Surprised?

I was talking to my dad a couple night ago over the Dallas Cowboys game (don't get me started...). He mentioned reading an article from the Eagle regarding Sam Brownback's presidential candidacy for '08 which stated a disdain, and perhaps fear, for having another "Born Again" President. I can understand my dad's frustration with the comment. "What's so wrong with that?!" he wondered. But I can also understand the Eagle's concerns. That's what being a moderate is all about :)

Primarily, should we as Christians be surprised when the world condemns us for being "Born Again", or looks at us weird, or anything? No. We shouldn't be, because Christ told us it would happen. He told us we would sound crazy to people who where "perishing", and we probably sound even crazier with all the weird lingo we make up and use with each other.

So then, should Christians wear this in proud defiance as a badge of honor? No at all. I think this trips some folks up. I've seen many people who were speaking the truth, but the let the whole "They'll hate me for it anyway" cloud their judgment and compassion. Meekness and humility should handle that awkward pride of being an "outcast" (among a majority of other outcasts?)

Secondly, Were the above not applicable, Christians in politics have in general not given much for the people to look forward to. The key is not in being a Christ-CENTERED politician, but a Christ-LIKE politician, one who's very character exudes that of Christ; not one who simply points to Christ as an example, but IS the example himself. If this were to happen, we might find that although the MESSAGE of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, the ACTIONS of it may not be.