Election Day - Thank God it is almost over...

I have never felt a more overwhelming sense of responsibility. Yet, this is not my first time to vote. People say that this is the most important election we've ever had - and I ask why? Is it because either party winning will be an historical event (a black man as President or a woman as Vice President)? Is it because of the financial and economic crisis that the United States is in? I can imagine that people in Africa and other third world countries are asking themselves, "Financial crisis? What do they know about being poor? We can't even tap into clean, running water!" And, I'd have to agree with them. We live in such a blessed nation that people get angry at the thought of giving a percentage of their surplus of money to someone less fortunate than them. 

I find myself more than ever before begging for someone to tell me the TRUTH! I hear what each candidate is saying about themselves and about each other, and somewhere along the way everything does not match up. More importantly to me, what they are saying does not match up with my Christian views. 

Sure, "redistribution of wealth" sounds like the socialist idea of giving to everyone equally. However, doesn't it say in Acts Chapter 4: 32-35 

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."

I understand this to mean that people sold their houses, land, and everything they owned so that no one would be suffering or in need of food, shelter, etc. I understand that the major argument about this principle today is that it takes from the hard-working middle and upper classes and gives their money to the people who won't (or can't) work and earn for themselves. Isn't it our job, however, to be obedient and let God take care of the rest? He has commanded us that  whatever we do for those who are ignored and rejected, we do also to Him. I also know that Christ has told us we can't serve two masters. In Matthew 6:24, he says

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

I challenge you while you're holding on tightly to every cent, which I know is crucial as prices continue to increase, ask yourself how willing you are to obey God's command to us that we clothe, feed, and shelter the poor, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE TOO LAZY TO DO IT FOR THEMSELVES. Maybe, just maybe, this is God's way of shining His light through us that they might come to know the power of His salvation. 

2 John 1:6 "And this is LOVE. That we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard in the beginning, His command is that you walk in LOVE.

I would like to say that I definitely support the pro-life stance. Abortions should not be legal or provided for any woman or girl, without parental consent. It is the killing of innocent life, life that doesn't have a choice or voice and needs us to be its voice. BUT, to say that the killing of innocent life is immoral, shouldn't that also include war? There are tales of women and children who get caught in the line of fire in Iraq...they are innocent and they are killed, all in the name of democracy. Is this any different? Shouldn't we put a stop to that kind of murder, too? I will go as far as saying that all killing is wrong (Thou shall not murder). So, doesn't that include capital punishment, or is it okay to contradict ourselves and say that we should kill someone as punishment for killing someone? Life is life - some innocent, some more guilty of sin than others. Right? Or have we all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? (Rom. 6:23) 

I voted today, but I don't feel good about it. I don't have a peace because these earthly "kings and kingdoms" will inevitably pass away; my God reigns forever and He alone is sovereign. I have found the source of my truth in His word. Therefore, I do not agree with either candidate whole heartedly. Unfortunately, I can't take what we like in each one and roll it into one perfect President - that, I'm afraid, doesn't exist. I know that the day is coming when every knee will bow to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; some will bow willingly now, and others will be forced later. I am convinced that my job, duty, responsibility, call, whatever you want to call it, is this: To "tell" everyone I know that Christ died for them. I will do that with my words, but most importantly with my actions. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times. And when necessary, use words." Superman tells Lois Lane in the most recent Superman movie, "You say the world doesn't need a Savior, but everyday I hear them crying out for one." CHRISTIANS: LISTEN TO THE CRIES OF OUR NEIGHBORS AND LOVE THEM IN EVERY WAY THEY NEED TO BE LOVED. Again, I'll quote 2 John 1:6 - And this is LOVE. That we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard in the beginning, his command is that you walk in LOVE."

Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."