God's Politics

We enter the month of November in the last stages of a political campaign that seems to have gone on far too long. We will close out the month with Thanksgiving and the first days of the season of Advent. It occurs to me that there is a significant contrast between the thoughts and attitudes that are encouraged at the beginning of the month and the end.

Politicians and political advocates frequently want to appeal to people's dissatisfactions.

"Look at how bad things are! ... We will make it better for you."

"You are not being treated fairly ... We will make it right."

"Others are better off than you ... We will put them in their place."

In the current campaign, with the President's and Congress's popularity almost completely gone, both sides are emphasizing the need for change. They stir up discontentment and envy in order to capitalize at the polls.

Of course, there are times when incumbents, especially, will take a more positive approach emphasizing good conditions and seeking to take credit for them. But even then, it is often with the explicit or implicit promise that we can do better. "Be happy with what you have and what I have achieved for you, but re-elect me and I'll get you even more."

Politicians have learned from experience that appealing to people's dissatisfactions is a much more effective way of getting elected than reasoned statements about policies and values.

Christians should take politics seriously, in order to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens with thoughtful care. But we should be on guard against being swept up in the negative kinds of thinking that politics often generates. It is better for us to keep our hearts and minds focused on the events of the later part of this month, even as we prepare to go to the polls in the first week. Thanksgiving reminds us of the biblical injunction, "In all things give thanks." We should always keep a positive attitude about life and about our earthly condition, because even though we may be facing hardships and trials, there is much to be thankful for. In Hebrews 13:5 we read: ... be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

God's faithfulness above all is what we are thankful for, and it is what helps us to keep political controversies in perspective. Earthly government is important and there are genuine earthly needs to be met, so we cannot neglect our political responsibilities. Nevertheless, we do not look to the political realm as our ultimate source of blessing.

God's greatest act of faithfulness is in providing for our redemption through his Son, Jesus Christ, whose coming into the world is the theme of Advent. As we look ahead to this season of preparation leading up to Christmas, let us reflect on this wonderful gift that shows God's love for us and for all mankind. By keeping our focus there, we can learn to be content with what we have and to avoid the negativism and envy to which politics often appeals.    

J.F.P.