I love politics - always have and probably always will. But this year's election has me so bound up in knots. Not in fear who will win and who will be calling the shots in DC - ultimately God calls the shots everywhere. But this year more then ever you get such "double speak" -- forked-tongues when it comes to the candidates positions on issues and what they just spew out and then a day or two later make excuses for what they said or issue a veil apologies with the notion... "I did not really mean that."
I guess as a believer i have greater hope and expectation on those who would be in leadership. yet when dealing with non-believers and dealing in the forum of "public opinion" you will never get the right answer. i was looking at a recent blog and Martin DeHaan from RBC wrote a great article on what we are looking for the difference between a poltician and prophectic voice. he wrote...
These are some of the reasons I think we need to try to make sure that our influence in society is based more on our individual and collective example, social advocacy, and appeal to reason–than on efforts to use our political power to collectively capture and control public policy. See if you agree that:
1. A political voice often mobilizes support by concealing its own faults while calling attention to the weaknesses and limitations of the opposition. A prophetic voice is first brought to its knees by its own wrongs and failures.
2. A political voice tends to speak for the special-interest groups it represents. As a result, it is likely to confront the sins of the right but not the sins of the left-or the sins of the left and not the sins of the right. A prophetic voice, in the best sense, represents the interests of all. The messenger of God, therefore, can lovingly affirm “a good Samaritan”, and confront wrongs, wherever they exist– regardless of where they show up in the political spectrum.
3. A political voice calls for external regulation and legislation that often focuses on curbing the freedom of its opponents. A prophetic voice calls on all to submit themselves to God for a personal change of heart, resulting in voluntary self-limitation.
4. A political voice often represents the special interests of supporters who expect material benefits or social influence in exchange for their donations and votes. A prophetic voice represents the interests of God in a manner that rises above hidden agendas or conflicts of interest.
5. A political voice may have to settle for strategies of compromise to maintain an adequate base of support. A faithful prophetic voice does not waver from timeless values and perspectives, and is willing to be “one crying in the wilderness” with accountability to God alone.
6. A political voice works for change through the strength of opinion polls, ballots, and governmental appointments. A prophetic voice calls for change through loving confrontation and persuasion-relying on whatever voluntary change the Spirit of God and His Word will make in the hearts of hearers.
7. A political voice rises and falls on the changing tides of public sentiment. A prophetic voice rests on the ultimate and eternal authority of God.
What a good word and great preceptive on what I was looking for and why we are not seeing it in this year's election!