Life has all kinds of choices. Recently I read about a choice that was labeled “Democrat chooses Jesus over politics.” This caught my eye, not so much for the particular political party named, but because of the choice of Jesus before politics. This was shared in the American Family Association publication called The Stand.
After failing to show up for legislative sessions during the past several months, Michigan State Representative Karen Whitsett (D) declared that her consciousness would not allow her to continue in the political realm. Claiming that she would not engage in political office ever again – not as a political decision, but as a spiritual decision.
Representative Whitsett declared that it is impossible for her to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and reconcile her party’s current platform to support abortion, normalization of homosexuality, and the push to redefine gender – all issues that are problematic with her faith.
She said, “I don’t need to justify my convictions. I answer to God first. Those who understand, understand. Those who don’t, don’t. My responsibility is to stand on truth and walk in obedience – not to win approval.” She continued to express her gratefulness to God, saying that she had compromised her relationship with Jesus for too long and that He gave her time to repent, turn, and be fully devoted to Him.
We may not see in print the outcome of Representative Whitsett’s decision, but God blesses those who put Him first. Her story is a reminder of how often we let ourselves get caught up in the desire to win approval as though what people think is more important than what Jesus thinks. In her case, was her political party going to give their lives for her like Jesus did? Will anyone or anything that we honor before God do for us what He has done?
Life’s choices have consequences. The bottom line is to choose God and life or choose anything else over Him and choose not only death, but just existence versus really living.
