It's darker than we think.

The Apostle Paul reminded the Christians in the Macedonian city of Philippi of two profound truths about their times. He said they were living in a "...crooked and twisted generation...", and that their faith should shine as lights in that dark world. He wrote in his Epistle to them---

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent,

children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,

among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Philippians 2: 14-15, ESV

It was a crooked and twisted generation in many respects. Making a list sounds like reading from the local news today---severe racial tension, a government in transition, religious discrimination and persecution, cultural and societal pressures, economic stress, and a catalog of moral and ethical question marks that shadowed everyone with layers of uncertainty. They were a crooked and twisted generation indeed. But, the Apostle understood the influence of light in that darkness. He knew the Philippian believers would project a clear and certain witness to their out-of-sorts world.

Shining as lights was an ancient Jewish concept which Jesus spoke to his followers in the Sermon on the Mount---

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light

a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In

the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5: 14-16, ESV

Having traveled the below sea-level highways around the Dead Sea I have seen the penetrating reflection of a city on a hill. It is visible for miles because the city lights are projected so clearly. In the Sermon on the Mount the metaphor of light portrays the witness of the Christian life, that is, the clear and vivid influence of a yielded life and servant spirit. This light communicates the wattage of a changed life, the high resolution of good works that honor and glorify our Heavenly Father. The clarity of this light is about vision, mission, and purpose. Paul challenged the Philippians with this image, one that would connect with them immediately.

Ours is a crooked and twisted generation too. This culture is darker than most of us think. Many pundits are predicting the most trying political season in American history over the next thirty-two days, and days of unrest, perhaps serious danger, in the aftermath of the election. Christian friends! It's time for us to shine. Yes, we should speak and voice our opinions with the mind of Christ. More than anything, however, we should "...shine as lights in the world".

We learned it as children. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

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Taking some time.

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Make it about the issues.

Let's quibble. Sadly contemporary ethical standards no longer permit pastors and spiritual leaders a voice in the complex political matters during voting season. Endorsing candidates or political parties are a definite no-no in the new moral code. Many pundits even suggest that voters leave their faith in the car when voting day comes. In the new world, faith and politics don't mix. This new system is especially baffling when almost every research analyst identifies the Christian vote as such a significant factor in American voting history. In 2016 the evangelical Christian vote was identified as the story of that election. Now, in the lead-up to election 2020, where so many moral and ethical matters will depend on election results, the media and many politicians are seeking to quiet the Christian voice on election day.

So, let's stop the political and election blather and get serious about the issues of election 2020. And, there are many of them. Recent studies by some reputable observers indicate that the primary voting issues for Christians this year are terrorism, immigration, and health care. And, yes, these are concerns for most of us. But, not the primary issues. Well, you know, finishperiod.com doesn't have a research department and therefore can't cite accurate statistical analysis. My personal research is more personal, the circle of friends, colleagues, and ministry professionals who will share their ideals regarding the issues in 2020. Three voting issues seem to be most prevalent in recent coffee shop and casual interactions---

1. The Sanctity of Human Life.

I read a very long and detailed analysis of the human rights issues prevalent in the coming election. Their list included equality and equal opportunity: troubles in the criminal legal system; racial discrimination; women's rights; immigration; LGBTQ rights; privacy, data protection, and digital rights; climate crisis and toxic pollution; national security; and foreign policy. Not one mention of the sanctity of human life or abortion. More than 60,000,000 legal abortions have occurred in the United States since 1973, the year Row v. Wade recognized a woman's right to abort their child. In the evangelical Christian community it is our nation's most deplorable sin. Many evangelical Christians are one issue voters and will not vote for those holding a pro-choice view.

2. Judicial Appointments.

The Row v. Wade decision by the SCOTUS in 1973 is under review in many lower courts. Conservative voters know that the next Presidential administration will most likely have the opportunity to nominate additional Supreme Court justices. This is an important but less promoted issue for Christian voters.

3. The Safety of our Citizens.

Many cities are eliminating funding of their police departments and security personnel. This is of great concern to Christian voters, especially our older friends. It is more a local election issue to be decided by mayors and city council members across the nation. It will, however, be a platform item in the 2020 election. Christians should explore this agenda item before November 3.

Scripture references the issues of government and faith, and the influence of faith in the life of a nation. Here are several examples---

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his

heritage!

Psalm 33: 12, ESV

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14: 34, ESV

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people

groan.

Proverbs 29: 2, ESV

Yes, there are candidates, political parties, and their minions. The game is on and they chase our votes. The world says to keep your faith to yourself and choose your favorite candidate. No, choose faith as the basis of those issues that will go with you into the voting booth. Vote your faith.

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