Back in the stone age (actually, 1990’s), I loved going to movies on the weekends, especially when my favorite star was appearing. In this case it was Sylvester Stallone and the movie was “Cliffhanger” (1993). Every movie, at a certain moment, I would quickly cover my eyes with both hands in anticipation of the inevitable, only to peek through my fingers to see what was happening (in this case, a woman falls thousands of feet). I’ve been doing the same thing lately (covering my eyes only to peek through my fingers) with respect to the race for the White House.
In case you don’t know, I’m a constitutional social and fiscal conservative, so I will let you draw your own conclusions where I fall on the political spectrum. The older I get the more I want less government and more freedom. Biblical issues, especially life issues, are first and foremost in my selection of the candidate who will get my vote. I do my research and cast my private ballot.
Now I may get some flak for writing this, but I have to get some things off my chest. I’m not here to point fingers or yell at anyone. We’ve had enough of that. Every politician, pundit, and, it seems, person, has an opinion on what we (citizens) should fear and who we should blame for it.
I understand this election season is far different than any others we have seen. We have political outsiders who have caught the attention of the nation. There has been constant railing on every channel and every social media about “Never ___” or “Not ___.” Some have said they would not vote if their candidate isn’t the nominee or if a third party candidate doesn’t run. There’s been so much hateful speech, our nation seems more divided than ever. What is most hurtful and disheartening is what I see and hear from the church. If it affects me, who has been involved in church most of my life, what’s the rest of the world to think? How is this hateful rhetoric being the salt and light in a dark world Christ talks about?
For those who say they will not vote, or will “sit this one out,” really? Since this country was founded, men and women have given their lives for that basic freedom. Sure I believe things need to change. Sure, I have felt anger at the establishment for letting me down. But I’ve never considered not voting. I will vote for the person who most closely aligns with the issues and values I hold dear. This isn’t about parties or preachers. I believe God is in control and doesn’t need our help putting someone in position of President, although he wants us to be involved in the process. I also know people can change, that no one walking on the face of this planet is perfect (although so many act like it), and the position of leader of the free world can most certainly bring someone to their knees.
The Bible relates the story of Daniel who lived under four world emperors — none of them Godly men, but all of them ended up giving praise to the God of Daniel because of what they saw in Daniel’s life. We, as Christians, have a duty to pray for our leaders every single day.
We are in for a wild ride this political year, for sure. I promise you this, I’m going to stop covering my eyes and peering through my fingers and ride this roller coaster with my hands in the air. God’s in charge!
What do you think?
“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” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Tagged: Bible stories, Christians in culture, elections and voting
