If you have read my previous posts in the last election cycle, you already know what I think about the affairs of politics and religion. My whole point has been that as Christians, we should never put our trust in politics or politicians. We should give them what we owe them, but nothing more and nothing less. Engaging in politics for the Christian has always been a challenge. The danger is being co-opted by those in power. Political bodies have always been more then willing to take allegiance from anyone, making them wild promises in return for their vote, money, and assistance. Usually it leaves the Christian feeling disenfranchised, once they realize they have been ‘had.’ It would do all of us well to remember the title of the Harvey Mackay book, ‘Beware The Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt.’ So many promises made by those that have so little to offer.
So, who should we trust in? Christians will affirm the obvious answer, but it’s not as easy to live out as it is to say it. It’s kind of like the old joke, “The Sunday School teacher asked the class of children, ‘What has four legs and howls at the moon?’ And a little girl spoke up and said, ‘I know the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like a dog to me!’” Of course we answer that we should trust in God; after all, it’s written right on our money, lest we forget the ‘right’ answer. The spoken answer is easy, but it’s the answer that’s ‘unspoken’ in the heart and mind that is the real answer. The real answer is the one we act on. It’s the one that keeps us awake in the middle of the night. It’s the one that makes us yell at the TV or radio in the car. It’s the one that makes us worry about the future. So now I ask, who do I trust in?
In Mark 9: 23-24, the young father brings his child to Jesus for deliverance, and ‘Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”’ So here we are. Here I am. I think it is safe for me to say, “Lord I trust in you, but help me in the areas where I don’t.” He likes honesty; and remember, ‘True worshipers are those that worship in Spirit and in truth.’ I don’t think God minds at all when we admit we are struggling to believe and to trust. In fact, I think He rejoices over us when we are honest. That’s the place where we ‘cry out with tears,’ and call for ‘Help!’
Socialists trust in the state. Capitalists trust in the market. Libertarians trust in themselves. And anarchists trust in no one. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Socialists, and the rest all vie for our vote, allegiance, trust, money, time, etc. But there is a better way. Yes, let’s vote under God’s guidance, but let’s not be snookered by any of them. Let’s reserve our ‘trust’ for God and God alone. How does that look? How do we express that ‘trust?’ By doing what is right in God’s sight, by loving our families and our neighbors, by not growing fearful or angry when politicians don’t ‘go our way.’ In fact, when we don’t worry as everyone else does, we are testifying to what God has done in our life, and that we are really trusting in Him. Where we can effect change, doing good, restoring justice and righteousness, we should do it. But where we can’t do those things due to circumstances beyond our control, just putting our faith and confidence in God will still go far; demonstrating patience and long suffering will impact those around us. Having peace and contentment in the storm will speak to those in power. Church, we hold the ‘keys to the Kingdom.’ Let’s not be afraid to unlock the doors of God’s grace in our lives, letting it spill out with joy to those around us! In God we trust!
