My soul finds rest in God alone…He alone is my rock and my salvation. (Ps. 62:1)

There is growing national illusion concerning the role of government and the function of politics. I believe the majority of Americans (not just the 47%) actually think that government is the answer to everything. The common notion I hear is that our fate as a nation will be determined by this election. That indicates to me that we believe all our problems are political problems, and therefore, the solutions are political. That’s a dangerous assumption.

It means we expect the government is responsible for creating the good society we long to enjoy. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, we sweep aside the vital moral, ethical and spiritual issues that must be addressed in favor of the grand illusion—or delusion—that the politicians are responsible to fix everything.

I agree with the late Chuck Colson who labeled such thinking “nothing short of idolatry.” He was right. Even those of us who believe in limited government are guilty of this idolatry. We talk as though our salvation is dependent upon who is in office. We live as though Washington is our god. Stop for minute and think. How can a government that can’t manage a simple budget process possibly manage our lives?

This national idolatry is so widespread that I fear we have led our grandchildren upon the same path of the generation of Judges 2 who grew up embracing idolatry because they did not know the truth about God and His purposes. In forsaking the Lord, they “followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them.” In response, God withdrew His blessing and protection from their enemies until He raised up a judge to lead them in the truth. Perhaps God has raised you up for such a purpose for today.

Think about it. Who is teaching our grandkids the truth about the role of government and responsible citizenship—the public schools? Think again. Are you aware of any intentional teaching among the children and youth in the church? And based upon the widespread views of today’s high school and college students, it doesn’t appear the family is doing much in that arena. That leaves the media as the primary source for shaping the worldview of politics in our land. Is that where you want your grandkids to get their political education?

We have an extraordinary opportunity in this election process to model responsible freedom and to teach the truth about the true source of our confidence and security. It is an occasion to dialogue about the role of government. We have a chance to help those who are old enough understand that government’s role is not to be our problem-solver or provider. The role of any government is to promote justice and preserve order in the land—period. Our role is to live responsibly building on the past to construct the future where freedom, virtue, and faith¹ can flourish.

We understand that Christ alone is our Savior. No political leader or government can fulfill that role. Our faith in Christ frees us to assume our responsibility to serve one another, bear one another’s burden, and steward all of Creation as an act of worship. So, let’s teach our children and grandchildren the truth.

At the same time, remember that we are told to guard our hearts above all else and to seek wisdom as more precious than gold or rubies. True, this is an important election. It is foolish and irresponsible to not vote and engage in the political process. It is equally foolish and irresponsible to put our trust in the next President or Congress to fix problems that require spiritual solutions. Where is your confidence? Where would your grandchildren say your confidence is placed?

GRANDPAUSE: Our efficiency without God’s sufficiency is only a deficiency. —Vance Havner

Watch this informative video by John Stonestreet about the political illusion in our land.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRQaPpOJthA&feature=colike

¹An essential triangle suggested by Os Guinness in his book, A Free People’s Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the American Future, for sustaining the unique model of freedom established by America’s Founding Fathers.