The Perfect Government

In October and November 2008, general elections were held in Canada and America respectively.

The results of the Canadian elections were predictable. That is the way elections have seemingly unfolded over the past few decades: short and sweet with a little bit of controversy here and there. There was nothing earth-shattering or historically significant as far as federal elections go. That is unless we talk about some special interest groups whose agendas cut into the moral fiber of society.

When it comes to certain biblical values, for example, the traditional definition of marriage and the sanctity of human life in the womb, Canadians don’t seem to care anymore.

Just over 60 percent of Canadians turned out for the October elections—about the same turnout for the 2006 elections.

In my opinion, some Canadians now vote out of a sense of duty. Others, due to apathy, don’t even bother. Some feel empowered because they never had the freedom to vote in their country of birth. Then, there are the selfish voters or groups that only have one thing in mind: What’s in it for me?

The few who actually vote in this country of approximately 33 million people, vote with one eye open. Those who vote fulfill a privileged duty, but too often vote with blind faith.

In the same way, many go through life blind and without faith.

In the United States, the election took over the “land of the free and the home of the brave” like a tsunami. There seemed to be patriotic passion burning in the belly of the nation that has been missing for quite some time now.

In a way, the American federal elections were once a reflection of Canadian elections. You could predict the outcome without much difficulty.

The campaigning for presidential nomination prior to the actual election seemed to last for years, with so many contenders competing in the first few months. The American people were like lumberjacks, cutting away the limbs and branches off a huge redwood, until they reduced it to two branches on either side of the massive trunk.

The right side fell first, leaving one contender victorious: Senator John McCain for the Republicans.

The left side continued to fight an unprecedented battle between former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, and fellow Democrat and relative newcomer, Senator Barack Obama.

Some said one of Obama’s shortcomings was his youth and inexperience in the national political arena. Others thought his biggest obstacle was his race. After all, he is a Black man born to parents from different races. And if he succeeded in winning the presidency, he would become the first minority candidate to attain the highest office in the free world. Some said it was impossible.

Regardless, in the end, the young senator was the winner.

In the beginning, I thought America would not entertain the idea of a young Black senator who talked of change. But Obama spoke with such eloquence that you were compelled to listen. And listen America did, making history by electing Obama as their 44th president.

Yes, the race was a fascinating one. People everywhere were enthralled by the historical achievement. One of the dreams of significant figures, like Martin Luther King Jr., has become a reality. A major cultural achievement has been accomplished now that America the Beautiful has come full circle by electing its first minority commander in chief.

What is next? Wars and rumors of wars will continue. You can bank on it.

Politicians often come in like lions and go out like lambs. Dreams can turn into nightmares. People’s love can turn into hate when expectations are not met.

I’ll hope and pray for the best for both countries and our planet, but unfortunately, politicians often make claims and promises they cannot fulfill.

Sometimes it seems as though politics today is simply all about staying in power.

Remember the famous saying by British historian Lord Acton:

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.”

There is a source of power that’s incorruptible; One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

One who gave up everything for you and me in order for us to inherit life eternally. One who will form a perfect government that only has our best interests at heart.

Isn’t this the kind of government and leader we should vote for and dedicate our entire lives to? This leader stands for real change you can believe in!

It is the promise of the soon coming perfect government: The Kingdom of the King of kings and Lord of lords, our High Priest Jesus, the Christ.

Every government of this world has failed; present and future human governments will be no exception. But the Kingdom of God will be triumphant.

As much as some would like to believe in mankind’s promises and dreams of change, we need only look back in history to see the future. Real change comes from within.

“…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Jesus Christ makes this change within you. This change lasts far beyond the governments of this world. This change is lasting and will go on into a future perfect government that is everlasting and built on love and peace.

“… choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh. 24:15)

He’s got my vote, how about yours?

Picture the ballot with 2 choices: Jesus or The World.

Pick your candidate. Pick your future.