I was involved in a discussion about...

...the Presidential debate last week. Even as the Vice Presidential candidates began the debate the previous weeks exchange was the topic of the conversation. It is so easy for the main thing to get lost in all the details.

Last week I attended Catalyst a gathering of leaders from across the country to be inspired, focused and reinvigorated. Matt Chandler lead pastor of The Village in Dallas, TX speaking of our aversion to getting off topic said, “This job [task, project etc.] is not better than Jesus.” Leaders have this predisposition to believe what they are doing is the most important thing for everybody, believing sometimes that it is the best. However, nothing is better than Jesus.

 As I opened I was involved in a discussion about the previous weeks debate. The conversation was lively like the vice presidential debate but it rambled from topic and point to point not really staying on topic. This election is an important topic and requires our attention and participation both in the debate and voting. It’s important but not more than Jesus. Really, is the next president going to save you from yourself? Is he going to lead you into eternity? Is he going to raise you from the dead? However, in those conversations the political belief and passion fans the flames and the points are thrown like darts at and to the opposing views. It can be dangerous! Is it more important than Jesus? After all, who ordains the leaders of our nation?

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 NIV 1984

Yep, that is right, “for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Even if you did not vote for them, they have been allowed authority by God. It is Jesus who orders the world. Politics are not more important than Jesus. God has used leaders who did not know him for his purposes through history. Can he and would he still do that same?

So, what about this political season? Is the outcome more important than Jesus? Is the outcome more significant than Jesus? Is the course of this country outside of Jesus influence? Is he involved? The absolute answer is JESUS, NO, NO, NO and YES! Yes we are to be engaged, involved and passionate in the political process but will our lives end if our candidate does not win? Will your eternity be changed because a different candidate than yours takes office? Well in a word, NO.

The debate is good but misplaced priority. Who has the power to change lives, the course of human events into eternity? It might be a better to invest that passion and debate into the ONE who saves, redeems and restores for all time! Investing I the others by introducing them to the real power and authority of the universe Jesus.

       

In HIS Service and Yours,

The Rev