Politics and the Christian Nigh Dweller

Next week I have to cancel a worship band practice so I can attend a local All-Candidates Debate leading up to the May 2 federal election in Canada.  The response from one of my deacons upon hearing this news was: "You should run for political office."

Right! Me run for political office.  I wouldn't last a week without sticking my foot in my mouth. Furthermore, I don't think I have skin thick enough to handle the unceasing public criticism and mud slinging that goes on as part of the political dance. As I've often said, while a politician is happy if she/he has 50% plus one support on any given issue, a pastor gets depressed if even one church member is at odds with her/him.

No! I doubt I'm cut out for politics, but I have a deep respect for those who do offer themselves up as candidates regardless of which party they represent.  It takes courage and passion to risk one's good name, reputation and money in the hopes of landing a job which will most likely see you face a very public defeat at some point in the future.

And yet, while candidates risk much for the sake of good government, the rest of us spend our time complaining about the inconvenience of having to vote.  Even those of us conscientious enough to vote often fail to realize that our democratic system demands more from us than just an informed "X" on a ballot.  Yes! We need people to vote. But we also need voters willing to volunteer their time and donate their money to support the candidates they plan to vote for.

So this election, don't just vote. Get out there, and serve your community in Christ's name.  Pray for your candidates and lend a helping hand as they campaign for office.  Find a candidate who most closely mirrors what you believe and help her/him get the vote out.  Show your community that, as a Christ follower, you too long to see good government prevail.  And in the midst of all the political posturing: “Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”  - Romans 12:17–18 (NLT)