Voting on November 8th - It's as Simple and 1,2,3!

Guess what?! It’s almost over!! What an election year!

I don’t need to remind you of the highs, and more often, the deep, deep lows of the last months. Like many, I have agonized over the “choices.” I have witnessed the mud-slinging shift from the debate stage to Facebook, pitting friend against friend as each of us has wrestled with the possibilities and feared for our country’s future.

But after Tuesday, the decision will have been made. At least there’s some relief in that.

Isn’t it interesting, though, that much of the controversy surrounding the two primary political candidates has revolved around the accusations of immoral and unethical behavior? Over the last twenty years, the American public and media have claimed that character doesn’t matter and what a politician does in private should not be up for public debate. Yet in this election, the issue of character dominates over policy platforms without question. Having embraced relative morality, our citizens are now astonished to find ourselves with a pair of political candidates who have professionally thrived under their subjective understanding of right and wrong.

In a country where prayer is no longer allowed in our schools and Christian values are no longer taught, why, oh tell me WHY are we surprised to find our two main presidential candidates lacking in their own moral judgment? Two supposed leaders, who refuse to acknowledge their own sin, point to one another, crying “SINNER!”

As our country has moved away from the faith of our forefathers, why are we surprised that our leaders no longer hold fast the Biblical truths and absolute right and wrong?

Perhaps young Hillary learned the 10 commandments at her mother’s knee. Perhaps little Donald learned to pray a blessing over his meal. But, if so, something obviously shifted as they grew and “learned” in our society that faith is folly and truth is relative.

I’m reminded of this verse:

“We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us have turned to his own way…” Isaiah 53:6.

Did you see that? “We all” it says. ALL of us.

You. Me. Hilary. Donald. Even presidents and kings of old – including my personal favorite king – King David, fell and fell hard. (2 Samuel 11-12) Yes, David, a “man after God’s own heart”! (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22)

Yes, we all have fallen, but we also all have the opportunity to repent and be forgiven through the saving blood of Jesus.

But America has forgotten this reality.

As America morphs more and more into a post-Christian society, we should not be shocked (saddened, yes – but not shocked,) at the lack of morals and the state into which our governing system has devolved.

How did this happen?

Certainly, there are many factors, too many to probe into today.

Yet, as tempted as I am to point fingers and cast blame, I’m quick to remember my own – our own – contribution. That is, complacency and unwillingness to be remain informed and engaged.

Think about it. The presidential election is BIG NEWS right now and has been for months! But more frequently our states, cities and counties have held vital elections that have directly influenced appointees and changed important laws.

I must ask myself, did I vote in my last state election? Hmmm, I think so. But how about that last local election? Am I familiar with my local justices? Yikes, there I’m not so sure… and that kind of complacency can allow the subtle shifts to occur – one election at a time.

In the smaller, less media-frenzied elections, we often choose, for whatever reason, to be less concerned, less involved. Even to the point of neglecting to vote. And many will choose to do so now.

Some feel their vote, especially this year, will be wasted. Some feel to vote at all would compromise their values.

But hear me on this. YOUR VOTE COUNTS.

“I DON’T LIKE ANY OF THE CANDIDATES!” you may say.

Yet, is that a valid reason to NOT vote? To voluntarily ignore the responsibility you have as a citizen of the United States that hundreds of thousands have fought to protect?

Life is full of less-than-perfect choices. Yet choose we must. It is our right and our duty.

So, who DOES one vote for in such election? Who does one choose at a time when you feel

that “X” would awful but “Y” would be even worse?

Here’s my suggested formula: 1. Pray for wisdom. 2. Focus on the issues (not character) the candidates represent and 3. Leave the rest to God.

Don’t allow fear to motivate your vote, after all, God is still in control and will remain in control. Yet we have the privilege to participate in a process which can re-position our country to glorify Him with our actions.

So please vote on Tuesday – and vote in the next election and the next.

To God be the Glory, today, on November 8^th and forever!