I laughed hard when Saturday Night Live did a skit with vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin. It was creative, well done and touched on all the stereotypes of a Republican governor of Alaska, like senior citizens, eskimos and daily moose hunting. All the while Palin sat enduring the humor and moving to the music being played, clearly having fun, yet feeling uncomfortable at the same time. It must have been hard listening to a rap that ridiculed her core beliefs, even if it was in good fun.
Following her appearance, real world politics took over. In a speech, Palin made reference to Barack Obama moving toward a system of socialism that would be devastating to the American way of life. Likewise, Obama has done everything possible to paint John McCain as the next George W. Bush with our country having the same problems, economically and with foreign relations. This election has been less about candidates’ character and more about policy or political systems that will save us from current crises–each side loudly stating that their system is the best.
Whether it’s capitalism, socialism, Republican/Democratic policies, most systems claim to have the answer to life’s issues. Elections bring out our core values and passion, as our personal views are challenged. My question has recently been: What does God think about this? As our systems are being challenged, what does He want us to focus on? 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 answers this, and helps us to remain focused during elections. His answer is: Remember the cross.
Paul is arguing with a church that is following personalities and systems. This was a culture fascinated by wisdom and elevated rhetoric, scholars and political systems. Wisdom was a well-articulated worldview that answered all the world’s problems—the catchword of the day. “I follow Apollo,” one says; another states, “I believe Cephas”; and the most pious of the group puffs out his chest and says, “I follow Christ.”
Paul comes unglued at this point, and exclaims, “Where is the wise man?” Paul is asking rhetorically which wise man or system leads people to God’s great plan of redemption. Which political philosophy points to the cross and says that is God’s power? If a system does not do that, then it is not wise. In fact to avoid the cross and rest on any other system is idolatry.
Paul does not want the Corinthians to see the cross as just another system to deal with life’s issues; he wants them to realize only the cross deals with sin and reconciling with God. Only the gospel saves us from hell and transforms us throughout our lifetime, bringing us closer and closer into a loving relationship with the Creator and learning to love Him and others more. This is our system. The cross. It is our wisdom, focus and passion.
If this is true, how do we live out the cross (our system) and balance other systems, (i.e. politics) that we like and need to participate in?
• Trust that God knows what He is doing: God handpicks our leaders and will use them for His purposes. Even when it doesn’t make sense to us, He is guiding the process.
• Be involved in the political process: God has given us the great opportunity to have a voice in how our country is run. We affect the direction of the country by voting and contacting our local representatives. Guy Houston reminded us as he spoke to the Moral Concerns group that personal contact with representatives does make a difference.
• Keep the cross first: Recognize that what Christ accomplished on the cross answers the greatest question—How does sinful man come before a Holy God? When we see Christ as our rescuer, all other issues take second priority.
Ultimate change and transformation is in the cross, not in systems or leaders or political movements. Our hope—where we place our stock—should rest firmly there.
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