Influence & Boasting in Politics and Religion

Galatians 6:11-18

Nov. 7, 2016

It’s almost election day in the USA!  What a sad roller coaster ride it has been these last couple years in the political scene.  Of the millions of people we have in this country, we’ve actually come down to Trump and Clinton.  REALLY?!  The country I love seems more divided than I’ve ever seen it in my life time. Each side of the aisle claiming their views are the best.  Each side of the aisle boasting about their accomplishments time and time again.  Lots of boasting!  From both Clinton and Trump.  And yet, the dirty laundry of issues have been aired out for our society to see.  Although these candidates have sought to influence people around the country, seeking their vote, seeking their money, seeking their allegiance, one thing I haven’t heard from them is their recognition on our dependence on God and our need to boast in Christ.  I’m not talking about a sound bite being spoken at a some church rally.  I’m talking about a true heart of love that’s been changed by the love of God in Christ.

Wouldn’t THAT be radical?  Imagine if a candidate actually said, “Let us not boast in ourselves, but let’s boast in the work of Christ Jesus who came to save us from our sins!”  Imagine that for a moment.  Wouldn’t that provide a different feel to the campaigns?  Now, I’m not trying to promote some sort of theocracy.  What I am wanting to support is a godly man or woman who recognizes their sin and struggles, yet calls on the Lord to lead them in their service.

As I finish my read through St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, I’m struck with one of his closing sentences.  He writes, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”  There is room for boasting and influence in this world.  For St. Paul, it all starts at the cross of Jesus, where Christ is lifted up for the world to be saved from sin, death, and the power of the devil.  Granted, I like to boast about my wonderful wife, kids and grandson.  I like to boast about how great my parents are.  Yet, I am also realistic and recognize them all as gifts…gifts of God, who also need the Savior.

Oh, political candidates will clamor and fight and deceive citizens in this country to get their vote.  Policies they endorse, promising to help the citizens, only keep the citizens struggling in the same mess they were promised to be lifted out of.  This is the crazy influence of our world’s wisdom.  This is not worthy of our boasting.

But Christ Jesus, His love and sacrifice, His words of truth and wisdom for our lives, is there at the cross we see the amazing love of God.  The world sees cruelty.  God sees salvation for His creation.  In these troubling times in the USA, no matter who wins the presidency, no plans of man will thwart the plans of God.  Alleluia!  Let us boast about the One who has truly saved us and gives life to all who believe!

PRAYER:  Lord, guide the hearts and minds of Your people and have mercy on our political candidates.  Touch their hearts and lives with Your wisdom so that all people are respected and honored, male and female, all ethnicities, all life, even life still in the womb.  Amen.