The other night I happened to see a political ad that was very upsetting.(It was not in South Carolina) It began with the candidate sitting at the table with his family and it began by talking about his commitment to his faith. It went on to say a couple of other things I do not remember, but the ad finished with a picture of the candidate’s little boy on his knees with his hands folded as if he were praying. The camera was down on the little boy’s level probably about 2 feet behind him and to his left. As you looked past him you could see his parents standing at the door smiling as if they were so pleased to see him pray. It was an intimate moment “staged for all to see” for political gain!

I wonder what they told the little boy. Did they tell him to get on his knees and pray? “Make sure you don’t look at the camera. We are doing this to help daddy get some more votes.” I wonder what type of impression this experience had on the little boy. Don’t misunderstand me. My concern is not over showing a person praying. I think under the right circumstances and the right motives it can be very effective and meaningful. My concern is over the use of faith purely as a political ploy. We have many in public service, that have a genuine commitment to the Lord but all politicians know the concept of faith sells with a large segment of the American people.

Marketers and political consultants are telling them that according to the polls and studies this will resonate with the voters. Therefore this is not just an indictment on the politician but on us, the people they want to represent. The candidates are a reflection of the people. They believe that it will work to show a candidate playing the faith game because that is what many of the people are doing everyday and in many cases they are right.

There are so many out there that are just playing the game. This is just another reminder for us to constantly be checking our motives and way of life. We cannot live for the camera or the opinions of others. We must live for Him. God has called the followers of Christ to be salt and light. I hope that when people look at us here at church or out in the world, they can tell we are the real thing.