Recently, I have been watching the cabinet selections by President-elect Obama. I must say that I am slightly confused about his choices. It seems Obama’s campaign slogan of “Change” is not translating into action. So far, it seems he has only recycled the old Clinton administration. I’m curious about what kind of change we’ll see. Thoughts?
America votes. Millions of people are heading to the polls to decide who will lead our country for the next four years. Current polls indicate America will choose Obama by a landslide.
Many Christians detest such an outcome. The way some have been talking lately, you’d think the world is ending tomorrow. (Though we don’t know the day or hour of the world’s end, I don’t believe an Obama victory is a sure sign of its ending tomorrow).
I personally believe Obama is going to win this election (though by a slightly narrower margin than predicted). And believe it or not, I am quite content if he does. Reading my Bible lately, I realize that God is still Sovereign despite who is in the White House. Therefore, why am I going to let my faith be shaken by a liberal president?
Maybe, just maybe, Obama is the best thing for the Church in America. Think about the worst case scenario: persecution. Every time I see persecution in the Bible or in history, the Church grows and is purified. Do you think the Church in America needs purifying?
So let’s say Obama wins and begins some form of persecution on the Church. Is that outside of God’s will? I think not.
What if in God’s perfect will, Obama is the BEST possible thing for Christians in America? Obama, though pressing an agenda we oppose, could be the best gift to the Church in years. Read the history of the Old Testament; God uses even the most despicable rulers for the good of His people. Think about it.
If McCain wins we’ll probably see banners outside churches that say, “Pray for the President.” That is great; we are commanded to pray for those in authority. But will we see those same signs if Obama wins?
So my conclusion is this. Accept whatever the outcome of the election as a good gift from the hand of God, recognizing that all things work together for good to God’s people. Recognizing that even bad leaders can be a gift from God to the Church, don’t complain about the wrapping paper.
Obama set a new record in fundraising this September, raising approximately $150 million. Not going to lie; that is a lot of money. I wonder if this is an indication of his growing popularity among the masses or just increased donations by rich people.
The Obama campaign claims it is the result of individual Americans making donations to the Obama campaign. However, Republicans are criticizing the Obama campaign for a lack of donor transparency.
Check out this article
Tuesday November 4, 2008 fast approaches. America will once again vote for the next President of the United States.
Election 2008 is especially important to me. It will be my first opportunity to participate.
Many oppressed people do not have such an opportunity.
All around the world, dictators and tyrants manipulate or ignore elections to maintain their grasp on power. On their state-run television stations, they appear to be loved by all. Deep down, many are usurpers and liars suppressing the will of their people.
Brave and noble men have fought and died to secure our freedom. Yet, we often ignore our responsibility as a citizen to participate in politics. It is my firm belief that every American should vote.
I do not take this lightly. I believe it is my responsibility to get involved, both as a Christian and as a U.S. citizen.
Whenever faith and politics collide, many questions arise. Here I will be quite clear. My politics do not dictate what I believe. That is God’s job. My beliefs dictate my politics.
Some of these questions include:
Needless to say, it is a fascinating subject to discuss. My motivation for thoroughly exploring this subject comes as the result of several “friendly exhortations” to vote Republican. I have been told that not voting for McCain is the same as voting for Obama.
This claim has agitated me. I am not going to shackle myself to the view of another. I am going to vote upon principle, information and conscience. Isn’t that any American’s responsibility? But I cannot and will not vote based upon fear of another candidate.
So that is my goal before election day: to determine who I will vote for and why. If that means voting for McCain, so be it.
[This post is the first of a series. Throughout the series, please let me know your thoughts.]
