You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not leave unpunished anyone who misuses his name. (Exodus 20:7)
Last night at the Republican Presidential Candidate debate, Mike Huckabee was asked “What would Jesus do about the death penalty?” Without skipping a beat, he replied,
“Jesus would be too smart to run for public office.”
I think I like this guy. I may actually register to vote this year as a Republican so I can vote for him in the primary. Sure, his was a flippant answer, but how can you respond to such a complex issue as the death penalty in a 30-second sound byte? Though I disagree with Huckabee’s position on the death penalty, I admire him for not trying to speak for God in such a way that God would be misrepresented.
As a professing Christian, Huckabee (along with the rest of us) must walk a fine line. We are called to tell people about God, but we are warned to not misrepresent God in any way. We are to do what Jesus did – speak the truth in love. Love is not impatient, cruel, envious, boastful, rude or selfish. Our words need to be gentle and generous, humble, thoughtful and kind. We need to speak the truth in love.
One of the great tragedies throughout the ages is that so many wars have been fought by people and nations claiming to act in the name of the Lord. As Christians, we need be careful what we say about our God.
There’s a story about Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Advisors were urging him to strengthen the morale of the Union by saying “God is on our side.” He replied,
“The best I can do, is not claim the Lord is on our side, but pray we are on the side of the Lord.”
As Christians, we are called to tell people what God has done, is doing and will do in the world. We are called to do this like Jesus did. Jesus, though equal with God, was humble. He wept over sin and welcomed sinners. He prayed for his enemies, challenged his friends. He confronted religious leaders. He even went so far as to forgive those who betrayed, abandoned and hung him on the cross. That is what the Word of the Lord sounds like.
I liked the answer as well. I’m not voting for him due to his petty and vicious temper, and his democrat-esqe tax & spend track record as governor – but I do love the way he handles himself in those soundbites!
The Pistol fires back: Yeah, if I paid more attention, I’d probably find reasons to not vote for him, too. Right now, though, I’m blissfully ignorant. I plan to enjoy it while I can.
I want to like him, too, but as with Jonolan I think Huckabee’s politics are too progressive for my tastes. I’m afraid, actually, that many evangelicals will vote for Huckabee simply because he’s a professing Christian, kind of like they did in ‘02 and ‘04 … and look where that got us. :-)
He does have charisma…and that Chuck Norris endorsement was BRILLIANT.
The Pistol fires back: You make a good point. Evangelicals love a good Christian. Take Jimmy Carter, for instance. Turns out, he’s a much better Christian than a politician. This begs the question, “Can a faithful Christian make a good politician?” Something to chew on.
oops, ‘00 and ‘04 (keep getting those election dates wrong).
I’m supporting Huckabee because he’s a man of faith and yet I don’t feel like he’s trying to force his faith on me or anyone else.
His convictions are solid and when I do disagree with him I completely understand his reasoning and appreciate his honesty and sincerity.
Plus he’s pro Fair-Tax and Chuck Norris approved! ;-)
The Pistol fires back: Thanks for visiting and weighing in. From what I’ve seen so far, I would agree.
Actually Pete I think Jimmy Carter made a better farmer than either a Christian or a President. ;)
(just kidding bloggers-don’t write and tell me I’m judging him–it was just a joke)
As for Huckabee-He is a man of conviction. I’m willing to forgive policies I don’t completely agree with if I feel confident that when a man speaks–he speaks from the heart and about his actual beliefs–not what a poll or advisor told him to say. For that I like him–Tax and spend stuff is troublesome though.
The Pistol fires back: I don’t make enough money to be greatly taxed. I’m more like those who receive government spending. So, tax and spend works a-OK for me.
I really liked his quick wit in reply also. Was that the only laugh or not during the debate?
There is a Charisma so to speak about him, he may very well be nominated. As for me, While I like what I see, I need to read more about him and his stand on issues.
Most everyone I talk with has so much apathy, and I am afraid very critical of business as usual with both parties.
We need to really really pray for our Nation and its leaders.
The Pistol fires back: I, too, need to learn more about Huckabee. First, though I need to register to vote.
I am currently and ignorantly undecided, but his answer indeed shows perhaps some character that is worthy in a leader.
The Pistol fires back: I’m sure I’m no less ignorant than you are, but I am decisively so.
I keep hearing about how he has a nasty temper and an autocratic style of governing. The last thing I want is another Dubya, and worse a Dubya with Slick Willy’s easy charm.
The Pistol fires back: I’ve read that on a few sites and I don’t quite know what to make of it. I certainly need to look further into what he has said and done, but something in my gut tells me this guy’s different. Time will tell.
I know Mike Huckabee personally from his days as Lt. Governor of Arkansas. At that time, I found him to be one of the most intelligent, down-to-earth, and integrity-filled people I had ever encountered in my (relatively) short life. Some of his policies as governor did not sit too well with me, but I’m willing to overlook a few policy faux-pas to FINALLY have someone of true character in this most important office. It has been a long time. You can teach a truly sound human being to be a politician, but you can’t teach a politician to be a truly sound human being.
NT replies: Nicely put endorsement. Be sure to hook up with Ken over at A True Believer’s Weblog – 1truebeliever.wordpress.com . Ken is a good friend of us here at “Necessary Therapy” .