Tis STILL the season...

No, not that season. Well, yes it is THAT season, but I'm referring to the political season that so many hoped would be over as soon as the votes were tallied that first Tuesday of November. Now I had a lot of thoughts on that election, but since Jennifer and I left for our Mexico trip right after that I didn't have time to post. And by the time we got back it felt a little like just trying to self-righteously add my voice at the tail end of the clamor, so I didn't. However in light of the past 24 hours I think the opportunity and responsibility is still there.

For anyone living outside of Illinois (or in a cave in Illinois) who may not have heard, our sitting Governor Rod Blagojevich has been taken into custody by the federal government. He is being accused of a number of things, but most prominently "pay for play" politics and allegedly trying to auction off the Senate seat that became vacant when Obama was elected. Now I'm not going to say he is guilty (you know, I do still believe in that whole innocent until proven guilty thing) but I will say it would not come as a shock to find out it is true. Actually, "come as a shock" is too strong. It wouldn't come as something worth raising an eyebrow at, if it is true. But the laundry list of things about our current Governor that I didn't care for is not what I'm here to talk about. What I do want to address is the response to the new situation that I have seen from so many Christians (myself included at first). So many people are practically rejoicing at the latest developments. They are proclaiming a great win for the people of Illinois and really wouldn't mind if they locked him up and forgot about him. Most of these same people also were very quick to speak very harshly and disrespectfully about him in the past. Again, I am not going to shed a tear for the charges filed against him, nor defend him in his actions. I believe he made his bed and now must lie in it. (As we all do at one time or another.) But there are two things that bother me about this attitude coming from the "christian" community.

1.) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)

Rod Blagojevich is still our Governor. No that doesn't mean he gets a free pass for illegal activity. No that doesn't mean that we follow his laws if they truly contradict God's. But that DOES mean we still need to respect and honor him. And I just don't see how "christians" calling him derogatory (and even vulgar) names is honoring or respecting him. Or how rejoicing that "the idiot is in jail" (as I heard one person say) honors or respects him. No I don't agree with what he has done and I'm not defending him, but one day I (and all people) will have to stand before God and give account of all our words. I already have more than enough that I am ashamed of, I don't need to add more here. God's word is pretty clear. We are to honor our leaders, it doesn't qualify only the ones we like, but all of them.

**The reason I have put "christian" in quotes is that the term means to be Christ-like... and I just don't think we can use the term and then act this way. I'm not making light of anyone's belief, but the use of the term with these actions.**

2.) Secondly, I find so many believers who are almost giddy at the downfall of our Governor. They have been so dissatisfied with his politics that they didn't care how he left as long as he is gone. They have no problem deriding his name, throwing him out the door and hoping that he disappears into the night. But we have a problem claiming to be Christ-like and reacting like that... Rod Blagojevich is still created by God. Rod Blagojevich is loved by God.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

I don't know about his relationship with Jesus Christ or if he has one. What I do know is that he has fallen down and made mistakes (who hasn't?) and he needs compassion and forgiveness and the Truth of God in his life right now. Now some might say "but I haven't done..." But sin is sin right? We've all done that and it all counts. Shouldn't we as Christians stand up and say, "Yes, mistakes were made, and yes there are consequences, but my God is one of forgiveness. I know the God of restitution and reconcilliation. Lemme me share His love with you." But instead I find so many believers dancing on the grave of a fallen man who is no different than you and me but for the Grace of God.



Those are the two things that I find running through my head at a pretty constant rate right now. One of the reasons I find myself looking at things from the point of view is that my hope is not in the government. My hope was not hinged on McCain OR Obama winning the election. Neither man was going to "fix" america, only God can do that. So when Obama won I was actually happy in a way... when Obama was not able to create this new change utopia that many people expect (because he may end up being a great leader, but he still won't be the savior of America... no one outside of Jesus is), God's church would have an opportunity to stand up and proclaim that an elected official will not "save America" but that we know a God who can. I was afraid however, that believers might get into a mud-slinging fight with those who support the "liberals". If our current situation in Illinois is an indication, my fears may come to be. But does it change how I live my life? No. My hope is still in God, not this government, not this country, not anything else. Whether the economy rebounds or the country falls apart, I know that God has me here for this time and a purpose. It doesn't change who I am or who God is, it simply changes the setting for this epic adventure of walking with God. One that I hope someone shares with Gov. Blagojevich. And yes, I'm praying for him and if I get the chance to be that person, I hope I step up. Hope you all are well. God bless.