> General Discussions
Hello anybody There?
Doug:
Thanks for the reply Rocky. Always got the teaching that all was ordained by God. That part took a couple of years to really sink in. Then over time would see where folks would say they did not care have an election would turn out, Jesse had the last post stating to the effect. That started me thinking plus other post that why would we pray or desire something that was not God’s intention. So now the light bulb finally came on that this would be wrong and understand what others were now saying. Now the struggle is to let go when my desires are not aligned to God’s will. That will need to change.
Doug
Dave in Tenn:
I'd argue that Paul did not so much appeal to his citizenship to avoid a scourging as to keep the whole proceeding upright and to make everybody involved know what their accountability was. There's even love for the Centurion in my reading. Beyond that, he was astute in judging the situation. It was the Lord Himself that soon after told Paul he must go and give witness in Rome.
So much of this account resonates with me and the "politics" I've seen in my life, both as a christian and as a believer.
For me, ceasing being involved in electoral politics has had more to do with leaving my own leanings and ideological preferences aside to stop either pride or disappointment from taking root than to doing what I'm "supposed" to do, or not do on election day. If my guy wins, it's pride that comes first, usually followed by disappointment to one degree or another. If my guy loses, disappointment comes early and "I told you so" pride comes later.
Rome was the whole world of Paul's day. My turn to bring witness to the Caeser is coming, if God the Lord has spoken it, another time. In the meantime, I am what I am by the Grace of God. It is both spiritual and practical to recognize that my "power" in voting in national elections is exceedingly tiny... especially in the US electoral system. But I don't fault anyone for doing otherwise if they have faith or need humility.
Rene:
--- Quote from: Dave in Tenn on August 04, 2020, 05:48:03 AM ---
If my guy wins, it's pride that comes first, usually followed by disappointment to one degree or another. If my guy loses, disappointment comes early and "I told you so" pride comes later.
--- End quote ---
This statement by Dave reminds me of a truth I've come to appreciate when it comes to voting.
Many of us may not vote "physically", but if we are still inwardly rooting for one candidate over another to win, you may as well have gone to the polls. We can deceive ourselves and pretend, but God knows our heart and inward thoughts.
As Ray has said many times, getting saved is the hardest thing we will ever experience.
indianabob:
Friend Rene,
I see your point and agree.
My situation may be a little different.
I don't have a sense of duty to vote, especially in Federal elections.
=
I had this feeling in part before becoming enlightened about God's plan for mankind.
I worked for the military for four years, then the US post office and next the local Police Department.
In each of these jobs I noted the partisan politics that existed and came to realize that we generally are voting for favors for ourselves or for our friends, family, political party etc.
=
I don't believe that God recommends that type of attitude. I think God would rather we not regularly depend upon other people to take care of our needs, but instead learn to develop and build wealth and character for ourselves and our close family and then be willing to share our blessings with our needy neighbors IF they are also willing to take what we provide and use it properly to build their own ability to develop wealth and character. This approach begins in parent child, family relations and may hopefully expand into general society.
We may, I believe have this approach to charity without preaching a particular religion or belief system. Plus it does not matter what nation or political system we live in. Everyone benefits from learning to discipline the self and thereby mature their own self reliance.
Just my view, Indiana Bob
--- Quote from: Rene on August 04, 2020, 02:42:52 PM ---
--- Quote from: Dave in Tenn on August 04, 2020, 05:48:03 AM ---
If my guy wins, it's pride that comes first, usually followed by disappointment to one degree or another. If my guy loses, disappointment comes early and "I told you so" pride comes later.
--- End quote ---
This statement by Dave reminds me of a truth I've come to appreciate when it comes to voting.
Many of us may not vote "physically", but if we are still inwardly rooting for one candidate over another to win, you may as well have gone to the polls. We can deceive ourselves and pretend, but God knows our heart and inward thoughts.
As Ray has said many times, getting saved is the hardest thing we will ever experience.
--- End quote ---
Rocco:
In Australia you are required by law to vote failure to vote has a fine of $30 to $80. Double conflict right? How does his verse apply?
Mat 17:27
“Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
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