I have been working on a letter to send to you in regards to Tuesday's election; however, today I received an excellent letter from a pastor friend who said it so well, so I will share a portion with you. Thanks, Pastor Mike!
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Over the last few weeks I have felt an increasing prompting to write a note to
you in regards to the upcoming election. Now, with the election just a few days
away, I felt it was time to share my heart and call us as a Church to
respond.
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Writing this note reminded me of
a story a friend of mine tells about an elderly gentleman who was sitting on a
park bench, basking in the sun one afternoon, when another elderly fellow sat
down. They looked at each other for a moment but did not speak. Both men sat
there, staring straight ahead. After a while, one of them heaved a big,
heartfelt sigh. The other jumped up immediately and said, "If you're going to
talk politics, I'm leaving."
Probably all of us are ready for
the commercials and the political claims to be done and for us to get back to
life as normal, but do not let the reality of this moment slip by. As
Christians, we have a privilige and, I beleive, a calling to be front and center
this election day.
Whenever I begin to talk about
this with Christians, there are three key questions that often come up:
- Why should I vote? Some of the reason we ask this question comes
from the question as to whether one vote really will make a difference. This is
the wrong question for a believer. The reality is, we have been given
responsibility and authority to influence our world, and we should seize every
opportunity to do so.
- How do I vote? As a Christian, our obligation is to vote in a way
that best represents and opens the door for the Lord's influence to be fully
felt in our world. This means that we have to spend time prayerfully
researching each issue and candidate. Use the 10 Commandments as a baseline.
Does the issue/candidate allow for freedom to worship and follow God? Does the
candidate/issue protect the innocent from murder? How does the issue further
Biblical values for the family? Are the economic issues morally right (not
stealing), honest, selfless, and provide provision for those who are in need?
For specific help on how to vote, we have provided links in this letter to
voters' guides.
- How do I repond if I disagree? In one word, we are to respond with
"civility." Romans 13 makes it clear that all authority is to be treated with
respect and honor, even if we disagree. We have lost civility in our culture
when it comes to conflict. We prefer to accuse rather than actually discuss.
It's time Christians model what it means to have conflict with civility and
love.
The issues in this election are critical for the future of the next
several generations. This election is so critical that Billy Graham, who has
typicaly been somewhat silent on politics, posted the following word's to a
national advertising campaign this last week:
The legacy
we leave behind for our children, grandchildren, and this great
nation is
crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election
could be
my last. I beleive it is vitally important that we cast our ballots
for
candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support
the nation
of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity
of life
and support the Biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote
for Biblical values this November 6th, and pray with me that America will remain
one nation under God. ~ Rev. Billy Graham
My prayer is that everyone from Anoka Wesleyan Church would vote.
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