously? Since when does the Bible tell people not to get involved! This excuse is simply a lack of Biblical understanding, unfortunately rather common and quite popular with those who cackle at you behind your back while they vote against everything you believe.)

“God ordains leaders. I don’t have to do anything.”
(Read your Bible! Since when does God NOT work through His people?)

“There is no point in voting when there is so much fraud.”
(Did the 2024 election teach you nothing? Sheer quantity can overwhelm fraud.)

If nothing else, vote so you can freely complain about the election results. No voting, no right to complain.

Don’t just vote the way your parents did, your spouse does, or for the party you’ve always supported just because it’s easiest/tradition/whatever. I don’t care if you are voting against a platform or for a platform. Identify the party with the platform you agree with the most or the platform you disagree with the least. Vote that. Make a decision. Be an American.

32 Million

According to a recent Barna Poll, 32 million church-going Christians will fail to vote on November 5, 2024.

No. Words.

Kidding.

I always have words. 

But I am pretty appalled. Because – what does this mean?

32 Million Christians will fail to attempt to correct injustice. Hmmm . . . Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause. Isaiah 1:17

32 million Christians will, in essence, passively vote for things they don’t want by failing to actually vote their conscience. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17 (No whining later!)

32 million Christians will fuss about problems with the major parties and whine about flawed candidates. So – Hey! Let he who is without sin among you cast the first stone. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Do your best – work with what you’ve got.

32 million Christians will fail to impact our incredibly flawed political culture by honoring their legal obligation. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1

32 million Christians will stand aside, claiming that God will handle it all. These people do not know their Bible because God acts through His children. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The 2020 election came down to an average of 60,000 votes in five states. That’s 300,000 votes. Let me repeat, in case you missed it: 32 million will fail to vote. Correct my math, if you will, but I am pretty sure 32 million swamps 300,000. In spite of what your cynical brain (or your cynical friends) tells you – your one little vote actually really, really matters.

Yes, both political parties are rife with issues – obviously. Vote, anyway. Select the party that most closely aligns with your Biblical principles and vote. I really don’t care if you feel the election is fixed. Vote. The more overwhelming the numbers, the harder it is to fix – so vote. I also don’t care if you’re mad about the available choices, the corrupt government, or problems in America. Vote, anyway. Actually, I DO care if you’re mad about those things, because that means you have convictions – so why aren’t you voting them?

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

Remember who you are and set the example.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

You are an overwhelmingly blessed child of our wise, passionate, and eternally loving God. Read your Bible. Educate yourself about what matters to Him and vote.

Just Do It

There is absolutely no reason to believe actors, athletes, or any other celebrities are more knowledgeable or insightful than the rest of us about political or social issues. Like everyone, they are entitled to expressing their opinions – but those opinions need not be screamed out to the world as they do the actual jobs they are being paid so highly to do. As with most of us in this world, their work and their opinions should have separate venues for expression. 

When I order food at a drive-thru, I don’t need to know the cook’s political views in order to enjoy my meal. He can most certainly act on what he believes on his own time, but I don’t expect those thoughts to be seared into my burger.

When I watch a movie, I want to be entertained. When I watch sports, I want to see a game. That’s all. I really just want them to do their job.