CHRISTIANS: VOTE ON BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

People on both sides of the political spectrum are gearing up for the November elections.  I have lately heard political commentators talk about whether "the people out there" know what is going on involving various issues of today.  Polls aside, I would like to think that we do, but in talking with people when I am out and about, I'm not so sure.



I am a conservative Christian, meaning that I am conservative on political issues, but also on social issues, especially those of a moral nature, such as abortion and homosexuality.  I want to vote for those candidates whose values most closely mirror biblical principles.  And I make no apology for that.  As an American, I have the right to vote for whomever I feel is the best.  That is a cherished right that we have, and we'd better make sure we always have this right.  I want America to continue being the great country it has been by turning back to God and biblical principles.




However, people who don't really know what is going on politically also have the right to vote as they wish.  If a politician says something they think is interesting, humorous, or downright incorrect, they accept that, and they often don't check to see if he/she has the facts straight.  I talked to a lady the other day who didn't even know what the individual mandate was regarding the health care issue.  WRONG.  That is not acceptable in today's climate, folks.  There's too much at stake for voters to be complacent or uninformed. 

Being disgusted by both parties is fine.  I am myself.  But by not voting, that just might elect people by default, a dangerous strategy.

So, I will reiterate how important informed voting is:

(1) Learn about those important national issues - don't just listen to one side of the issue, but dig deeper and find out why "the other side" believes as it does.

(2) Make your decisions based on truth, checking for factual content.  Political ads have never swayed me one way or another, because hype is not the same as facts.

(3) If you are a Christian, pray about your voting before you go to the polls.  It does seem that today's political climate is distasteful - because it is.  Christians have an obligation to be good citizens, and we have to make informed choices every day of our lives.  Therefore, voting in November should especially be a prayerful, informed choice.  Period.

According to the well-known pastor Tony Evans, one way Christians can be certain that they are informed is to do this:  on a sheet of paper, list both parties--underneath, write their platform.  A third column would be biblical principles.  Check both parties' ideas against biblical principles, and choose the one that most closely follows them.   I agree with Pastor Evans.  A Christian has no business voting against biblical principles!

If I haven't made you angry yet, just keep reading :).  Our religious freedom is at stake in this election as well.  Christians, don't be the proverbial frog in water:  as the heat is gradually turned up, said frog doesn't realize the water is boiling until it is too late and he's cooked. As our freedoms are eroding, a.k.a. the water heating up, jump out in time.  Get informed about candidates and their personal integrity, as well as party political platforms.  And be sure to vote come November.

I believe this election is the most important one of my lifetime. 

THE REPUBLICAN DEBATE TONIGHT



 This post is not about endorsing anyone, but even for curious Democrats who plan to vote Democratic, it is about our responsibility as citizens to know what all candidates stand for and what their aspirations are if one of them does get elected. 

If you don't plan to vote Republican, you probably won't be interested in anything the Republican candidates have to say in this debate tonight, aired from Florida by Fox News and Google.  It's also interactive, with youtube getting in on the action.

If you are an independent (a.k.a. swing) voter or a staunch Republican, it is equally important that you watch, listen, and calculate which candidate most nearly mirrors your own values and ideology.  All of these candidates fiercely want to become the next U.S. president, and all bring different things to the table.  We've seen what President Obama stands for, so it's important to find out which of the Republican candidates is the best choice for leading this country in 2012.

The political pundits are all over the page regarding the Republican candidates.  Will Sarah run?  Will Gov. Christie run?  My question is this:  who will be the best candidate to lead this country out of its current woes?  Don't give me "Well, I don't know much about politics," or "I don't keep up with presidential candidates" or "I probably won't vote, anyway" baloney.  And it's a bit early to rely very much on the polls--they can change overnight.  Good citizens take presidential elections seriously, and our country is in a serious situation right now. 

The 2012 election will have long-term consequences, and it behooves us as citizens to do our part by informed voting.  What are their positions (and these are in no particular order) on the economy and jobs, immigration, federal spending, big government, entitlement reform, abortion on demand, foreign policy, and many others.  I happen to feel strongly about the aforementioned items, and I'm doing all I can to determine which candidate is best, in my humble opinion, for this country.

For whom will I vote?  I honestly don't know right now.  I'm watching, listening, and researching past experience, their stand on the issues I believe are important, and evaluating who will be best, not only to lead our great country, but to handle the global stage in today's shrinking world.

And, last but foremost, I've been praying for wisdom from God.  That is of utmost importance in choosing the right leader for America.