Looming Election Day Thoughts

Disclaimer: Steve and I have already voted. Since we knew we’d be away from our precinct on Election Day, we took advantage of the opportunity to vote early.

If you’ve known me (or followed this blog) for very long, you can probably guess how we voted.  However, it has been a much harder decision than I anticipated back in the early days of the primaries. BOTH candidates at the top of their respective tickets have GLARING flaws and troubling backgrounds.  They’ve both made very regrettable, cringe-worthy statements.

I am an educated WOMAN.  My dad, my brother and, especially, my husband have all shown deep respect for and toward women.

I have children and grandchildren who are facing unsettling futures — in economic and, even more, in moral terms.  So much of what they see and hear doesn’t line up with what they are taught in the Bible.  That wasn’t the case when I was growing up.

My husband and I both receive Social Security and Medicare benefits.  Because of my years in the public school system, we had good medical insurance. But, I have family members who are very dependent on Obamacare.

We are drawn to people of every “race, tribe and creed.”  We loved doing international missions and have marveled at how the nations have come to US.  Yet, we realize what a cost there is for our country to provide services to the people who keep pouring in.  And, we know there are people in the world who HATE the United States and are determined to destroy us.

We hate war.  Steve and our son Matt were not in the military, but we have a son-in-law who served in the army, and we have 5 grandsons (and 7 granddaughters, too) who could conceivably be asked to fight in the years ahead.

I hate the idea of abortion.  I believe a woman should pay more attention to her “right to say no” BEFORE engaging in sex that could result in an unwanted pregnancy.  Two of my three pregnancies were difficult. I have a daughter who had a pulmonary embolism late in one of her pregnancies.  Abortion was never even mentioned or contemplated.

My husband was self-employed for many years.  Taxes were a BIG deal, and WE were responsible for saving, investing and making a plan for our retirement years.

ISSUES . . . UPON ISSUES . . . UPON ISSUES.

So, I’ve prayed and searched God’s Word.  The Bible, by the way, has a LOT to say on the subject of government and its leaders.  Here are just a few verses and passages:

Jesus answered [Pilate], “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11)

“There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1b)

In other words, government was God’s idea!!

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Christians are urged to pray for governmental leaders.

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”  (1 Peter 2:13-17)

We’re told to submit or “be subject” to those in position over us.

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. … From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”  (Revelation 19:11, 15-16)

No matter who wins this election or any election in the years to come, JESUS WILL WIN IN THE END.

And, one more thing, Christians are commanded to love each other.  That includes those who have opposite viewpoints to ours.

So, in conclusion, I want to encourage you to vote on November 8th.  And, no matter what the outcome is, choose to trust God.  He’s in charge, and He won’t be caught by surprise.