Defining Moment

I was just thinking about - - -

In life, we all face a defining moment - sometimes several throughout an active lifetime. Some defining moments are more routine and focus on education, employment, marriage, purchases, geography, etc. Most of us have wrestled through these times and can discern the merit to the process and the ultimate decision.

Politics has become a very strange business. The media helps fuel situations that result in some of these defining moments, as well as confrontations with one's past. Some would call it muckraking - and so much of it is. Others shrug and see it as business as usual.

This makes the address by one of the candidates regarding his religious persuasion and practice an interesting and defining moment. In terms of the speech presentation, it was done masterfully. In terms of the content and substance, those who embrace their beliefs (or lack of the same) will not be significantly persuaded. Possibly, the key section of the 25 minute speech is in these words:

I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith, nor should he be rejected because of his faith. No authorities of my church or any church, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of the church, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin. I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law. I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. My faith is the faith of my fathers. I will be true to them and to my beliefs.

He and others have shared they are running to be President - not Pastor of this nation. But one thought remains. This particular candidate indicated that "my faith does not define me"! That is a fascinating concept for one who also indicated that he believes Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. Just a question or two - (a) If Jesus Christ is one's Savior, does that not in fact define who that person is? Born again? A new creation? Crucified with Christ?, and (b) Is there not a commitment demand and requirement for one in relationship with Jesus Christ to be conformed to Him in wisdom, holiness and righteousness?

We have really gotten onto dangerous ground in our politically correct world. A person should be considered for political office on the basis of the content of his/her character; his/her ability to think clearly and rationally; his/her demonstrated quality of leadership; and clear and verifiable indication that one can have confidence in the sound and valid judgments of the one seeking the political office.

There ought not to be a litmus test in terms of one's Biblical, Theological or Religious Persuasions. One would hope that when the elected official places his/her hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office and states - "So help me God!" - there is a genuine belief in a Divine Creator Who must be revered, honored and consulted. Regardless of public posture, the one elected will resort to prayer and seeking divine wisdom while holding the Office of President. One will be awed by the duties and demands of The Office. One will realize that after all the rhetoric and claimed ability, etc. - there is the need to cast oneself upon the Lord in order to be sustained (Psalm 55:22), as well as to seek the Lord while He may be found and to call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55). We need to pray for our nation and those who govern us now, and who will be elected to govern us in the near future.