IN a few days we will cast our votes for the candidates running for state and national office. Americans across our great nation will choose who they believe can best lead us into a future that represents their personal values and interests. I will vote for those I believe best represents my beliefs in God, the United States and our political system. I would never begin to suggest whom you should vote for but I hope you vote. Many of us have friends or family members who have fought in every major war including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI and WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of you have been there and know the horrors of war. They fought and some died to secure our freedom. Please don’t let their sacrifice be in vain.
As you vote I would suggest you look at facts not accusations. Use legitimate news sources not just those opinions slanted by the far left or the far right. Know what and who you are voting for and why. Please don’t tell me how you voted and I’m not going to tell you how I voted. There are no perfect candidates, for everyone has sinned and fallen short. God fearing Christians, active in their faith and their study of God and the Holy Scriptures will vote for all parties, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green and so on. Please don’t let anyone tell you all Christians must vote this way or that.
Once the votes are cast and we know who the winners are, we as Christians have a God given obligation to support the elected, including and maybe especially those who were not our choice. Our nation has been divided down the middle for too long with half on one side and half on the other. If we really want to make America better we need to respect people with opinions different than our own.
John Wesley, a great theologian and the founder of the Methodist movement, wrote in his journal on October 6, 1774 some great election advice. He said:
- To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy:
- To speak no evil of the person they voted against: And,
- To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.”
Romans 13:1-2 “Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. There isn’t any authority unless it comes from God, and the authorities that are there have been put in place by God. So anyone who opposes the authority is standing against what God has established. People who take this kind of stand will get punished.”
The Bible says a lot about governments and the people they place into power. It is God who established government. When Moses was sent to rescue the Israelites a governing group was established to settle disputes among the people. Deuteronomy 16:18 says we should appoint leaders to provide guidance and resolve the differences between us. 1st Timothy 2:1-2 says as Christians we should pray for our elected officials that they would live a quiet, godly and dignified life. And Titus 3:1 says we should submit to their leadership. The Bible also says God will deal with unjust leaders and unfair nations. And Mark 3:24 says, “no divided kingdom shall stand.” If we don’t take the lead in healing our national wounds it may very well collapse. As an American citizen I want my country to be great, strong and represent democracy for all people not just the select few in power or the small vocal group struggling to be heard.
God is not an American but we are. I pledge my allegiance to God first, and it is God whom I trust. Please remember, all human governments will eventually fail but God’s reign is everlasting. God is just as powerful today as ever before. And the Bible says this about when this earth is finished, “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. … From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11, 15-16)
So in conclusion, please be educated, go vote, pray and trust God. God’s got this. And remember these words from the great prophet Isaiah:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
(Isaiah 9:6-7)
