Politically Speaking...

Good day!

     The political buzz across social media and the internet has soared this week surrounding the Republican National Convention as people voice their opinions on candidates, speeches, and issues. However, I can't say that I've given much attention to the campaigns this year because 1) I get the jist of what each candidate is about and 2) it doesn't interest me.
    
     Many people do not pay attention to politics simply out of ignorance (I do not mean that condescendingly), and I get that. It's inevitable that people will always hate or fear what they do not understand. Contrarily, I understand what politics is all about based on the definition, the historical patterns, and observation of its participants, which is why I often avoid the dizzying semantics. Don't let society and politicians fool you- politics is simple. Knowing this will help you make wise decisions concerning who and what you support, and you can rest assured that the world is not being taken over by aliens.
    
     In short, politics is the science of using intrigue or strategy to obtain any position of power or control (dictionary.com). It has nothing to do with good leadership or morality; it is simply the cunning of candidates used to convince prospects that they deserve power. Now that you know, consider what the underlying message is there. Politicians practice the art of persuasion, so anything they say is going to appeal to a certain group of people whose support they are after- whether it is truth or not. There is no rule book that says politicians cannot make false promises. Even if there was, they would blame unforeseen circumstances for being obstacles; after all, "no one can predict the future."

     Because I value biblical virtues, I cannot whole-heartedly support men who don't follow biblical principle. One must be led by godly wisdom to obtain success in life. I don't doubt that good Christian government leaders do exist, and I'm sure they do well in their calling. But no matter who is Head of the State, my allegiance goes to what is edifying. So if God doesn't approve of it, I don't need to approve it either. We all know that everyone isn't perfect and no one will have all the right answers, so save me that argument. We also know that "everything that glitters isn't gold" and I cannot lie to you- many good things politicians promise are fool's gold.

     Concluding, I just want to say that if you don't feel comfortable supporting someone who has different beliefs, then don't do it! (Proverbs 4:14-16) "Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble." It's simple. No one has the power to ruin your life unless you give it to them. Satan has his workers here to help him steal, kill, and destroy, so beware because they're sneaky! As long as you put more stock in God than in men, you are WINNING!

If you would like to ask a question, add on to what I said, or civilly tell me why you disagree- comment below or email! Look forward to hearing from you;)

    


    
    

Swagg, YOLO, and Tattoo Monsters

   Some recent trends have been bothering me lately, and as you may have gathered from the title, those things are: swagg, YOLO, and tattoo monsters. "Swagg" is derived from the word "swagger" which means "arrogant or self-confident behavior" (bet you didn't know that!). Modern young people have been using "swagg" to define themselves in a likeable manner for the past decade it seems, but they have no idea what they're really portraying. In its correct form, "swagger" describes an ostentatious person who boasts about their greatness. I can see the correlation now, since most people who say they have "swagg" are intentionally bragging. However, is that how young people want to be known- as self-confident fools? Yes, I said fools. A braggart is an idiot in the Lord's eyes (James 4:16 "But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil"). Why is a person who does not conform to mainstream fashion trends or use of phrases considered to have "no swagg"? Is it lame to be an individual? I don't think so! God didn't make you to walk around Earth with a chip on your shoulder talking about how much "swagg" you have! 1 Corinthians 1:31 says "so that, just as it is written, 'LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.'" Give God the glory He deserves, and stay humble.
   As far as "The Motto" aka "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), a phrase coined by Canadian mainstream rapper Drake, that is utter ignorance. Had he said we only live on Earth once, he would be correct, but that goes without saying. The truth is that we all live and die in our earthly bodies, but we also live again in Heaven or Hell. Thinking that you only live once and can do whatever you want without suffering terrible consequences is the quickest way to Hell. If you believe God is real and His Word is true, then you know that God promises eternal life to those who love Him (and obey His commands!). Those who don't receive eternal punishment- either way you're not completely dead. Your spirit lives on, so I would suggest you get right with God and make sure you have a pass into the best place you could spend eternity in- Heaven!
   Lastly, there are tattoo monsters walking around, Christians and non-Christians alike, who believe that inking their whole body up will make them cool. The phenomena of tattoos is a blog post all on its own, but in essence, there is no reason to tattoo your body for others to like you. I have studied and read about tattoos, and from my understanding the only verse about tattoos in Leviticus speaks about not marking your body for the dead. Tattoos began with sorcery and witchcraft! If you are doing it for that reason, then you're obviously not a Christian and I can't hold you accountable for knowing better; however, Christians should know not to tattoo memorials of the dead on their bodies. As far as "fitting in with society" goes, you shouldn't have to ruin your skin and bloodstream due to someone else's opinion of you. If you want get tatted, then it should be based on your own choice/opinion. "All things are lawful, but not all are edifying"! Personally, I don't care if you do, but I do think getting a permanent mark of your favorite sports team or animal on your arm shouldn't be a concern of yours. Focus on things that have eternal meaning! Years from now, if the Lord wills you to be a grandparent, you don't want to have to explain why grandma has "Grown N' Sexy" written on her lower back.

Be wise, be edifying, and be blessed!