Politics are providing the

headline news this week so let me offer one more article with a political

flavor.

I hardly ever feel good about politicians full of promises but I always

have a special respect for statesmen with moral convictions.

Maybe that is God's attitude also. Proverbs 12:22 says "The

LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

Stereotypical politicians have always been characterized as lacking credibility.

John Kennedy said "My brother Bob doesn't want to be in government

-- he promised Dad he'd go straight."

Remember the old joke that illustrates this view: While traveling in cannibal

country, a man came across a cafeteria deep in the jungle. A sign on the

roof advertised the cost of each entree. There was fried missionary for

$3, boiled hunter for $4, sautéed safari guide for $5, and baked

and stuffed politician for $25. The fellow asked why the politician cost

so much more than the other dishes.

"Ever try to clean one of those things?" replied the chef.

Politics dominated by politicians have made cynics of many. One man when

told that his son, a college freshman, had changed his major from theater

arts to political science, said: "That's not a change in major.

It's just a shift in emphasis."

In a Hollywood fund-raiser this past weekend, Bill Clinton compared politicians

to actors. I guess in his mind he never told lies he was just an actor

quoting lines.

It would be good for all of us if we ask ourselves a couple of questions

before we vote. Questions like "Does the individual I am voting for

offer heartfelt convictions or just campaign rhetoric?' And if this

individual claims to have convictions, "What are their convictions

and what are the basis for their convictions?"

Politics can make good fodder for humor but it is not funny when you think

of what an unethical politician can do in a position of power. Do any

recent illustrations of this come to mind? (Hint: does the word "impeach"

ring a bell?)

We should take serious our responsibility to cast our vote for those individuals

who share our core values and convictions. Someone said "Election

Day and Christmas Day have a lot in common. Both days are traditional.

Both days are highly emotional. And on both days, if you are not careful,

you can end up with fruitcakes that last for years."

Chuck Griffith is pastor of Fayette Assembly of God, 1144 Ga. Highway

92 South in Fayetteville, 770-719-0322.

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