The Lesser of Two Evils
The lesser of two evils is an expression that could be used about many different things. Most of the time that I have heard people make this reference they are talking about politics. Usually they are talking about those running for president of the United States. It used to be that the one soon to vote would end a political discussion with a weary sigh and then say "Oh well, I guess I just have to vote for the lesser of two evils."In more recent elections the voter response has often been "I'm tired of voting for the lesser of two evils and so I won't vote at all ."
How can anyone who professes faith in Christ hold either one of these views? Jeremiah 17:9 states The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? When we understand the pervasiveness of sin, then we realize if George Washington could run against Abraham Lincoln we would still have to choose between two men who have hearts that are deceitful.
What are our expectations for a leader in the twenty first century? Do we want him to be photogenic? Would we like him to be a smooth speaker with or without a teleprompter? Should he make only the promises he knows he can most likely keep?
I would like a man who attempts to live by principles that are Biblical whether or not he understands that's what he is doing. I want a man who values the truth. When he is wrong I want him to apologize to the American public. I want him to show that he values our country, past and present but doesn't idolize our nation. He should not overemphasize our successes or our failures. I want him to understand the wisdom of surrounding himself with gifted people who are willing to express opinions that are not a mirror of what the president thinks. I would like a president who is driven by the desire that each individual should take responsibility for his own life as he seeks to aid others through his family, community and church.
If a man is elected with part or all of these characteristics he would still be the lesser of two evils. I recently read that we should not look to the elephant or the donkey but to the lamb. It is with the lamb Jesus we find truth and righteousness. We may not be wise enough to always pick the lesser of two evils but God can use anyone to give Him the honor we know without a doubt he deserves.
How can anyone who professes faith in Christ hold either one of these views? Jeremiah 17:9 states The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? When we understand the pervasiveness of sin, then we realize if George Washington could run against Abraham Lincoln we would still have to choose between two men who have hearts that are deceitful.
What are our expectations for a leader in the twenty first century? Do we want him to be photogenic? Would we like him to be a smooth speaker with or without a teleprompter? Should he make only the promises he knows he can most likely keep?
I would like a man who attempts to live by principles that are Biblical whether or not he understands that's what he is doing. I want a man who values the truth. When he is wrong I want him to apologize to the American public. I want him to show that he values our country, past and present but doesn't idolize our nation. He should not overemphasize our successes or our failures. I want him to understand the wisdom of surrounding himself with gifted people who are willing to express opinions that are not a mirror of what the president thinks. I would like a president who is driven by the desire that each individual should take responsibility for his own life as he seeks to aid others through his family, community and church.
If a man is elected with part or all of these characteristics he would still be the lesser of two evils. I recently read that we should not look to the elephant or the donkey but to the lamb. It is with the lamb Jesus we find truth and righteousness. We may not be wise enough to always pick the lesser of two evils but God can use anyone to give Him the honor we know without a doubt he deserves.
Comments
Post a Comment