Religion and Politics

Considering this political race -- Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? When I was in 8th grade, I got the chance to take a summer trip there, and it was wonderful. I am so thankful that I have experienced the Lincoln Monument, the Washington Monument, the White House, Jefferson Monument, and other great places there. Thinking back, I didn't have much appreciation for everything we were being shown. Of course, I've got about 10 rolls of film lying around somewhere with at least 20 "different" pictures of the White House. However, looking back, visiting those places did not mean much to me as I believe it would now. It's one of the reasons why I love the National Treasure movies so much. Being so appreciative of all that went into the development of this country is quite moving, and I hope that I get the chance to experience Washington D.C. again with more appreciation and respect. 

I sometimes want to experience the same thing with places like Rome and Israel. I wonder what it would be like to walk around in Rome. To stand in a prison cell in Rome and think, "Paul himself praised the same God I praise here in this cell!" Or to be able to walk down a dirty busy old street in Israel and think to yourself, "My Jesus, my father, my life... he walked here." 

I desire to do that so much. I want to be so close to my Father -- all.the.time. A desire I believe I gained while at Camp Blue Haven this summer. I can remember exactly when I felt this feeling. It was 4th session Hobo Dinner Cookout night, and 4 high school groups (8 altogether) experienced a passover feast together in the barn. We moved all the chairs and about 80 of us sat in a circle and shared an intimate and thought provoking meal together. Afterwards we started to praise and sing worship songs in honor of what the Israelites might have done in a typical Passover meal. We turned off all the lights, and formed a huddle and crammed together... not any type of shape really, just tight-knit. I remember singing so loudly along with everyone else I could barely hear any one particular voice -- it was just one loud praise and cryout to God. It was at that moment... the moment I couldn't think of anything else but God; the moment when I didn't care about the girl behind me singing off-key; the moment when I had nothing left to give my own self because I had given it all to God... it was at these moments when I thought about for the first time in my life -- "I can't wait to go to Heaven. If Christ came back right now, I would be so excited." 

It was that thought, that moment, and that feeling that changed my entire life. I no longer am afraid to die, or to leave loved ones behind. No matter how many places I've called home, I'm not there yet. And I won't be satisfied as a Christian human being, until I'm in Heaven shouting, "Be to Our God" alongside my brothers and sisters who also obeyed and served our Lord while on Earth. It's an emotion I can't quite explain really, and when I do try to explain the emotion, nothing but tears come strolling down my face because I am filled with such contentment, joy, and peace. 

So as we watch and interest ourselves in this crazy political race, let's not forget who our true, and perfect Lord is -- Jesus Christ. Be to His name forever and ever, Amen!