Background
While I am a certified teacher, I do not plan to teach a history lesson today. I simply want to shed light on a few historical facts about our political system. Feel free to do additional research; I just want to give you the cliff notes version for the sake of time. So, let’s get into it.
As a country, we’ve had several major political parties, such as the Federalist Party, Whig Party, Anti-Masonic Party, and the Liberty Party, to name a few.
The Democratic Party was founded in 1828, making it the oldest active political party. This party championed states’ rights, limited government power, and defended the right to own slaves. This group was known for its “conservative” views. Yes! You heard me. The Democrats were once called “Conservatives!”
The Republican Party was founded in 1854. This party believed in a strong federal government with the authority to oppose slavery, promote equality, and boost the economy with federal support. The Republicans were once known as the “Liberals” or “Radicals.” Yes! You heard me. The Republicans were once called “Liberals!”
To understand the shift in ideologies between the parties, read about the Regional Realignment of Congress that happened between 1919-1984. This will include, but not be limited to, information about the New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement.
Think About It
When you think about the changes, it’s actually quite interesting. The Democratic Party is currently known for championing equal rights; however, it was once known for defending the right to own slaves. On the other hand, the Republican Party has faced numerous accusations of discrimination over the years, including racism, but their party was founded by anti-slave activists. These facts about our political history prompted me to title this post, “Sinking Sand Politics.” Let’s go to the Father.
Go to the Father
Matthew 7:24-27 ESV states, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine (this is Jesus speaking) and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it”
As it pertains to this message, the rock is Jesus Christ, and the sand is political parties. The rain, which ultimately turns into a flood, represents our trials and tribulations. In 2020, we experienced the storm of life, ranging from a worldwide pandemic, reports of police brutality, protests, riots, and a tumultuous presidential election. For me, the wind that blew and beat on the house, represents the media, public opinions, and my own emotions about everything. I was in such a terrible state. I blocked brothers and sisters in Christ on social media. I argued with family and friends about world events. I prayed for Joe Biden to win the election, so he could save the soul of America. (Every time I say that, I realize how lost I was). My house was built on sand, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when it fell. As believers in Christ, we can’t put our faith and hope in man-made, political systems that will separate, change, or crumble, much like sand castles against the force of a tidal wave. They are not built to withstand that kind of pressure or weight. A politician can’t save us, so we should never put their title or position before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. According to Jesus, heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will remain (Matthew 24:35). Therefore, we cannot put political parties before the word of God. Jesus is the Word. We must follow Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith. We can’t allow the world’s problems to overwhelm us. Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). No one else can say that! Think about it. Then, go to the Father and pray about it.
Pray About It
Search us, O God, and know our hearts! Try us and know our thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting!
Soul Searching with Our Father
Politics is a hot topic, but it does not have to burn us. We can take our cares to the Father! He understands that we live in a fallen world. He loved us so much He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins! When Jesus rose again and ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. (Let that sink in on this soul searching journey). We have access to the Truth when we follow Christ. The Truth does not change when the world disagrees with it, and it does not become obsolete when different political parties take office. The Truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
