politics....

This evening, I watched a portion of the Republican National Convention and couldn't help but consider an article I read yesterday, by RC Sproul Jr. I do come from a "conservative" background but more than that, I am a follower of Christ and it is that which commands my allegiance more than any speaker, politician or political party. I don't believe McCain or Obama are the answer to what this country really needs. Am I going to vote in November? Yes, I certainly am, but it is with the recognition that my ultimate hope is not in any man or woman listed on the ballot. No political reform will cause the hearts of men or of nations to turn to Jesus Christ. I believe we must be careful not to confuse the gospel we hold dear with any political agenda or form of patriotism.

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are wonderful things, blessings from the hand of God Himself. That said, Jesus tells us that if we would gain our lives, we must first die. Jesus tells us that it is His truth, not this political party or that, not this tax burden or that, that would set us free. Jesus tells us that we ought not to be pursuing happiness, but that instead we should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus tells us what His priorities are, what His standards are. He tells us how we are to live as citizens of the kingdom we are pursuing. His economy, the way He has ordered the world. is right side up. Our way of looking at things is both upside down and backwards." -RC Sproul Jr (from the article "The Greatest Treasure" in this months Tabletalk magazine)

I am truly grateful for this country and the freedoms afforded to me. It is astounding all that we have been given and yet, the "greatest treasure" is not in the American flag flying over head, democracy or the "pursuit of happiness"...it is in the cross of Christ. Regardless of who is elected this fall, the economic downturn or upswing, and any other events, our sovereign God is still on the throne and there is none who can usurp His authority.