The Power (or lack thereof) of Politics

Occasionally, I'll have an editorial in the local paper, Lincoln Times-News (lakeshore edition). Here's one I sent in, just in time for the political season:

There’s nothing like politics is there. Every 2 years we become overwhelmed by advertising, news, talk shows, road signs, and every other form of media telling us who to vote for and why. By the first week in November, many of us just stop picking up the phone or turning on the TV, so we don’t have to listen to the hot air being transmitted. As much as all the campaigning can get on my nerves, I have to admit that I’m a bit of a political nut. I love keeping up with what’s going on in the world of government, whether it’s local, state, or national. The reason why I do so is to make sure that I make the most informed decision as possible on Election Day.

One of the most intriguing aspects to me in politics is how people, from both major political parties, believe that it will be the end of civilization as we know it, if the other guys are voted into office. If I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure it’s the same argument the Whigs used against the Know Nothing party back in 1854, yet here we are in 2006 still able to vote our convictions and our conscience.

One of the great benefits concerning the electoral freedom we enjoy in this country is that when we, the people, feel like someone or some group is about to take away our freedoms, we have the right and the privilege to vote for somebody else and move our country, or our county, in a different direction. It’s really a great system. One that billions (and I mean billions) of people across this globe would love to have.

As important as our local, state, and national government is, I hope your joy and optimism are not reliant on the number of blue or red representatives we have in congress or the county commission. If we depend on our government officials to bring us happiness, we’ll end up being disappointed our whole lives. Such precious ideas like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness should not rest upon mankind, but on a God who is infinitely bigger than the problems we face in this world.

I’m not trying to minimize the significance of government. Government has a place in this world. In fact, the Bible teaches that God is ultimately in control of who controls governments (Romans 13:1-7; Proverbs 21:1). But the truth is that no matter who controls the White House, Congress, or the local County Commission, they cannot touch your soul. Governments may have physical power, but they’ll never have spiritual power. Under the greatest totalitarian regime imaginable, the freedom of one’s soul can never be diminished. We have the ability to rejoice in all situations if Jesus has saved our soul from death (Romans 6:23).

This Election Day make sure you exercise your right and privilege to vote. But never forfeit the power to choose joy and peace no matter what the outcome.