As the date, yes, that date grows closer, I am finding the tone of the election continues to turn darker and more unsavory. One of the biggest issues with politicians turning nasty (on both sides) is that it gives permission for everyone else to do the same–our neighbors, our co-workers, our fellow church members. It brings out the worst in all of us.
Yes, the election is growing closer, but I can’t help but ask the question:
Are you a November 6th or a November 7th Christian?
Are you more concerned with who wins on November 6th or how you can be a part of rebuilding and healing our nation on November 7th and all the years to come?
I’m all for voting, please don’t get me wrong, but it’s going to take all of us–together–to turn our nation around.
**Photo courtesy of here
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Wow, great question. I’ve been so tired of politics lately that I have been avoiding it – it’s hard to get excited about something so frustrating. But through it all I really should be praying for our country and whoever wins the election – because whether we like him or not, he is going to lead our country for the next four years.
Ashleigh,
I found myself burned out during the debate this past week–it’s just gotten so mean-spirited! And living in a battleground state–the ads and mailings are just overwhelming. The good news is we’re almost to November 7 :).
I guess I’m neither because I see myself as a follower of Christ, not a nation-turner-arounder. And I truly don’t mean that in a mean-spirited way.
Erin,
That doesn’t sound like mean-spirited at all. But it doesn’t sounds like you’re a november 7 Christian–committed to rebuilding, healing and leading others to courageously follow Christ.
You’re right…we have to work together to heal the land. And by that, I mean God healing the land through those of us willing to be His hands and feet. Unfortunately, knowing many of my Christian friends as I do, I’ll have a very small contingent around me November 7 rebuilding versus the number preparing to tear things up for 2016.
Jason,
Sadly true–I had a great tweet today who said, I’m an October 24 Christian–why wait until the election to do what we can. It was a great thought.
Earlier in the year, I was weighed down by how much hope within the church seemed to hinge on the election. In recent weeks, however, I have been encouraged by the blog posts and the voices of pastors and other church leaders reminding us that our hope in the Lord and not the President of the United States. As Daniel 4:17 says, “…the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.” I am definitely a November 7 Christian.
Katy,
That’s awesome–love the positive posts!
I must be a November 6th kind of Christian… that’s my birthday!! 😀
Shaun, Now that’s just funny!
Well said, Margaret!
Thanks, Sherrey!
Borrowed this from another page. I thought it was very wise…
“I often refer to the Bible for answers on everything. It is the only book that has actually survived the greatest odds in history. That being said, I realized something today that gave me freedom to vote for the only candidate that holds hope for this country. King Nebuchadnezzar was not a believer in God until he saw God deliver Daniel from the lion’s den. King Xerxes was not a believer in God when he helped save the Jews from their ordered death by Haman. There are many other times where God’s people faced great odds and the one who gave them their opportunity to overcome was not a believer in the God they knew. I would rather have a man of God in the White House, and let me be clear, Romney’s God is not the God in the Holy Bible, but he is a man of principle, family, pro-life, religious freedom, and the right to bear arms, and an allie to Israel. I’m voting for the man on principle not his religion. Who knows, maybe we’ll see the great revival we’ve all been hoping for and President Romney will see the true God and accept him as his own. God deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and may your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Cheryl,
Love the way you’re looking to the Scripture for answers–and ultimately for God. What a great insight. Thank you!
I’m all for voting and civic responsibility. But ultimately I’ve had to realize that there’s very little I can do to shift the outcome one way or the other. I could pour in a lot of money and energy, but that would only be a drop in the bucket. And I’d much rather invest those resources in the kingdom.
Which leaves me quite interested in the election, surely hoping for it to go one way – but regardless, God will still be in control on Wednesday morning and life will go on pretty much the same regardless of who’s in the white house.
Loren,
Your note is loaded with wisdom and grace. I loved the line “I could pour in a lot of money and energy, but that would only be a drop in the bucket”…oh so true. Thanks for all the grace and peace in your post.
I try to stay out of political conversations and tend to respond to negativity with a smile and change the subject as quickly as possible. I’m encouraged by all the comments above, especially Loren who chooses to focus his time, energy, and resources into the Kingdom. I am devoted to my faith, family and friends and have concerns about the future of our nation. But, as someone who has just returned from a mission trip to Leveque, Haiti, I am keenly aware of the needs of God’s people. As an American, I am blessed beyond words. Instead of focusing on the negative campaign ads and participating in social media rants, I consider it more important (and an honor and privilege) to serve others. While in Haiti, I lived, worked, played, and worshiped alongside my Haitian neighbors to rebuild their church, school and community all in the name of The One who said to love the least and lost. While campaign managers and politicians spend MILLIONS, the mission team and I spent $2.00 at a reliable Haitian pharmacy to purchase a Tetanus shot for a construction worker who stepped on a nail. I’d say that’s money well spent.
Nicole, Thanks for your bold and beautiful perspective that challenges the way we all think! Serving others turns our own world upside-down. Money well spent indeed.
I borrowed this from a friend’s wall. It pretty much explains how I feel….
Who will I vote for?
I will vote for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Prov. 6:17)
I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who don’t (Gen. 12:3)
I will vote for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the
the borrower is a servant to the lender (Prov. 22:7)
I will vote for the most pro-work candidate because God says if a man does not work, let him not eat (2 Thes. 3:10)
I will vote for the candidate who most closely believes government’s purpose is to reward the good and punish the evil (Rom. 13)
I will vote based on God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16), knowing that whoever gets elected, God is the one who puts all men in authority
<3 I also know that Yes, it is our Heavenly Father who is in control and what ever the outcome…Jesus is the "true" ruler
And we must come together as followers of Christ to heal our land. Not bicker and fight. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus. Love our neighbors as ourselves, we would never talk about or treat ourselves like we treat others. Something to really think about…..