Am I a Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative?

Much to do about nothing!

Blood pressures are running high, tempers are boiling over, and emotions are all over the map. Some violently declare their opinions and if you happen to be on the wrong side of their views, their reaction is explosive. You are an idiot at best or at worst, an enemy who needs to be extinguished. And though all this makes for higher ratings and creates more money for the news organizations, what is my response to be? Am I a Republican or a Democrat? A liberal or a conservative?

The Rift: Republican or Democrat, A liberal or conservative

I don’t know about you but the current rift between Americans of differing political views has become such a trigger for my reaction. I am easily whirled up into frenzy. We’re becoming adrenaline junkies who respond and react to the newest reports. Not just monthly or weekly but often many times a day. And in my opinion, I don’t believe either party is for America. It’s all godless and disturbing. It’s destructive and fear riddled. So am I a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative? The answer is fast becoming “none of the above.” How did I get here? Because these labels have no meaning anymore.

Though the line of division that separates the populace is becoming a chasm of epic proportions, the distinction between the governing parties is becoming fuzzier and more unrecognizable. And you may ask, “Hey John, why are you discussing US politics?” Because as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, I want to make known the only distinction that actually labels our lives: whether or not we are in the Will of God. Our only question as disciples should be, “What is the will of God?”

As Seen in the Life of Nehemiah

When I was seeking the Father for His response to this in me, He took me to Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a man of God, under authority in a godless kingdom. And he faced a similar quandary. There was much talk to distract from the true point and focus, which was the will of God. Nehemiah wasn’t looking for a label to define his person or views; he was seeking the Person with the View. All the chatter was only to dissuade and divert him from God and God’s will. The “mouths” of his day were proclaiming doom, gloom and destruction in order to capture Nehemiah’s heart from God and prevent him from keeping his attentions on the will of God.

Nehemiah was directed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; it wasn’t to swim in the septic tank of opinions. God’s WILL was his focus, not those who willed on their own. And he would NOT listen. He refused to even come down off his ladder. He didn’t let them get into his head! God was his voice alone.

Keeping the Fight: Republican and Democrat, Liberal and Conservative

There is a similar attempt by the godless majority now. Their goal is to keep us fighting and fearful so we will not be focused and faithful. Oh Jesus, have mercy on us. We sheep are easily frightened and too quick to listen to another’s voice. What is God saying to US?! Is He asking us to fixate on the crisis du jour or to be unentangled and prayerful?

My temptation is to feed these shouting voices with my attention and gaze. They’ve simply become carnival barkers, attracting curiosity to capture focus. I personally feel like I’m a rubbernecker, ogling that train wreck you just can’t pull your eyes from. But God says, “What is My will?” Just because I am a citizen of this country doesn’t mean I owe anyone or anything free access to the revolving door of my heart. My heart and ear are for the Father and His Will alone. He must direct my attention and guide my consumption of information.

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his Commanding Officer.
2 Timothy 2:4 NIV