Today, all across our great nation, men and women will step up to a voting booth and vote their heart for the man or woman they deem best suited for a specific office. I always find it to be an interesting time. All the debates, campaign letters and political ads. There was a time in my life where I participated heavily. At one point I was a campaign manager for a Senate run, I have driven all the miles, done all the digging and ended each day tired. In later years my newspapers covered the issues, the candidates and the thought process. Interesting times.

And before I begin, let it be known, I think who is in office is important. But I think who is in the “office” of men and women everywhere is of more importance. His name is Jesus. And when He sets up shop in a person’s life things begin to change.

Many will vote according to life (Abortion, assisted suicide and such.) while others will vote predicated upon finances. Still others will choose according to what they can get or what they believe they deserve. All of these have value and all are emotional topics in many circles. How do I know? Yesterday, I was downloaded on by a man about health care benefits. I am not even sure what prompted the conversation. Another asked me my thoughts about physician assisted suicide. Meanwhile a friend has chosen to die.

All of these are important. To me, to them, to Jesus. I truly understand.

I have friends who think more laws about abortion and life will help. Others who demand satisfaction over guns(Both sides of the “rifle”!)and their use. Still others who bemoan spendthrift candidates. I get it. Trust me I do. Only yesterday while driving home in the dark I was reminded of better times. Joyous times. I agree something has to change. Who will change that? A man or woman in Congress or the Senate? Ummmm…probably not. It is only a matter of time in the eyes of men and women before today will be forgotten and we await the next election cycle. It will be changed by “we the people”.

Laws don’t change people. (For the reality of sin is empowered by the law.) Elected officials don’t change people. It is not about a man, but about the Man. Jesus. “Lee, are you saying, don’t vote?” Absolutely not! Get out there and vote! But tomorrow wake up and recognize the change you desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will be found in a changed people, not a candidate or two.

Hear me. I believe in taking care of people. (Jesus told us the poor would always be with us.)I believe in laws for people (Especially those perhaps who do not understand Jesus and His ways at this juncture.) to maintain health and safety and provide for quality of life. I believe in a lot of things you may not think I believe in.

But most of all…I believe in Jesus. My hope and my trust is in Him. Not just the “hey, He’s got it, who cares” thought process. I think it is amazing that when He was done, He said it was done and sat down. He handed the keys to change over to us. And with that thought, I believe in “all hands on deck”. I know government may be run by a class or a type of individual and it is up to us to change some of that. Just as a church body can not function by a man alone, neither can can a government function without all the pieces participating. In recent days we have seen that personal charisma is not enough to change a church or a nation.

If you think God is all about calling people names or polarizing people, I have to differ with you. (Did Jesus polarize? Of course! But He was Jesus and that was then. Pre-New Testament.)This is now. The body is to be one with the Father and to love the people. All people. Love is NOT rude.

My solution is simply this. To “check in with the Father” and bring what He is doing in heaven to a district, a community, a state or a nation near you!