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"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others." (Matthew 23:2-7)
Just In case you may be have been hiding under a rock somewhere, it's beginning to be plainly seen that America is headed into the crux of the 2020 president election. And along with this political adventure comes all the political hype, good, bad and indifferent. Yes, the political propaganda excitement is now building like wildfire.
Enter the past. The most famous line used by American humorist Will Rogers when he poked fun at the latest antics of politicians or commented on other recent news stories was “Well, all I know is what I read in the papers.”
If Will Rogers were alive today, he would probably say, "Well, all I know is what I read in the papers, see on TV, surf on the internet, or see on Facebook or Twitter.” And oh, how busy he would be in interpreting the truth simply sifting through all this hype.
Unlike Mr. Roger's generation, which probably had less news favoritism, never before have we seen so much bias in the political process, and so much one-sided public reporting or the covering up of the true facts. These false maneuvers are referred to as political smear campaigns. And these campaigns are now running rampant in this upcoming election process. (Isaiah 1:23)
What do we mean by smear campaigns? Definition: A smear campaign is an intentional, premeditated effort to undermine an individual's or group's reputation, credibility, and character. Like negative campaigning, most often smear campaigns target government officials, politicians, political candidates, and other public figures.
Much like Mr. Rogers, I read a lot in the various news media outlets concerning our current political happenings. Some stories I tend to believe, with others I have my doubts. So, as for politics, " It's Your Call".
There have been a number of news features published lately, concerning both sides of the political aisle. Yes, negative campaign tactics seem to be the order of the day. All one need do is spend just a few minutes searching the World Wide Web searching the candidates by name or the political affiliation to find any number of smear ads.
Who is generating such insults? Could it be the candidates’ prideful influences or thirst for power? Could it be the parties’ super-egos? Or, could it just be the news media's desire to control the outcome of the election? (Jeremiah 23:1-2)
You see, candidates are not held to the same commercial standard, and the reason is simple: their statements and advertisements are considered political speech, which falls under the protection of the First Amendment. The noble idea undergirding what otherwise seems like a political loophole is the belief that voters have a right to uncensored information on which to base their decisions. Too often however, the result is a system in which the most distorted information comes from the campaigns themselves. As this year's presidential race is showing, that presents an opportunity for a candidate willing to go beyond simple distortions and exaggerations by making repeated and unapologetic use of objectively false statements.
In other words, it is legal to stretch the truth in national political advertising. Federal candidates can say just about anything they want, protected by the Court’s interpretation of free speech. The disclaimer “I approved this message,” doesn’t mean it’s true, but it does get candidates the cheapest TV and radio ad rates, in compliance with the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. If a federal candidate’s ad is deceptive, broadcasters have to run it as required by the Federal Communications Commission. Thus we have this year's ads.
The Bible predicts that in the last days of civilization evil influences will take over our culture, (Ephesians 6:12) America will experience false teaching propagated by hypocrisy and liars. (I Timothy 4:1-5) And anarchy, that of mass corruption and a breakdown of law and order of the populace will run rampant (II Timothy 3:1-5, 7, 9) (II Timothy 4:3-4).
So, is this season's political election agenda advancing into those last days? Only time will tell. However, human nature being what it is, many of these misrepresentations of the truth seem to exist in some candidates more than others. As Christians we must do our homework and discern the truth, according to Biblical principles.
In (John 8:32) the Scripture tells us that when we know the truth, we shall be set free. In this, the most important election of all times, it is imperative that we Christians not only know the truth about each candidate, but that we vote the truth. When this is done, we will have a clear conscience. We will be set free of all fear and of all anxiety. The final result is we will be free in our vote decision. The outcome of the election is in God's hands, so we can rest in Him.
To expand on this issue of truthfulness, the issue of truth in the political process and the truth in the paid political commercials has in part prompted the thinking of this blog.
Conversely, I am not sure if these political commercial issues actually matter in the overall scheme of correcting America's corporate sins. The fact is that only God can help our evil situation, not politics, and certainly not the news media. You see, God's sovereignty has, and always will be in command (Daniel 2:21). America must repent, if the country is to survive (I John 1:9). Not only in today's world, but in past history as well, government leaders have always subverted the truth.
The Scripture talks a lot of the sin of pride. In fact, pride is the sin at the top of God's hate list (Proverbs 6:16-19). Pride can be defined as an exaggerated and dishonest self-evaluation. For example, our American politicians want people to believe something about them even though they know it isn't true. Or at best it is just an inflation of their self-perceived egos. They all tend to seek a value, honor, importance, or reputation that isn't deserved. It is actually their ego stimuli.
Unlike many political factions, God wants also to show mercy on America. You see, the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations is a lesson to be learned. God does rule over nations. (Daniel 4:17). He puts in place whom He chooses (Daniel 2:21), and He gives nations over to whom He wills (Daniel 4:25, 32). Nations will be restored when the people repent (Daniel 4:26). And His kingdom is forever, praise His name (Daniel 4:34).
However, oftentimes we Americans seem to refuse God's grace by hardening our hearts against God. Is this political season seeing America now hardening in rebellion against God? Will America repent of its corporate sins and turn back to God?
So how may America repent? Read and take (II Chronicles 7:14) to heart. We must humble ourselves, pray and seek His face. Then God promises to hear our cry and heal our land. Amen!
Author's Postscript
I realize, in recent years America's populace has seen an uptick in skeptical cynicism with respect to politics. However, the state has certain obligations and so do we. We should seek the truth and assessments based on Bible principles. Then we must vote intelligently according to God's principles. So are you ready to began this process? Are you registered to vote? And do you plan to vote? As far as politics is concerned, "I'ts Your Call". You must decide. Simply comment it to prayer. (Psalm 27:8)
You see, the government authorities are established and instituted by God (Romans 13:1-2), and they are God's servants (Romans 13:4,6), whether they recognize it or not. Therefore we believers are to submit to these authorities (Romans 13:1, 5), pay our taxes (Romans 13:6) and give these authorities the proper respect (Romans 13:7). We also are commanded to pray for those in authority over us. (I Timothy 2:1-4)
Together, we can change this nation, one vote at a time.
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