“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.”
Edmund Burke
——
This post is a one off, doesn’t require any responses, although you can if you wish. I however will not respond if you do. I’m not seeking to argue, divide, or cause animosity amongst us. I will state my case and then do my best to leave it at that.
I’ve thought of this quote often lately as it refers to our current political climate. It clearly applies to this country’s current state.
On one side we have leaders and a party that are clearly pushing the evilest of agendas. Trans and homosexual ideology taught and forced on children. The attempted normalization of pedophilia. Men dressing as women to pray on females in rest rooms and locker rooms. States taking children from parents who refuse to call kids by their preferred pronouns, instead recognizing reality and biology and refusing to play into mental illness taught in schools. This is happening right now.
Abortion right up until birth.
The invasion of our country by 10 million illegal invaders who break our laws and exploit our social net designed for Americans who truly need it. The victims of these criminals pile up daily, from police officers to a female jogger, to a kid run down by a repeat drunk driver. This party condones, excuses, and enables these criminals, all the while doing nothing to stop the flow.
Criminal, rapists, and even murderers released without bail. Folks who should be imprisoned for their crimes, and society’s safety, given laughable sentences which let them once again prey on the innocent.
On the other side we have a party that mostly fits our beliefs and principles, but led by a flawed man who a lot of folks don’t like at all due to past baggage and his big mouth. But that man is pursuing goals we agree with. Goals that put America first, that protect our children, that had stopped the illegal invasion of our country. His first term shows that America was far better off under his leadership than the current occupant of the other party. The one who exploits his position for personal and family gain. The choice would seem obvious, yet it’s not.
I hear a lot of people who don’t like Trump say “well I won’t vote for him, and if he losses, well it’s God’s will”. But is it, is it really? Or is that just what you tell yourself to ease a guilty conscience as evil continues unabated?
God and our 2 party political system give us free will, and 2 choices to choose from. If you’re not voting, or voting for a 3rd party you know can’t win, are you not allowing evil to triumph? That is exactly what happened last election, and yet some seem determined to repeat that mistake yet again. Did you not learn, did you not see what’s happened to America? Are you really prepared to not do the right thing and fight against the evil that currently reigns?
If you choose to do so, that is your right under our political system, but don’t call it God’s will. That’s presumptuous. God has used flawed people throughout history to fight evil, David comes to mind. He has also used the righteous as a reason to spare entire cities. But if the righteous don’t stand against evil to be counted, evil may well triumph. I believe we are in such a place right now.
Now it may be God’s will that America’s downfall continues. But if that happens because folks won’t do their civic duty, won’t stand against evil, then it’s our failure for not taking the opportunity for a reprieve that seems to sit before us. That’s not God’s will, it’s yours. And millions of others, many your brethren, will suffer for it.
This earth is only a temporary home for us, but we still have an obligation to be the best stewards of this temporary home that we can be. Our stewardship extends from our homes, to our cities, states, and country. God would expect nothing less of us. God has blessed us greatly, so we should do all we can to express our appreciation for it, and to preserve it.
Please consider this, as I will consider any responses you may make, although again, probably won’t respond to because I’m not seeking to stir the pot.
Thank you all for your consideration of what I had to say,
Different people are called for different bits of work for the Kingdom. We all have a part to play and America, great as it has been, is a flawed country run by flawed people. God may or may not be using this country as He draws things to a close. The world may still be rolling around the sun ten thousand years from now while America has gone the way of Greece and Rome and all the others.
But, while it remains, we as believers living in America need to go about the business of the King. That may include involvement in politics (we have seen many of our brethren in positions of some power in guiding this country. Or in the more mundane support areas, writing letters to editors or senators or representatives or whatever. Others are not called to that but have the right to vote or not to vote. We should all attempt to be informed (one of the things you are good at is informing and giving us a venue to inform or discuss) and walking with the Lord so our thoughts can reflect His.
Some will feel strongly about this direction or that. Some will believe they can not vote. We cannot determine for others.
As for me? I have seen a long stream of flawed Presidents leading this country. Corruption abounds. It takes a pretty gnarly person to be willing to go through the garbage this country puts people through to get to the positions of power. If they can’t find something on you, they will make it up. So I will be looking at what the person promises and their track record toward achieving. I will also be looking at their obedience to God because I believe that lines up best with what I want for this country. Not that I expect perfection but growth.
God’s sovereignty is pervasive throughout Scripture and is a foundation of the faith. Passages abound. (Just one of many being Isa. 45:7: I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.)
It can be confounding to us, true. “God draws straight with crooked lines” is the old saying; not a molecule is out of place. But yes, His sovereignty is a comfort as well with all the twists and turns and hardships in this life (as it is meant to be by the Creator). It’s also a reminder that we are not, really, “in charge” though we like to think we are.
All nations and governments are flawed, some more deeply than others — because they are run by fallen human beings, even the best of nations. Most nations are transitory, especially when viewed through God’s providence.
We vote based on our God-given conscience, to the best of our ability as we try to vet that in our own minds and hearts and with prayer — and then mark our ballots accordingly. We don’t take it lightly, even when conscience moves us to abstain from casting a vote in a particular race. That, for me, is an extremely rare occurrence, and is only a “here I stand” situation that I can’t see clear to get around. I don’t like doing that.
But there sometimes – there comes a time – and then we must act accordingly.
There is a verse that says something like “Whatever is not from faith (or ‘of faith’?) is sin”. If our prayerful consciences won’t let us go in a certain direction (such as voting for one candidate or another), then it would be sinful for us to do so because others say it is the only right choice. God has his reasons for working upon one heart in one way, and another heart in another way.
Corrie ten Boom and one of her sisters (not Betsie) had very different views on lying to the Nazi authorities, but both were protecting some Jewish lives.
We just each need to be sure that we are making decisions based on how God is leading us, not on how our flesh wants us to go or however others are encouraging us to go. That can be tough to discern at times.
I would agree with Kizzie that while asking our Lord for direction and to vote for a certain person knowing all the while it is not what He would have you do…it would be going against His direction. Why do some feel they should not vote for a certain person yet others feel quite confident it is the right call…even sensing His go ahead? I don’t have an answer..but He knows.
I had no difficulty whatsoever in the primary voting for the only person I confidently believe loves this country and her people. Others would vehemently disagree with my decision…but I have a clear conscience with my vote. I see no other person running who loves this country more that he.
May God have mercy on this darkening nation of ours…He is our only hope!
NJ – That’s what I wrote in a Facebook post yesterday. It had more to it, but ended this way:
~~~ “Be encouraged that it is God who is our last and best hope. And even if the United States of America goes down the tubes sometime in the near or far future, we as believers are secure in Him as long as we cling to Him in faith, and are willing to stretch out our hands to those around us should the need arise.
God bless you, friends. Hold on tight to Jesus. He alone is our hope. ” ~~~
I’d only say God’s sovereignty is not completely knowable to us and the outcomes are His (again, for purposes we can’t know, whether for blessing or judgement as he does also judge nations). Time and history may — or may not — tell. We may (likely) never really *know.*
Individually, we pray and seek guidance from Scripture; our consciences aren’t perfect, they are flawed to some degree as mankind all is. We may (and do, of course) get things wrong.
But God’s word is still where we must go first and foremost in good faith.
But Scripture reflects a God who is all powerful and all good, and not completely knowable by us. Much of his will is knowable, but a good part of it remains hidden.
But his sovereignty is clear and is our best comfort.
If God isn’t sovereign, if he won’t or can’t rule His creation, we have reason to be anxious, angry, and very insecure.
“At a time when many disgruntled Americans post angry memes about the “Biden regime,” Navalny’s life and death are a stark reminder of what a real “regime” is like—and why we should be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy.”
Biden heads an administration, not a “regime”The murder of Alexei Navalny shows what a real tyranny looks like
Wandering Views 
“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.”
Edmund Burke
——
This post is a one off, doesn’t require any responses, although you can if you wish. I however will not respond if you do. I’m not seeking to argue, divide, or cause animosity amongst us. I will state my case and then do my best to leave it at that.
I’ve thought of this quote often lately as it refers to our current political climate. It clearly applies to this country’s current state.
On one side we have leaders and a party that are clearly pushing the evilest of agendas. Trans and homosexual ideology taught and forced on children. The attempted normalization of pedophilia. Men dressing as women to pray on females in rest rooms and locker rooms. States taking children from parents who refuse to call kids by their preferred pronouns, instead recognizing reality and biology and refusing to play into mental illness taught in schools. This is happening right now.
Abortion right up until birth.
The invasion of our country by 10 million illegal invaders who break our laws and exploit our social net designed for Americans who truly need it. The victims of these criminals pile up daily, from police officers to a female jogger, to a kid run down by a repeat drunk driver. This party condones, excuses, and enables these criminals, all the while doing nothing to stop the flow.
Criminal, rapists, and even murderers released without bail. Folks who should be imprisoned for their crimes, and society’s safety, given laughable sentences which let them once again prey on the innocent.
On the other side we have a party that mostly fits our beliefs and principles, but led by a flawed man who a lot of folks don’t like at all due to past baggage and his big mouth. But that man is pursuing goals we agree with. Goals that put America first, that protect our children, that had stopped the illegal invasion of our country. His first term shows that America was far better off under his leadership than the current occupant of the other party. The one who exploits his position for personal and family gain. The choice would seem obvious, yet it’s not.
I hear a lot of people who don’t like Trump say “well I won’t vote for him, and if he losses, well it’s God’s will”. But is it, is it really? Or is that just what you tell yourself to ease a guilty conscience as evil continues unabated?
God and our 2 party political system give us free will, and 2 choices to choose from. If you’re not voting, or voting for a 3rd party you know can’t win, are you not allowing evil to triumph? That is exactly what happened last election, and yet some seem determined to repeat that mistake yet again. Did you not learn, did you not see what’s happened to America? Are you really prepared to not do the right thing and fight against the evil that currently reigns?
If you choose to do so, that is your right under our political system, but don’t call it God’s will. That’s presumptuous. God has used flawed people throughout history to fight evil, David comes to mind. He has also used the righteous as a reason to spare entire cities. But if the righteous don’t stand against evil to be counted, evil may well triumph. I believe we are in such a place right now.
Now it may be God’s will that America’s downfall continues. But if that happens because folks won’t do their civic duty, won’t stand against evil, then it’s our failure for not taking the opportunity for a reprieve that seems to sit before us. That’s not God’s will, it’s yours. And millions of others, many your brethren, will suffer for it.
This earth is only a temporary home for us, but we still have an obligation to be the best stewards of this temporary home that we can be. Our stewardship extends from our homes, to our cities, states, and country. God would expect nothing less of us. God has blessed us greatly, so we should do all we can to express our appreciation for it, and to preserve it.
Please consider this, as I will consider any responses you may make, although again, probably won’t respond to because I’m not seeking to stir the pot.
Thank you all for your consideration of what I had to say,
In Christ,
Allen
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Well said, the real, however.
Different people are called for different bits of work for the Kingdom. We all have a part to play and America, great as it has been, is a flawed country run by flawed people. God may or may not be using this country as He draws things to a close. The world may still be rolling around the sun ten thousand years from now while America has gone the way of Greece and Rome and all the others.
But, while it remains, we as believers living in America need to go about the business of the King. That may include involvement in politics (we have seen many of our brethren in positions of some power in guiding this country. Or in the more mundane support areas, writing letters to editors or senators or representatives or whatever. Others are not called to that but have the right to vote or not to vote. We should all attempt to be informed (one of the things you are good at is informing and giving us a venue to inform or discuss) and walking with the Lord so our thoughts can reflect His.
Some will feel strongly about this direction or that. Some will believe they can not vote. We cannot determine for others.
As for me? I have seen a long stream of flawed Presidents leading this country. Corruption abounds. It takes a pretty gnarly person to be willing to go through the garbage this country puts people through to get to the positions of power. If they can’t find something on you, they will make it up. So I will be looking at what the person promises and their track record toward achieving. I will also be looking at their obedience to God because I believe that lines up best with what I want for this country. Not that I expect perfection but growth.
mumsee
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Thanks AJ, appreciate that approach.
God’s sovereignty is pervasive throughout Scripture and is a foundation of the faith. Passages abound. (Just one of many being Isa. 45:7: I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.)
It can be confounding to us, true. “God draws straight with crooked lines” is the old saying; not a molecule is out of place. But yes, His sovereignty is a comfort as well with all the twists and turns and hardships in this life (as it is meant to be by the Creator). It’s also a reminder that we are not, really, “in charge” though we like to think we are.
All nations and governments are flawed, some more deeply than others — because they are run by fallen human beings, even the best of nations. Most nations are transitory, especially when viewed through God’s providence.
We vote based on our God-given conscience, to the best of our ability as we try to vet that in our own minds and hearts and with prayer — and then mark our ballots accordingly. We don’t take it lightly, even when conscience moves us to abstain from casting a vote in a particular race. That, for me, is an extremely rare occurrence, and is only a “here I stand” situation that I can’t see clear to get around. I don’t like doing that.
But there sometimes – there comes a time – and then we must act accordingly.
-dj
LikeLike
There is a verse that says something like “Whatever is not from faith (or ‘of faith’?) is sin”. If our prayerful consciences won’t let us go in a certain direction (such as voting for one candidate or another), then it would be sinful for us to do so because others say it is the only right choice. God has his reasons for working upon one heart in one way, and another heart in another way.
Corrie ten Boom and one of her sisters (not Betsie) had very different views on lying to the Nazi authorities, but both were protecting some Jewish lives.
We just each need to be sure that we are making decisions based on how God is leading us, not on how our flesh wants us to go or however others are encouraging us to go. That can be tough to discern at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some good verses to ponder on God’s sovereignty:
https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-gods-sovereignty/
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Good ponderings AJ….and so much to ponder!
I would agree with Kizzie that while asking our Lord for direction and to vote for a certain person knowing all the while it is not what He would have you do…it would be going against His direction. Why do some feel they should not vote for a certain person yet others feel quite confident it is the right call…even sensing His go ahead? I don’t have an answer..but He knows.
I had no difficulty whatsoever in the primary voting for the only person I confidently believe loves this country and her people. Others would vehemently disagree with my decision…but I have a clear conscience with my vote. I see no other person running who loves this country more that he.
May God have mercy on this darkening nation of ours…He is our only hope!
Nj
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NJ – That’s what I wrote in a Facebook post yesterday. It had more to it, but ended this way:
~~~ “Be encouraged that it is God who is our last and best hope. And even if the United States of America goes down the tubes sometime in the near or far future, we as believers are secure in Him as long as we cling to Him in faith, and are willing to stretch out our hands to those around us should the need arise.
God bless you, friends. Hold on tight to Jesus. He alone is our hope.
” ~~~
LikeLiked by 1 person
An amen to that @4:58
I’d only say God’s sovereignty is not completely knowable to us and the outcomes are His (again, for purposes we can’t know, whether for blessing or judgement as he does also judge nations). Time and history may — or may not — tell. We may (likely) never really *know.*
Individually, we pray and seek guidance from Scripture; our consciences aren’t perfect, they are flawed to some degree as mankind all is. We may (and do, of course) get things wrong.
But God’s word is still where we must go first and foremost in good faith.
-dj
LikeLiked by 2 people
But Scripture reflects a God who is all powerful and all good, and not completely knowable by us. Much of his will is knowable, but a good part of it remains hidden.
But his sovereignty is clear and is our best comfort.
If God isn’t sovereign, if he won’t or can’t rule His creation, we have reason to be anxious, angry, and very insecure.
-dj
LikeLiked by 2 people
From the Crossway link:
How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together in the world is a mystery no one can fully understand.
-dj
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Opinion offering in World:
“At a time when many disgruntled Americans post angry memes about the “Biden regime,” Navalny’s life and death are a stark reminder of what a real “regime” is like—and why we should be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy.”
Biden heads an administration, not a “regime”The murder of Alexei Navalny shows what a real tyranny looks like
https://wng.org/opinions/biden-heads-an-administration-not-a-regime-1708944911?mkt_tok=NzEwLVFSUi0yMDkAAAGRhX-8-Xmsd2vFt3e2EHymTrUv45cD_rj1WOhjxo-eZ6JUlD5zAaU3ckK761btQiNFa5HprOtdLYrrMEoLcAcJhHPpsd4Qvj7wVgzEjUCMVw
-dj
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