The show in Cleveland
Let me preface this Jot by saying that while I have read various accounts and have seen some video of the Republican Convention in Cleveland, I have not watched it live. For me, it’s all a show. It’s politics. Conventions are designed to showcase the party’s platform and to gin up support from the various demographics needed to put together a victory in November. From blowhard pontificators to Muslims praying for peace, the GOP convention has something for everybody. It raises the caution flag for some. It solidifies support from others. Overall, it’s politics. I didn’t watch the convention. I won’t watch the Democratic Party convention. Hot air. Ear tickling. Politicians. Come November, I know what to do.
Folks, there will be a lot of fur flying between now and November. It’s a lot of noise. When you get down to it, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Many dislike the choices we have. The remedy to that has long passed as to impact the choices, one has to have early involvement in the local committees. Reagan-era Christian Republicans did this. Since that time, preachers have been preaching that Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics. So we get what we get when we listen to the whitewashed sepulchers. The choice of the lesser of two evils is repulsive to many. But there is a choice and one is far more evil than the other. We are not electing a pastor-but we really don’t do too well at that either-just saying.
When I look at the political landscape as it currently exists, there is no way that I personally can accept another four years of socialism on steroids and the possibility of putting communists in the majority of the Supreme Court. That would change the nature of our country for the next century-seriously. I’m particularly sensitive to the socialist/communist trend in the Democratic and Republican parties because this type of political system requires that religion and morals are abolished in submission to government. This is where our country has been heading. It is deeply disturbing, but unless those with the light of Christ can engage outside the four walls of their churches, the nation will continue in this direction.
To not participate in this election, in my opinion, is a cowardly act rather than one of principle. No offense intended to those who believe otherwise, but if you are offended, this kind of statement is hitting a raw nerve for some reason. We as Christians must start somewhere to bring this country back. God gave us the freedom to choose. Exercising that choice to the best of our values with what is before us is our liberty. Keep in mind that no man (or woman) will magically lead our country to morality, justice and righteousness. That must come from the hearts of the countrymen. And that results from the example of those who are disciples of Christ. As Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Focus on substance, not the show.
