Creation Care Mom

Last week we sang, “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett in church and its been sticking with me through the week. You can listen to it here. I will be using throughout my post today.

We are in the midst of a very tumultuous political season in the United States. One presidential candidate is now a convicted felon. The other is showing his age and struggling to negotiate peace in two overseas conflicts. Most people I’ve talked to aren’t a fan of either.

Where are we going? I’m getting there.

The more conversations I have about politics with others, the more I see how we have idolized the political system. We have made it our savior. Politicians have capitalized on our idolization to draw us into supporting one side or the other out of fear. Does that sound particularly Christian?

“Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One who could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, oh, we live for You

Holy, there is no one like You
There is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me

And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken
And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken”

But this song should convict us. Who is worthy of our praise? Who is our foundation? Who can save us? Where should our trust be? And what kind of life should we be leading?

Jesus. Jesus alone. He alone is worthy. He alone can save. Our lives should be built on his example. He was considered radical, nonviolent, and compassionate. He desired to free the captives and would rather lay down his life for his enemies than harm them. His life was marked with extraordinary love. All powerful, he does not need the government.

I’m not saying that there isn’t a lot at stake this election season. There is. We must be careful, on guard, against those who will twist and manipulate Christianity, in the pursuit of power. Leaders feeding fear, anger, hated, and violence, don’t look anything like Jesus, no matter which party, instead they look like Caesar.