It was a little early for my blood to start boiling, but it happened, nonetheless. Pulling into my coffee oasis at the opening bell this morning, the political ads were the bridge between the latest Monday morning traffic reports and the terrorism convos regarding last week’s airline dust-up in Dubai.

          A political ad was calling for support of a wealth tax proposition that’s on the ballot. The reasoning was calling for millionaires/billionaires to “pay their fair share” of the total tax burden.

          Years ago, I did a deep-study of the four gospels; my focus examined how Jesus lived out his mission, during the three years between his role as Carpenter and his goal of the Cross. One observation: when people came to Jesus looking for answers, he often countered their query with a question. 

          My conclusion: human tendency is to assume that wisdom is demonstrated by having the right answers; but wisdom often manifests by having the right questions.

          The underlying questions in today’s political theater are not often asked. The question exposed in the rancid radio ad this morning is this: who owns it all?

          The two positions warring for control in our culture ask – and answer – that question quite differently. One side says that the title to the wealth of America resides with the individual; the other side – as with “Democratic Socialism” – is that the title to the wealth resides with the government. If individual ownership is the ideological starting point, then government must make the case for any tax. If government ownership is assumed, then any favorable tax treatment can be deemed a “giveaway.” The position belies an answer to the underlying question, and it becomes political.

          There should be a third voice in that conversation, and it isn’t heard enough. Does title reside with government, or the individual? The third voice isn’t running any radio ads, but it needs to be heard: neither government nor individuals are the rightful owner of everything. God owns it all.

          The foundational issue is sovereignty. Sovereignty is the exclusive right to exercise supreme authority over a geographic region or group of people, such as a nation or a tribe. Who – ultimately has the right to call the shots?

          There are those who refer to America’s original documents – the Declaration, our Constitution – to find the answer. That’s a good place to go; in them, we find that the recognition of a Creator who delegates authority among nations is woven into our political foundation. 

          Old Testament prophet Haggai spoke for God in staking a claim: “’The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:8) He (God) isn’t invited into the modern debates between candidates – and political philosophies – but His declaration has been sent ahead.

          In this fight-to-the-finish Fall of 2026 – with the midterms scheduled four weeks from tomorrow – allow me to make the only political counsel you’ll hear from me: vote stewardship.

          God’s stated interest is for His resources to be used to advance His purposes. The question you and I must answer on November 3rd is really simple: is government more likely to take God’s purposes into account in the management of resources, or are you more likely to steward what He’s given you?

          If your plan is to hoard for yourself, the fight is between people. If your plan is to steward for God, you act on His behalf in determining the direction of our great country.

          Don’t be fooled by the purported answers; ask the right questions. The ultimate question: who owns it all? Rise above the partisan options, and answer with the biblical truth: God owns it all, and you, as His steward, are more likely to please Him with what you do with His money.

          Caution: you live in the “no spin zone.” Don’t claim that it’s all His… if you manage it like it’s all yours…

 — Bob Shank