Once every four years there is a time unlike any other. Once every four years people suddenly become VERY opinionated (OK, for some it is more than just once every four years). 2016 is one of those years.
For some time now, the news has been dominated by those who would like to be President of the United States. There have been debates. Every form of media has been employed by the different campaigns to tell anyone who will listen why So-And-So should get your vote.
Tuesday, March 1 is the date of the Arkansas primary elections (early voting is now open, FYI). I want to encourage you to engage in the political process and vote, even though it is “just a primary election.”
I would not presume to tell you for whom to vote (or whom to vote against). I will not endorse one political party over the other (publically anyway)...not even on Facebook. That is not my place as your minister.
I would presume, however, to urge you to be an informed voter. Today, a candidate’s voting record is little more than a Google, Bing, Yahoo!, etc. search away. Go to the campaign’s web page and see what they believe about the issues that are important to you.
Mostly, though, I would encourage you to investigate where the various candidates stand on issues of Biblical significance.
If the Bible plainly teaches that something is wrong and a candidate believes that it is right, OK, or even debatable, how can we consider voting for them?
If the Bible plainly teaches that something is right and a candidate believes that it is wrong, questionable, or even debatable, how can we consider voting for them?
Admittedly, some issues are “bigger” than others and some of the most “pressing” political issues in this election may not be directly addressed in Scripture. But we can find principles to help us make a choice.
And it doesn’t matter if the person is running for President or Dog Catcher...our standard should be the same.
Having said that, I realize that we are left with imperfect people running for office. So what do we do? We pray for guidance: that we can vote for the one who will do the best job leading our nation, state, county, city, school board, etc. as God would have us led.
And then we go to the polls and, based on our convictions, we vote!
For some time now, the news has been dominated by those who would like to be President of the United States. There have been debates. Every form of media has been employed by the different campaigns to tell anyone who will listen why So-And-So should get your vote.
Tuesday, March 1 is the date of the Arkansas primary elections (early voting is now open, FYI). I want to encourage you to engage in the political process and vote, even though it is “just a primary election.”
I would not presume to tell you for whom to vote (or whom to vote against). I will not endorse one political party over the other (publically anyway)...not even on Facebook. That is not my place as your minister.
I would presume, however, to urge you to be an informed voter. Today, a candidate’s voting record is little more than a Google, Bing, Yahoo!, etc. search away. Go to the campaign’s web page and see what they believe about the issues that are important to you.
Mostly, though, I would encourage you to investigate where the various candidates stand on issues of Biblical significance.
If the Bible plainly teaches that something is wrong and a candidate believes that it is right, OK, or even debatable, how can we consider voting for them?
If the Bible plainly teaches that something is right and a candidate believes that it is wrong, questionable, or even debatable, how can we consider voting for them?
Admittedly, some issues are “bigger” than others and some of the most “pressing” political issues in this election may not be directly addressed in Scripture. But we can find principles to help us make a choice.
And it doesn’t matter if the person is running for President or Dog Catcher...our standard should be the same.
Having said that, I realize that we are left with imperfect people running for office. So what do we do? We pray for guidance: that we can vote for the one who will do the best job leading our nation, state, county, city, school board, etc. as God would have us led.
And then we go to the polls and, based on our convictions, we vote!
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