The Political Spirit, Idolatry, and our Identity

Many have mentioned that they could not understand why anyone would vote for a minor party. This is problematic for me because I have hope for them, however, if you don’t understand the importance of the minority, how can you manage being in the majority along with positions of perceived physical authority?

My concern is not ultimately the Democrats or the RINOs. My concern is a church who loves God and Country but not filling their role as salt and light to the world, standing on the authority granted us in the Great Commission. I am increasingly convinced that we created a void that was filled by evil. This happens very fast at the intersection of faith and civics. Leaning on our own understanding rather than seeking the Kingdom of Righteousness under the guise of pragmatism and the lesser of two evils is all too easy. It is fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Here are a few considerations…
1. The FIRST President, George Washington warned of the dangers of party politics in his farewell address. Think about that for a moment. He could have covered so many topics. Why was Washington concerned yet we are not? Should we have some trepidation when we are involved with party politics or does his warning mean nothing? We lack a defensive mindedness when it comes to faith and civics. We believe we can expose ourselves to evil because it’s “politics” and that is how it is in the political realm. The ends justify the means... The lesser of two evils is still evil. Where do we get the authority to accept evil for the sake of good?

2. Minor parties are looked at as insignificant, yet they strike fear into the “major” parties. So, which is it? Insignificant or significant? I maintain this is a perfect example of how the “minority” can control the narrative. One person standing in the face of tyranny but on God’s authority is a beautiful thing. God gets the Glory not man. It’s funny how in politics, we see that trade as a viable option and still expect good governance. Do you see the idolatry?

3. As a Christian American the importance of competition should be paramount. As a Christian our conscience should be triggered by the notion of embracing mob mentality and seeking to eliminate competition. We are Americans… we should understand, not be confounded.

4. We are in a crisis in America. We should have already sought the root cause for our current pain. I have. It’s not really the two party unibrow establishment that is the problem. Evil is defeated and they look bad on their own. The problem is that we are not comfortable embracing our “David” identity. We don’t even embrace our heritage of being “outgunned” and having no business seeking independence in the physical world. We seek the comfort of a two-party system and embrace “we” vs “they”, “good cop-bad cop” behavior. Being pragmatic gives our conscience much needed cover. We seek it! We want it! It allows us to engage at a limited exposure without going all in. We don’t like looking like a fool and make no mistake minor parties are looked at as fools. However, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. So, who’s the fool? The time for introspection has LONG passed.

5. Awakening will not happen if we don’t want it. The spirit of politics is a counterfeit idol that we choose over awakening.

6. The political ruling class seldom is attached to the “right” or as I would rather say, the “normal”. Respect should be naturally given for those called to stand in a vulnerable position, not mocking nor scorn.

7. The last year has brought accelerated tyranny. Both parties either participated in the expansion of tyranny or stood by as controlled opposition and let it happen. Covid Marxism, the failed election, and the attack on our kids are prime examples. It’s stunning when I hear prominent people wonder why anyone would step out of the political machine to stand in the minority. For me, I wonder why they are still there! The term I have for this behavior is Political Stockholm Syndrome.

8. It’s important to maintain a simple truth. Darkness cannot overcome light, light would need to be shut off. This is a very simple illustration of natural law and applies well to liberty vs tyranny.

9. Minor party votes are always considered as impacting only one party. This is a scarcity mentality that reflects poorly on our view of the Great Commission. Do you believe that standing for righteousness and truth will only attract the “saved”? What is our role at the intersection of faith and civics again? Are we seeking to spread Liberty that comes from Christ or are we seeking to hoard it for our own perceived comfort and perceived security?

At times it would be easy to just shut up and give in, however, it’s really not easier. We are on the clock at an incredible stage in world history. I hope this message is inspiring and that the reader will take some time with the Holy Spirit and hear what really needs to be said.

Blessings,
Mark Petzold
SCC Member
Vice-Chairman – Kent County