Phil Johnson has a couple of great posts from Monday and today regarding Christians and politics.

The posts really go part and parcel with his seminar discussion from this year's Shepherd's conference that I attended, so my thoughts on what he's been saying this week are thoughts that have been stewing in my brain for some time now.

In short, my conclusions (of which I'm becoming more convicted of daily) are that believers are making a HUUUUGE mistake by getting intimately involved in politics. All we've done for ourselves (which is to say, for God) is working up a froth (and becoming anxious) and creating a giant lever for the principalities of this world to move us to and fro with.

Let's not forget Archimedes famous and very appropriate quote on levers.

Now if you know me at all, as most reading this do, you know how politically minded I've been. Looking back, I will readily tell you know what an absolute fool I was to be so caught up in such self-flagellating rubbish.

Mr. Johnson very correctly points out a very simple fact "Evangelicals have virtually nothing to show for all the time, energy, and resources they have invested in political efforts over the past three and a half decades."

Looking to politics to solve problems or address an ungodly society, even (especially) in a democratic nation as ours, is nothing but relying on man rather than God.

Please note, I am not saying don't vote. ABSOLUTELY VOTE. It's a priviledge to do so and we're very blessed to live in a country that permits it.

Please, let's just abandon voting blocks, okay? When you vote, ignore the personality completely, ignore the media and their little spins (anchors and talking heads included), ignore everything but the facts that you can learn What is his/her voting record?, what legislation is attached to the future candidate's office? and do you have a good understanding of how they'll vote?

Look to the Word of God and His wisdom WILL guide your vote perfectly everytime, not a waste of a man looking to be important and gain personal wealth and power by leading a voting block.

Tell me one voting block that ever got anywhere positive. Was is the black vote? Nope. Was it the hispanic vote? Nope. Was it the elderly vote? Probably the closest, but nope.

"Now Shawn," you're sure to say, "that would mean not voting sometimes. How could you possibly think that's right? What if a some person that I don't personally like gets in, or worse, a democrat!?"

Well, my answer is "So. What's your point? Is God in control or isn't he? Do you trust Him or your vote more? Sure, voting is fine, but it's not the be all end all. God is."

While I'm making admissions, let me just say that I am absolutely not voting this year in the presidential election. Why would I vote for any of the candidates? They certainly don't represent me. I don't think any one of them will help me or my family, let alone respect the things of God. They've ALL proven that.

I'm not very concerned at my decision, however. I'm not losing a moment's sleep. God is in control.

Having said that, I will be voting on other issues, bills, laws, etc. this year and future ones. In those instances, it's won't be a compromise of my obligations before the Lord.

And if I may say one more thing further, please, please, please focus far more on local politics and far less on national. As Tip O'Neill said, "All politics is local".