Lesser of two evils?
"Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils, is still choosing evil"
-Jerry Garcia
It's been coming for some time now, many have watched and warned of the darkness that seems to be overtaking our little piece of the world here in the U.S. For so long our young and inexperienced country seemed like the brand new, shining beacon of hope, sitting on a hill, for all to come and live, and worship, in peace and safety. Gaining that peace and safety didn't come with out risk, hard work, and fighting battles or wars. All accomplished while looking to the Lord.
Laying a strong foundation in Jesus Christ has kept our country, states, cities, communities, and families strong. However, little by little, as our country grew older, just like any one growing up, maturing, and looking to find "their own way"; the foundation set down by their parents (or founding fathers in our case), is chipped away by making willful and poor decisions. The way in which they should go is lost and confused. Darkness sets in and the path is no longer clear. As long as they continue to look to themselves, instead of the One who set and lights the path before them, their way will be rocky. Any one they try to lead will stumble around in the dark with them until they seek the light and the right path. There are so many paths to choose from. Although, when you get so far away from the light none of the paths look safe, you're faced with a decision of picking the lessor of two evils. Or, perhaps you could just turn back to where you came from and seek the light.
Every Christian has a salvation story. Most of them contain a moment or point in time where they were left in such a state of darkness, that they had to admit that they needed the Lord in their life. They called out to Him and He set His light in their hearts, so that they could see in the dark, follow the right path and help bring light to others fumbling in the dark like they once were.
I think right now, our country is like that person who walked so far away from the source of light that they are fumbling around in the dark. It seems as if those who were given light to carry with them aren't using it as they should. They are hiding it or thinking they are saving it for another time or person to share with. I think when this happens, their choice in paths also become a little foggy and the decision isn't quite clear. They need to remember to shine their light. Don't just guess on your own and choose the path that is the lesser of two evils. Shine your light so you can see clearly!
All of this can be applied to what our country is going through now with the elections for president. Due to our humanness we will never have a perfect candidate. Remember, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All is all no matter what party you're from. Still, the fact that we understand humanity is broken and has fallen short doesn’t take away our responsibility. However, voting for evil isn't an option, even if it’s our only option. Every one sins and a sin is a sin but that doesn't mean you would hire someone who is a known thief and a liar. It sounds pretty harsh to call candidates evil. Just typing it out gives me a feeling of uneasiness. Although, what would the Bible say when it comes to choosing leaders? "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil."(Romans 16:17-18)
But be careful, once you know the truth and what is right, there is a warning, "who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17
As Christians we can't just choose the least of two bad choices. But to abstain from a choice, I think would be irresponsible and shows apathy. By concluding both are wrong you wouldn't be implicated in either. As I struggle with what the wise or right choice is. I wonder, could a third choice be written in, in order to voice your opinion and take a stand? Or would that be like not choosing at all and throwing your vote away? Is making an unwise or wrong decision just to get your point across or say you took a stand acceptable?
See, in Romans it says, "But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)
Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?
For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one; ""(Romans 3:5-10)
In short, it's never right to do wrong to do right.
There may come a time, in fact I'm sure there will come a time, very soon that our actions that are right in the sight of the Lord will be questioned and we will need to be ready to answer. Not in a way that shows contempt but in a way that is thought out and presents the facts to those lost in the dark. We're headed in a time of judgement and some will be looking to Christians for answers.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ...
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:15,17
The days ahead are going to get rough and rocky due to the poor choices our country has made by those lost in the dark and those refusing to share the light. But it won't be the end and as long as you are faithful, God will make the way plain for you.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. "1 Corinthians 10:13
Are you as a Christian ready for what's coming? My hope and future doesn't lie in the future president or our current president. It lies in Jesus Christ, I pray yours does too.
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