by Jim Gordon
I am not much into politics and I certainly do not put much hope or trust in politicians. I very seldom make political statements since I feel politics is a personal thing. Who you vote for or if you vote at all is up to each individual, so this will be one of very few statements I will make on politics and it will not be an endorsement for any candidate.
First off, whether you vote party lines, independent or third-party is entirely a personal choice. Whether you vote at all is a personal choice. I understand the concept that as christians we live in the Kingdom of God and we trust God as our head and pledge no allegiance to man. Yet living in this world many believe in the political process and they vote for those they feel is best to lead the country. I believe in praying for our leaders and trying to get the best people into office for the good of the country no matter which party they belong too.
Either way we look at this, the one thing that really bothers me is seeing christian people, especially those in leadership positions such as pastors, evangelists, elders and such making comments such as “if you are a christian you cannot support this person or party”, or, “if you were a real christian you would not be voting for that candidate or that party”.
I understand pastors and leaders giving their personal opinions about who they like as a candidate, we all do that, but that should be done on a more personal and private basis. I think to tell people who to vote for, and to say you are or are not a christian based on who you vote for is crossing the line and is just plain wrong.
I think most people are smart enough to listen, read and decide for themselves who they want to support. Most people want the best for our country and they really believe they are voting for the person who will do the best job.
I personally think that christians, especially those such as pastors and leaders who make these type statements should keep their views to themselves. We all should have the right to vote for the person we feel is best, and to do so without someone trying to put a guilt trip on us for having a different view, and especially when it comes to our christianity.
So wise. Such a balanced maturity in your words. Thank you.
LikeLike
Thank you Jem. Again your kind words are appreciated.
LikeLike
THANK YOU! My life as a faith follower of Christ and NOT CHURCHIANITY has zero bearing on how God is at work. The Kingdom HAS COME and it lives within me.
LikeLike
The Kingdom of God is within us. So true yet not overly emphasized in many churches today. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
I don’t go to a brick and mortar building. That is NOT the church. The church is PEOPLE. NOT a building. The Holy Spirit teaches me ; not some man.
LikeLike
Amen Trissa, I agree. My wife and I left the institutional church several years ago just for that reason. Church is not a building, not an organization, not a place. Church or Ekklesia is us, the people who are led by the Spirit who lives within us. Thanks for the statement.
LikeLike
Exactly. No where did Jesus say to get a tax free business model, PAY a staff and have 40,000 different denominations/religious systems. No where. Go and preach the gospel. Period.
LikeLike
So true.
LikeLike