Dear politicians,
Well, the 2008 campaign is over – we have a new president; we’ve elected and re-elected congressmen; spent a lot of money on campaign adds, and just had a glorious time as a nation!
But now the dust is settling, the clouds are clearing – so can we talk for a couple minutes? I know you have an economic nightmare to fix; two wars to keep and eye on; and millions of people like me who are a bit grumpy.
Did you notice that it seems like people have gotten a bit fatigued by political campaigns? Have you noticed that sometimes the vibe on the street is one of resentment or tiredness with elections?
I’d like to suggest a couple things… And these are from my heart – not from a poll (I don’t have the resources to pull off a big poll!); not from extensive research with consultants – this is just me and my heart.
Please remember that you carry the name of Jesus. As I looked at my local politicians, most claimed to be Christian, church-going, God-fearing people. I’m glad! I’m excited that someone who is responsible for leading is connected to the Ultimate Leader!
However, what place does your faith play in your campaigning? Remember those old bracelets? What Would Jesus Do? How would Jesus campaign? Remember, He’s the guy who just stood silent at false accusations – when He could have spoken and ripped them a whole new identity based on all their secret sins! But, He remained silent! How would Jesus run a campaign?
Sometimes it feels to me like winning is more important that how you win. And I’m sure that you care passionately about the issues you support. I’m sure that you are incredibly passionate about the causes you champion. However, when you win at all costs, you end up loosing your number one priority in life – and that is the fame and reputation of God. If you carry the name of Christ, your mission is greater than your political campaign and career.
If you are NOT a Christian, don’t claim it. I know, I know, many evangelicals and Christians can’t seem to vote for someone who is not a Christian. But, for me, I’d rather vote for an atheist who is honest, courteous, positive, and will represent my position on issues than a Christian who is an arrogant jerk! Claiming the name Christian and going to church are radically different than being a real disciple of Jesus Christ.
While I’m on this, there’s one issue that has bothered me more in this past campaign than any other. It’s called lying. Lying ticks me off. Lying leads to every sin in the book – or is the result of every sin in the book. Lying kills relationships. Lying destroys hearts.
I’ve been married for 6 ½ years. And let me tell you, I would have never married my wife if I didn’t think she was honest and trustworthy. And yet, you want me to vote you into office to run my country, determine my children’s future, and handle my money through taxes – and it seems to me that to do it, you lie!
A couple times over the campaign I went to www.factcheck.org – and each time I was amused, entertained, but also saddened and jaded by the exaggerations, misleading, and outright lies that were being told by both sides.
It’s funny, because the Bible says that God hates lies! The book of Hebrews says God cannot lie! It’s all through the Bible! So, it’s funny to me that someone can be taken down in a sex scandal, but if someone lies, it’s just politics!
In my house, if some of the stuff that’s gone on in this campaign had happened in my house – if my kids had tried to pull the stunts on me that ya’ll have pulled on each other, there would be strong consequences.
Unfortunately, in some races – especially the Presidential campaign, it didn’t seem to matter – both major candidates’ campaigns were lying! Not to mention vice-presidential antics (I was against the Bridge-to-Nowhere! I was against it! Oh, okay, I was really for it until it became unpopular, then I was against it!) You see, that’s a LIE in my book! It’s still deceit!). But, I’ll tell you what, if there were a candidate that I didn’t agree with – but they were HONEST and didn’t LIE, then I would have voted for them simply for their character!
So, do you want to see some respect come back to politicians and politics? Do you want to hold your head up high and be proud of who you are –and people – well at least me – be proud to have you as my advocate in office? Then please, remember, you carry the name of Jesus. Remember, there are things more important winning – and please, don’t lie… Be painfully honest. As a Christian, pastor, chaplain, dad, husband, and a part of this great