Some guys banter about sports, hunting, fishing, and some politics.  It’s all about the same in many ways.  Root for the team, study and know the inner-workings so you know issues and can predict winners and losers.  It’s a hobby -- a chance to play one-up-man-ship with friends and family.

Some would argue that the results of elections and policies are more important than a game because of it’s great effect on society.  Paul tells Timothy as much:

1. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" I Timothy 2:1-3
   

This morning I read Psalm 146 and was once again struck that our “salvation” is not through politics but God. 

1. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
          I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
   

2.  3 Do not put your trust in princes,
          in mortal men, who cannot save.
   

3.  4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
          on that very day their plans come to nothing.
   

4.  5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
          whose hope is in the LORD his God,
   

We should engage in the process and work to put people in office that share our view of what is best for the country.  But when elections don’t go the way we think best, we should not lose hope because our life can shine and be joyful no matter the circumstances we face.  Jesus didn’t need a righteous government to live  a godly, purposeful, and joyful life as an example for us.

P.S.-- A final thought on evaluating people in leadership:

1. "It is not then, in the glare of public, but in the shade of private life, that we are to look for the man.  Private life is always real life.  Behind the curtain, where the eyes of the million are not upon him...There he will always be sure to act himself: consequently, if he acts greatly (in private), he must be great indeed.  Hence it has been justly said, that, 'our private deeds, if noble, are noblest of our lives'...It is the private virtues that lay the foundation of all human excellence."
   --  M. L. Weems, "The Life of George Washington," 1800