The Power of Politics

The tendency in all people is to look to the wrong things for salvation.  Even people of faith in God can be duped at times into placing too much trust in things and people other than God.  The illustration in the life of Peter on the Sea of Galilee when he took his eyes off Christ, overwhelmed by the storm's wind and waves, is a fitting one.  Whether I read the news from my home State of California, or watch debates and news concerning the approaching election in Australia, the focus is on the same sort of things:  economics, health care, and social justice issues.  The expectation on the government to "fix things" is misplaced, seeing the government has had much influence to bring us to where we are.  You might as well shout at a lost man with a megaphone and demand he find his way without a map or have 100 million people sign a petition if you want - but that will not bring his wandering to an end.

C.S. Lewis wrote, "If tribulation is a necessary element in redemption, we must anticipate that it will never cease till God sees the world to be either redeemed or no further redeemable.  A Christian cannot, therefore, believe any of the those who promise that if only some reform in our economic, political, or hygienic system were made, a heaven on earth would follow." (The Problem of Pain, pg. 102)  Those in politics are not so rash to predict a "heaven on earth," but they no doubt place faith in their policies to bring about improvement.  The difference between many of these politicians, businessmen, leaders, and citizens and the perspective of C.S. Lewis is that Lewis believed wholly that there is a God, and He is in complete control.  Much of the activism we see today is a response to a symptom rather than the root cause.  Sin is the cause of all suffering in this world.  It is the source of the curse which ensures all will wax worse and worse - not "better and better."  Ultimately this world will only be "better" after Jesus Christ sets up His throne on earth and reigns in righteousness.  The world is sick, and this healing will only come through Christ.

I am grateful that even in a world growing darker with every passing day, the light of Jesus Christ will shine ever brighter through the steadfast testimony of His people and scriptures.  We can make a difference as we labour in prayer, obedience, and faith, following Jesus and making disciples.  When the President of the United States visited Australia last year, one of the newscasts attached a moniker to his name:  "The most powerful man in the world."  This perception suggests that Jesus Christ is not still alive.  I only state this title because apparently it is a perception some have.  I agree that the office of the President is both respected and has great authority.  But in relation to God, how powerful is a man?  So you vote your preferred politician into office:  what then?  Can they save you?  Are they capable of providing life for all?  Here is a haiku I wrote as I mused upon the subject.  Let me preface this by saying this poem is not an indictment against any particular person, party, or policy.

Mister President:

The "World's Most Powerful Man."

He sits there, farting.

I'm sure the irony is not lost on you!  We are foolish to deify men who are at the mercy of the health and digestion of their own bodies, just like you and me.  Compared to God, what power does man possess?  Man only has power God has granted to him.  Christians have the most power to do good in this world because the Spirit of the Living God lives within us.  He is the One who empowers us for service, enables us to stand strong in the face of adversity, and to intercede on behalf of the poor.  God has ordained good works He has called us to enter for His glory.  Prayer is more than talking, and obedience to God's Word greater than any policy a man can enact.  If God is for us, who can be against us?  In these times of uncertainty, when the only certainty is things growing worse and worse, place your faith in Jesus Christ.  He is our source of life and will complete the good work He has begun.  Stand, O Christian!  Stand and praise the LORD!  He will fight for us, for the battle is the LORD's.