Election Lessons

I'm taking two simple lessons from this year's election. They probably hold true for all elections.

First, that God "...removes kings and establishes kings" (Daniel 2:21). Contrary the theory of democracy, choosing rulers is emphatically not man's prerogative.

Second, that the only real importance of anyone's vote is that it shows what a voter's heart approves.

Scripture says “Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” (Romans 14:22) And "...if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God" (I John 3:21).

The Monkey Lesson

I didn't know much, or care much, about Donald Trump at all a few years ago. What little I was aware of him, it was because he had a "reality-TV" show which I'd never been interested in watching.

What little I'd seen and heard of him, I didn't want to see or hear any more of him. He seemed the prototypical sleazy and overbearing "New York" businessman. Not someone I had any reason to want to hear or see.

But Donald wasn't satisfied with all he had...as loudly as he proclaimed to everyone who would listen how wonderful it (and he) was. He wanted more: he wanted the highest "prize" in the land. And despite his lack of any spiritual, intellectual, character, personality, or practical qualifications for the top office in the land, he was sure his winning "business" skills (loud pushiness, dishonest dealings, bullying) would take him to the top.

I almost feel sorry for him. Not that it looks like he's going to lose. God will determine that, in His Own time.

I feel sorry for Donald Trump that his overblown ambition has made everyone in the country sharply (and constantly) aware of what he is. No one can hide what they really are, when their every thought and action, past and present, is in everyone's face, constantly. And that's what running for President entails.

So everyone in America (indeed, the world) is now fully, daily, hourly, aware of what Donald Trump is.

The proverb about monkeys picking coconuts comes to mind. Monkeys ambitious for the highest coconuts have to climb the highest: and should remember that "the higher you climb, the more you show your ass."