Just in case you weren't already tired of hearing about the Presidential election, the Notes would like to submit to you its contribution to the season. For the next few weeks, music, politics and the forces of the spiritual realm will be combined to provide a break from the seemingly never ending barrage of everything politics. As a disclaimer, the Notes will not be endorsing any candidate. It is our hope that the entertainment value of Tuesday's Musical Notes will provide an island of escape from the political onslaught.... and now here's how the President is elected according to a Saturday morning cartoon from a kindler, gentler age:
Schoolhouse Rock-Electoral College
In 1986 there was no Presidential election. It was an off year so to speak. Some governors were chosen as were some Senators and Representatives. Many local elections were held that year as well. Also in the fall of 1986, a new band came on the scene and vaulted their way to #1 with their very first single. Bruce Hornsby and the Range blistered the charts with their debut release That's Just The Way It Is. The title track roared to the top of the charts and became an instant classic. 1986 was only 22 years removed from the civil rights legislation that is spoken of in "That's Just The Way It Is". The impact of that legislation was still being debated and continues to be discussed to this day. Lyrically, Bruce Hornsby and the Range joined a long list of musical contributors to the discussion of race. From 1986:
"That's Just The Way It Is"
Bruce Hornsby is most famous for the coalescence of talent that is The Range, however, he has been a major part of many groups and has had some success as a solo act. In fact, from 1988 until Jerry Garcia died in 1995, Bruce Hornsby was the keyboardist for the Grateful Dead, ultimately replacing keyboardist Brent Mydland who died in 1990. He has since been a part of 2 other groups, most recently partnering with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs for a bluegrass album and jazz artists Christian McBride and Jack DeJohnette for a jazz album. His versatility is shown by both of these groups, however none have had the commercial success of his original partnership with The Range.
Over the years many musical acts have mirrored the success of Bruce Hornsby and The Range. Some of them stayed together and built a lasting musical legacy, many more however are only remembered in one-hit wonder lists. There is much that can be learned by the teamwork of musical groups. Just like the body of Christ, the church, each member has its part to play. It's a real shame our government doesn't work that way....but .....that's just the way it is.
You have a part to play in each election that comes around in your community. We live in a country unlike any other in that we have a voice in choosing who will represent us in our government. This poses the question... Have you registered to vote? Regardless of your political bend, you should participate in one of the greatest freedoms we have as Americans. Then as the choices that "we the people" make become evident, we have a responsibility to lift those people and decisions up to God for his blessings. In 1 Timothy 2, Paul instructs his young protege to do just that:
"1-3 The
first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for
everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to
rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in
humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.
4-7 He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve
learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator
between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone
held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually the news is going
to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this
news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works
by simple faith and plain truth.
8-10 Since
prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to
pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God". - The Message Notice that last line. Which attitudes in this passage most closely reflect those we have chosen to represent us? Again, the Notes is not drawing judgmental conclusions, but asking you to consider 2 things. 1) Have you engaged in the process by registering to vote? and 2) Have you researched how the values and principles of the people who are campaigning line up with your own? As an aid to your research the following links provide the platforms for both of the major parties that have candidates for President.
The Political Platform of the DemocratParty
The Political Platform of the Republican Party
Please look at BOTH of the actual platforms and not just the talking points listed on their respective home pages. Measure them against your worldview and your principles. Also measure them against God's Word. How does it line up?
Our ultimate freedom as Christians is secured in Jesus. We above all people should understand what freedom looks, sounds, and feels like. Why should we ever allow ourselves to be shackled in the slavery of the world when we have this incredible gift of freedom. Far too many times we say; "That's Just The Way It Is", when The Holy Spirit is crying out....."But don't you believe them." Election day is November 6.
Loving HIM by loving you,
Randy
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