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The aftermath of an election

11/11/2012

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I was told some of the opinions and occasionally over-the-top expressions of ignorance that popped up on Facebook after last week’s election.  While I did not check out the rants and counter-rants, here are some thoughts on the matter.     

The Jewish people of Moses' day up until now have emphasized the Shema: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deut. 6:5. Jesus referred to that when he told us to “Love the Lord Your God,” and referencing Leviticus 19:8, second we need to “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”    “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.”  This could be a good foundational statement, but it doesn't seem central in current nation-building efforts around the world.      

Most of us have no idea how much we really have in America.   Still, America is not our eternal destination.   If you want to vote, fine.  If you want to pray for your leaders, do it “so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives.” I Tim. 2.  But please do not allow political storms to shake your faith, get you depressed, or lash out at your neighbor or “friend” on facebook.  Do not get your eyes off of the Kingdom of God, which is not a political system, but is found in the Body of Christ.      

Our constitution begins with this statement “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”   I see no reference to the Lord in the entire constitution; it is about “we the people.”  Yes, the Declaration of Independence references our Creator, but He seems to be brought in solely for the purpose of outlining our “rights.”  The Kingdom of God is made up of believers, not political systems.   Hold America with an open hand. 

If you voted, fine.  But if you are upset with the results and are mad the way others voted, consider loving the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.  At the end of time, America will eventually burn with the rest of the world, so you really need to join the work of the Kingdom of God, a never-ending kingdom that knows no end and is not limited by geographical boundaries or political systems.  If this thought makes you mad or if you dismiss it as cheesy, preachy, or pious, may I suggest that your ears and thoughts have been overly intent on reforming a political system through voting.  Take some time to pray.   “For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation; But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.”   Psalm 75:6,7.   In the end, it is not we the people.  It is God.  God wins.
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    A Faith That Works

    For the past few years, I have occasionally written articles under the heading "A Faith That Works", for our congregation.  These are mostly related to practical Christianity.  Recently, we have merged them into blog format.   Feel free to read and respond at your discretion.  May God direct you to love Him and to love others!
                        Rich Schwartz

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