Republicans vs. Democrats: Who Gets It Right?

I don't know about you, but I'm a little weary of all the bipartisan talk these days. Television campaign ads, candidate signs and Facebook posts of people blasting or singing the praises of politicians are wearing me out.

Honestly, I'm looking forward to November 7 -- the day after election day.

I recently read an article in Relevant Magazine entitled "Broken Politics", which took a hard, but fair, look at Republicans and Democrats. Authors D.C. Innes and Lisa Sharon Harper examined how both parties get it right and how both parties get it wrong.

Their conclusion:

"Christians must all recognize their ultimate hope should be in Christ, not in any earthly institution or human theory. Neither one's country nor one's party is the Kingdom of God."

I must agree.

Over the years I've heard many Christians proudly tout the Republican party as the Christian party. As if Jesus Christ Himself would be a Republican if He were walking the face of the earth today.

I've also heard many criticize the Republican party for being elitist and self-centered - the party of the rich and comfortable.

I disagree with both of these assertions.

Both parties represent a facet of the heart of God.

The Republican party tends towards the statutes that Christians have upheld for many years, one being the sanctity of life. The fact that life begins at conception. That every life has meaning and purpose. That every life should be protected, even in the very first hour of life being knitted in his or her mother's womb.

The Republicans get that right.

The Democratic party tends towards the statutes that Christians should be upholding, like caring for the poor, the widow, the alien (or "undocumented individual," as we say today). The fact that every life has meaning and purpose. That every person - old or young, rich or poor, homeowner or homeless person - should have an opportunity to survive and thrive in the world. That everyone should have a full belly and a place to lay his or her head at night. That everyone should have access to adequate health care.

The Democrats get that right.

But each party gets it wrong too. And I won't belabor that point, because quite frankly, I'm tired of all the political bashing.

Instead, I'd like to leave you, my Brother, my Sister, with a few words from the Lord on the matter.

"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save." Psalm 146:3

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (The Apostle Paul speaking)

My conclusion? Pray and ask God for His path for you in this next election. Open your heart and ears to those who have different political beliefs. Don't condemn another for belonging to the opposite party.   By all means, vote on November 6. And pray daily for the guy that gets elected - whether you voted for him or not.

And most of all - trust in God, not in man.

Trust in God, not in the Republican party.

Trust in God, not in the Democratic party.

After all, He really does have the whole world in His hands.

Carla

So what say you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.