What’s a Christian voter to do?

From Pastor Tim’s article in the 3/23/16 Weekly Update

Each day seems to bring a new (and strange) twist to the story of the 2016 presidential election cycle. Candidates call each other names followed by a half-ton of promises followed by endless news that analyzes each candidate’s chances. Toss in a multi-colored map of the United States and you pretty much have a clear image of what this year’s race has become.

So, what’s a Christian voter supposed to do?

First, pray. I know that sounds like the most popular Christian cliché ever, but it happens to be true. The first thing we ought to be doing as Christians in a “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” election year is hit our knees in prayer for our nation. Paul told Timothy that, “First of all, petitions, prayers, intercession . . . be made for all people – for kings and those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Instead of being afraid, complaining or picketing, we have been called to pray.

Second, we should learn as much as we can about the people and the process that are involved in the election. Don’t just gobble up one source of news (Fox or MSNBC) or one perspective. Read as much as you can from a variety of perspectives to try and get an accurate assessment of the candidates and their positions.

Third, don’t assume that the issues that matter the most to you are the ones that God cares about the most. Through prayer and Bible study, come to some conclusions about whether God cares more about increasing the income of the wealthiest nation on earth or creating systems that reflect His commitment to justice.

Fourth, remember that no matter what the opposition says or does, we never have the moral right to set aside our Christ-like spirit and behave inappropriately. Respect should be a constant; kindness is always the right approach; tolerating divergent points of view while holding fast to your convictions is honoring to God. We can’t use ungodly techniques to accomplish godly directives.

Finally, we serve a sovereign God who is in control of all of this. He will have the final say and if there is any fear that is justified, it should be the fear of God. His control releases us to rest with confidence and not live in fear that as one person said, “****** will be the last president that the United States ever has.”

So participate in the process or stand on the sidelines and watch. Thanks to the freedom God has given us as citizens of this country, the choice is yours.