Pastor's Message
                                                                                           

October - Spirit Steps/Politics

In writing a monthly article, I have attempted to focus on the development of the spirit and how we work to learn the lessons of love.  Yet this would be meaningless if we did not put that love into action.  In that we are currently involved in a political process that will determine the leader of our country for the next four years, I feel compelled to depart from my usual format.  In some small way, I will attempt to address the issues that we, as the Body of Christ, need to consider as we ponder our vote for our next president.      

I must admit that I have never really been interested in politics.  I was one of those who said that it really didn’t matter much who was president, that things would be the same, regardless of who or what party was in office.  The events following September 11, 2001 caused me to change my mind about that.  It seemed to me that we had the opportunity to respond to that tragedy by pulling together as a nation and, for a period of time, we did.  Our focus then needed to be on how we could bring a greater measure of peace to our world.  That focus never materialized.  Instead we focused on seeking revenge, thereby escalating anger and hatred in the world.  In my mind, our leadership appears to have used this incredible tragedy to harness fear for their personal self interest.  In the process, we saw an increase in the mistrust, anger, and violence in the world.  It was then that I realized that I had the responsibility as a Christian leader to become involved and speak out in the political arena.

As I write this, I struggle with how to highlight the issues without sounding partisan.  As I listen to the political speeches, I am not always sure if the candidates mean what they say or are playing to an audience to secure votes.  I pray that my biases do not underlie this message and that the issues that truly need to be considered surface before we cast our vote.  For me, the number one issue in this election is which candidate stands the best chance of bringing peace to all nations.  Which candidate will move to negotiate a sense of justice between all people.  Which candidate will ensure that, to the best of his ability, the poor and disenfranchised of the world are cared for.  Which candidate will move to ensure that all people have access to quality medical care. 

I am concerned about the world that my grandchildren will inherit, and for that reason I am concerned about what we are doing to our environment. I am concerned that we have not taken more serious measures to stop polluting our air, water, and the earth itself.  We need to elect leaders who will work to develop clean sources of renewable energy.  Solar and wind energy need to continue to be developed and other sources of clean renewable energy need to be researched, yes even if we have to pay a little more initially.  At some point, someone will have to pay.  Is this a burden that we want to dump completely onto our children and grandchildren?  As those who have been entrusted to care for this creation, it seems to me that we have a responsibility to elect leaders who we believe will do the best job in leading us to fulfill that task.

The outcome of spiritual development is service to others.  As you listen to the presidential candidates during the next month, consider your spiritual values so that your vote may truly reflect your spirituality.

May you find peace this day.

Pastor Bob