Democrats...Republicans...Goliath

The peh Factor

“Seeking balance in a polarized world”

Greetings Everyone.

As you know, I have not posted for quite a while on my PeH Factor website. Sorry about that. I have returned to work as the Interim Pastor for the Flathead Parish pastoring the Dayton and Polson, Montana, Presbyterian Churches. I know some of you have enjoyed listening to my sermons. I am no longer posting them on this site unless specifically requested. Instead, they are posted at www.PolsonPresbyterian.org.

In addition to this new work, I have also been listening, reading and contemplating the political fever that is raging through our country. I am grateful for the thoughts that have been shared and the intention of those who have published them or sent them to me. There are many well thought out positions and some extremely articulate individuals who present them. They have become part of my thought process.

As you may know, we are living now in Montana. The national powers have been pumping 10s of millions of dollars into this state to attempt to influence our choice for the United States Senate and House. I am amazed at the amount of money given so that one political agenda can control the places of power (and the money it will ultimately give them). And what has that money produced? Television ads, high quality mailbox fliers, email, voice mail, and text messages all using similar tactics:

• Some promises and lots of accusations

• Self-promotion and Opponent abasement

• Half-truths that misrepresent the character and decisions of the opposition

• Predictions as to what our state and/or country will become if the opponent is elected

• Fear…If they are elected….

I have seen the impact of the constant bombardment. I have seen how good people have become polarized. I can often tell which television stations individuals watch based on the information they use in their political discourse.

For the thoughtful person there is a positive from these bombardments, at least for me. The constant barrage has helped reveal to me

• What I value

• What are my priorities within my community and nation

• Who it is that I trust and to what level that trust has risen

I have also witnessed a danger that exists within our political process. People are looking for a champion, an individual who is big, strong, and able to represent in a powerful way all those things in which a person believes. This champion will clearly juxtapose our truth against their error. The other becomes demonized. They become the enemy. I liken this to the biblical story found in 1 Samuel 17. The enemy of Israel, the Philistines, had a CHAMPION, Goliath. Goliath was a giant of a man, literally. He stood about 9’6’’. His protective coat of armor weighed in at 125 lbs. The head of his spear was 15 lbs. He would stand in an open field and call out the other side. He would lead the charge against the enemy. He was their CHAMPION. He was their hero.

Because they had a champion, the Israelites also needed one. The only problem was that no one was willing to step up and be that person. Not even King Saul who stood “head and shoulders above everyone else in Israel” was willing to take on the challenge. To face a champion one must have a champion of their own, or so they thought. Then a real battle could take place. This “Champion” model seems to represent our political process today.

The problem with entrusting the future to a champion is they have vulnerabilities. No exceptions. Every champion has blind spots. No exception. If we aren’t careful, the very ones in whom we place our trust, those we consider our greatest representative, can become our greatest liabilities. It certainly was true for Goliath. The Philistines trusted in his size and superior weaponry, but, the nimble shepherd David could maneuver faster than the heavy-laden Goliath. David won the battle and used the sword of Goliath to end his career as the Philistine’s CHAMPION.

So, as we select our next political leaders we must be careful that we do not so elevate our person to such a level that we investing in them our national soul. Such deification is dangerous. Why?

First, there is no perfect candidate. All the men and women running for political office are flawed. All human beings fall short of the glory of God.

Second, when we elevate a candidate to a “Savior/Champion” position, someone who will save us from whatever impending doom it is we have been told is out there, we set the individual up for failure and ourselves for great disappointment and disillusionment.

Third, we risk blurring the line between God who is sovereign and a human being or political party that is not. Remember, David who had proclaimed rightly as he went into battle that

… the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand

would later take his eyes of his God and commit murder and adultery. Another CHAMPION bites the dust.

And so, how do we stay focused on the right things in the midst of this difficult political process? Hopefully, for each of us, as we have determined in our own conscience, will vote. I turned my ballot in today. In addition to political preparation and participation I pray.

• I pray that God will be involved through the voices of the people in selecting the right person for our time in history and our place in God’s plan. This is something that ultimately only God knows. I want to be in touch with him.

• I pray that those elected will have humility of heart so they might serve the people well and hear the Spirit of God leading them.

• I pray that those elected officials will be courageous, courageous to do that which is right for our present position in the world and that position which will be occupied by our children and grandchildren.

• I pray that I will be gracious enough and obedient enough to God’s will that if my candidate does not win, I will continue to pray for those who have won and keep my eyes focused on God as I walk each day with him.

God bless each of you. Paul