“Blessed is that servant whom his master
will find so doing when he comes.”
Matthew 24:46

It’s been quite a season for political commentary. I’ve actually spent more time in current events than I have in some time, primarily because of the impeachment process, the State of the Union Address, and the Democratic debates. My daughters are new to all this, so they are active; and we have been talking about it considerably.

We have different world views. They are aligned with Bernie Sanders. I am not. Still, I am impressed with their ability to have civil conversations about politics. I’m finding they are just as disgusted with “the system” as I am. They feel extremely limited by the two-party system, as do I. It’s interesting to notice that the younger crowd is attracted to socialist ideals. Why? My best guess is they haven’t seen anything but fighting between the two parties and someone new has come to dangle a carrot in front of them.

Who can blame them? Mom and dad are bitterly fighting in public, for all the world to see, so shamefully that one can barely believe what each is saying. They call each other names and accuse each other of all sorts of hideous actions, many of which actually happened. The worst is probably yet to be discovered. They are adulterous, back-stabbing, hate-filled, family dividers. Why should they want to be like either one? Let’s be honest for a moment. I hope they don’t become like them.

Here’s my prediction. Bernie Sanders won’t become president this time around. The country isn’t ready to elect an avowed socialist. Give it another eight to twelve years, and we’ll have one in office. Things will look much different in a generation.

I try to share with my daughters what I see, that our nation is motivated in large part by hatred. Yes, we may have core values, but the hatred is so profuse that it prevents us from listening to anyone that thinks differently than we do. As a nation, we have gotten exactly what we asked for. However, like the bible warns us, it has turned to gravel in our mouths.

Is there something I can do to change any of this? Well, I first must settle myself to be right with God. Yes, I lament over the wickedness of my country. But I also must realize that God is the one who puts kings to power and takes them down. He gives people up to their lusts, dishonorable passions, and debased minds. God will not be mocked and will let us enjoy the fruit of our sin. He eventually may inflict his wrath on us. This is good because it demonstrates God’s justice. It is to his glory to destroy wicked nations. Don’t get me wrong, God isn’t authorizing sin; but he does use our sin for his purposes. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

After that, I must decide whether I want to be part of the solution or part of the problem. Let’s face it, the two-party system is part of the problem. Yes, I understand that Trump is the first actively pro-life president, but does anyone truly think that the other party is going to let abortion be abolished? What has happened? States have passed laws allowing full-term and perhaps even post-term abortions. Will the Republican Party snuff out abortion by re-electing Trump? Don’t count on it.

I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), do I not? Does God allow abortion even though he forbids it? Yes. Does God look kindly to unholy alliances? No. Am I enlisting an unholy alliance by voting Republican? I’ll let you decide that for yourself. For me, I must remember that God will have as king whom God chooses. I must also remember that if I must account to Him for every idle word I say, I will also answer for my vote. Do I have alternatives to the Republican Party and Donald Trump? I would say I do.

But, doesn’t that mean I am throwing my vote away? Isn’t a vote apart from Republican in essence a vote for the Democrats? Not if I believe that God is the one who puts kings in power.

Folks, this two-party system is madness. The only way to stop it is to start voting for something else. Do we, as Christians, trust God enough to break unholy alliances and vote as if we are accountable only to God? Do I?

Folks, I don’t have it all figured out, but I do know that things are not good. You may agree or disagree about the two-party system, but we should be able to agree that we are not of this world. If we are looking eagerly for Jesus’ return, what should we be doing when he does?

Father, please guide me. I desire to teach my children well. I need you to show me how. Amen.

Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers