Presidential politics moved on to the center stage last night with the Iowa caucuses. Barack Obama and Mike Huckebee were the big winners. I was speaking with a friend about all of this yesterday and he used the phrase “style over substance” in evaluating this coming election. It seems style is the issue and substance lags behind.

I am no expert on politics but it seems style over substance dominates much of our landscape today. If we are not careful the church falls into this trap. The style of a big name with bright lights seems to attract a crowd to church no matter the substance of the message. C.S. Lewis said we were “men without chests” when we fall into this trap. An “empty suit” is another way to say it. Jesus spoke about white-washed tombs full of dead men’s bones. It is essential we have truth at the heart of all we do.

Let me be clear, I am not against style. To present truth in a boring fashion helps no one if the listener is asleep as one presents the message. But we must never allow style to trump the substance.As you navigate through the presidential primary season, be on the look for substance and do not just be caught up in style.

Not everyone who says they should be president is capable. Not everyone who says to Jesus, “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of God. Let’s look for and expect to find style and substance together.

Pastor Ted Traylor

Posted on Friday, January 4th, 2008 at 10:56 am.
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