Political Jesus - LOL, no really, I laughed out loud when I wrote that!

            For the most part, I’m a current events kinda guy. I mean, I don’t obsess over politics or sports but I love the conversation about both and a variety of other things. Some would say, “That’s not a current events person, that’s called A.D.D.!” Well, you have point and I will act as if you didn’t make it.

            For this reason, I had a great time yesterday provoking my friends by talking about the NFL. I have been a Dallas Cowboys fan from birth, it’s my dad’s fault (thanks Dad), and since they played last night and 98% of America either love them or hate them, no real middle ground, I threw out a “Go Cowboys” on tha Facebook, complete with pictures. This caused no small stir and my day was complete. Oh, by the way, did you know that 87.54% of all statistics are completely made up? That’s crazy huh?

            Anyway, I also don’t usually talk about politics because they make me sick and people get really offended more easily with politics than they do religion but because it has been in our face for two weeks, I thought it appropriate to comment. So here is what I am thinking today.

            What would happen if a Christian gained office? Whoa nelly, back up the wagon, not what you’re probably thinking! Some of you are having fantasies of forced prayers to God (might change some of your home lives too, maybe, sorry, couldn’t let that slide), forced church attendance (again, careful what you wish for), sending the homosexuals to another country like an illegal alien, and joy and bliss for all (except the homosexuals I guess). But that’s not what I’m talking about at all. I’m not talking about what has become of the traditional Christian; I’m talking about someone who is actually Christ-like. Their life really did reflect the teachings of Christ. What would that look like?

            Now, I’m not the expert and I’m only right 95% of the time but I’m gonna take a stab at this, knowing full well that there will be issues I don’t cover, I know this ahead of time, but I’m not smart so I can only talk about a few things at a time. So here is what I think might happen.

            First off, abortion would be the first target in the platform (in case you wonder what determines my vote; this does. Not my pocketbook or taxes or foreign policy or healthcare. Abortion). No exceptions, no discussion. Yes I am a closed minded believer on the subject of abortion. I am not vilifying anyone who has had one. I am saying that our government/society/morals should have never allowed it in the first place. I have made grave mistakes in my past and I pray that I am forgiven for them just as the person who has had an abortion should be. But my candidate would refuse to apologize for doing what is morally and scripturally right. I believe that men and women alike have the authority over their body but not the authority of someone else’s no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. And if you want to get technical, if you are a Christian (again Christ-like, stay on task people) the scriptures say you are not the authority of your body; Christ is.

            Next, I know some of my biggest supporters will not like this and will stop sending money to my candidate’s campaign, but next would be an end to the same-sex marriage conversation. Again, will not hate or hurt homosexuals but just because you make that choice doesn’t mean the world has to change what God has established. God doesn’t bow to the majority or the loudest voice. And before all you Christians stand and clap like the morons at the conventions that are just looking for a reason to stand up (which is ironic because 75% of them haven’t taken a stand for anything since they took office) you should understand that my candidate would not treat a homosexual like a leper either. Jesus loved and spent time with many people that he disagreed with. You see, Jesus thought love was the best tool that an evangelist had, not hate, and not a sword (I know, I know, you are quoting the scripture about God’s Word being a sword). The kind of love that never fails is what Christ lived. You will be allowed to make the choice to live that lifestyle but marriage will remain how God intended it. No apologies. No intolerance.

            And last on today’s party platform is taxes and spending. This candidate would never vote to spend more than they brought in. Services may have to be cut or taxes may have to be raised but the bottom line is the bottom line. Let’s just be honest. We beat up today’s youth for their entitlement attitude but where did they learn it? From us! Our attitudes are no different. We want a cop on every corner and we want them trained and equipped but we don’t want to pay the bill. We want short lines at government offices and well trained and equipped people to serve us but we don’t want to pay the bill. Our roads must be pristine but we expect asphalt to fall from the sky. So, my candidate would have the tough task of putting together a list of priorities and budgeting accordingly. He/she wouldn’t be bullied by the newcomers to the area with bigger and better ideas (and some with big mouths) but they also wouldn’t be swayed by the local bullies that are “untouchable”. If we have to have something or want it more than anything else and we can’t afford it, guess what. Taxes will be increased somewhere, and fairly.

            And lastly, my candidate would be part of a local church. An integral part. He/she would understand the importance to their family the involvement in a local church. They wouldn’t be ashamed of it and wouldn’t run from it. Their church wouldn’t be perfect because that church doesn’t exist. But their church would preach Jesus. Jesus and love and heaven and hell. There would never be a rumor about what my candidate believed. They would state it every day by the way they lived their life. My candidate would realize that the Democrats weren’t the inventors of tolerance; Jesus was. Tolerating and agreement are two totally different things. Jesus has never forced any one person to live any way. The word tolerate actually means - "Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference." The interference that Jesus offers is your voluntary interference. He offers a better way but doesn't force it.

            You see, the problem with Jesus is that his example was so powerful that people are threatened by him. Honestly, show me one thing wrong with how Jesus lived. Yes, he said, “I am the only way to the Father”. And I choose to believe that. If you don’t that’s fine. One of us will be really shocked in eternity. I am fine if that’s me but I don’t think you will be fine if that’s you! But, in a bold statement Jesus said something that we would do well in remembering, especially in this explosive climate that our world is in right now, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

            So, what can we deduce about my candidate. If, by the crazy chance, they were elected it would probably only be for one term.

            Thank you for tuning in to “Politics with Jesus”, goodbye now!

 

Pastor Dad – oh and did you see the Cowboys last night? Hehe