2008 Election Voter Guide

Are you tired of the political ads yet? Has the daily reporting of the polls gotten you down? Are the political spin doctors about to drive you over the edge? Are you anxious for November 4 to be over with and yet you fear the results of the election? If any of the above is true for you, welcome to my world. In spite of the over-saturation of this year’s election debate, a debate that has divided the nation and even families, I’ve decided to add my comments to the mix. I share my opinions with some trepidation, not wanting to be ‘Joe-the-Plumbered’ by the mainstream media. What those people could do to me is frightening. Nevertheless, I forge on remembering the words of John Wayne, "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway." So, saddle up with me and make your choices for Election 2008.

First of all, we must travel to the voting booth prayerfully. Paul encourages Timothy to offer requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority. It was his hope in Christ that we could live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (See I Timothy 2:1-3) He admonishes Titus to, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men” (Titus 3:1-2). We need to pray that individuals are elected who will govern in a manner that enables us to live peaceful and quiet lives.

Secondly, we must consider character. We have all heard the expression, “Vote your pocketbook.” If we do not consider character, we may have no pocketbook to consider. Character is infinitely more significant than charisma. Who a person is, their character and their underlying philosophical foundation, will determine the nature of their decisions, especially when things are going very well or very badly. For example, an individual who will lie to get into office will lie once they have been elected. If I cannot trust a person’s words to be honest, why would I trust them with my purse? The office will not elevate them to a higher moral standard. That standard is incorporated in their being before their inauguration.

Also, when considering a candidate’s character, consider their companions and counselors. The Psalmist said, “I am a friend [companion] to all who fear you [God], and follow your precepts” (Psalm 119:63). Solomon notes that, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverb 13:20). I understand that the word, “fool,” in the book of Proverbs denotes one who is morally deficient. David tells us that a man is blessed if he “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers” (Psalm 1:1). How appropriate are his words for the 2008 election! When voting please remember, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverb 14:34). A righteous nation needs leaders who govern righteously.

I would also encourage you to choose life. As an historian I cannot understand how a nation that chooses to kill its offspring can expect to survive. As a Christian I am appalled that this nation has officially sanctioned the murder of approximately 40,000,000 children in the name of “choice.” If God punished the children of Israel for offering up their children to Moloch, will He not hold this nation accountable for offering its children up to the gods of choice and convenience? We must support those leaders who will take a stand against this abomination.

Finally, I would encourage you to fear not. The Creator is still in control. He still rules the universe. “…for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1). “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:20). Regardless of what happens to this nation, and I pray for its restoration, if we belong to Him, He will care for us. We will realize the victory that is in Christ Jesus. This is considerably more significant than any political victory.