Bob Tamasy

Election day has finally arrived. Millions of Americans have already made their choice either by early voting or by mail-in ballot. On November 5, millions more will head to the polls, many of whom will wait in line, ready to invest whatever time is necessary to exercise their right to vote – to fulfill their civic duty. In a few days, the political ads will have ended, and it will be over except for the shouting and gnashing of teeth.

However, there is bad news regarding this right to vote. According to the Christian Post, an online news publication, more than 30 million people who identify as Christian are unlikely to vote. Their reason? They don’t like either presidential candidate.

On the one hand, one could say that having the right to vote also means having the right not to vote. But as followers of Christ, should this be an option? I’m sure some reading this will say that’s the case. However, let me give a few reasons why this may not be the case.

Many would agree with those who feel that neither candidate is an acceptable choice, believing that both lack the qualities they would like to see in a president, regardless of party or gender. The media did its best to identify and amplify their flaws. So why not just abstain and silently protest by not voting?

However, it’s not like this is a new development. Psalm 14:1-3 and Romans 3:10-12 state, in almost the same words: “There is none righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Everyone turned away…. There is no one who does good, not even one. This description applies to everyone, but there is perhaps no activity or profession where it seems more accurate than in the realm of politics.

It might be wise to put character concerns aside. No matter which president we might name, each of them had “feet of clay” if we took the trouble to look closely. In electing a president, we are not choosing a pastor or spiritual leader, but someone capable of leading the United States both domestically and internationally.

Once we get past personalities, we need to consider the important questions. Because the position of the candidates, as well as that of their respective parties and programs, are very different. Here are some of them:

• Pro-life versus pro-choice
• The economy
• Perspectives on the traditional family
• Immigration policies
• Freedom of expression, including religious expression
• Relations with Israel
• Philosophies on How the U.S. Constitution is Interpreted and Applied

Another concern worthy of consideration is whether, as a nation, we are getting closer to the standards God has given us in the Bible – or whether we are moving away from them. Psalm 33:12 tells us: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” I remember in my early school years, reading the Bible and praying was an accepted daily practice at the start of each day. Everything changed in the 1960s following a series of court decisions. Based on your thoughts, which candidate or party is most likely to show us the direction you think we should take?

Do you think any of the above issues seem important enough to persuade non-voters to come forward and fulfill their civic responsibility by participating in free and hopefully fair elections?

In addition to prayerfully voting our values—consulting the Scriptures and seeking the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit—there is one more thing we as followers of Jesus Christ should do: pray.

The Bible gives us a clear warning as believers. We are told, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. » (2 Chronicles 7:14). This passage is often cited at public gatherings like leaders’ prayer breakfasts, but perhaps it’s time to take it more seriously.

On Monday, November 4 at 6 p.m. (depending on what time zone we are in), followers of Christ are invited to set aside time to pray for our country, for the outcome of the elections – at the national and local levels – and that God intervenes. according to His will. That would be a good start, but just once a day isn’t enough. I believe the exhortation of 2 Chronicles 7:14 should be present in our minds, in our hearts, and in our prayers every day of the year.

* * *

Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the recently released “Market Ambassadors”; “Business at its Best: The Timeless Wisdom of Proverbs for Today’s Workplace”; “Tufting Legacies,” “The Heart of Mentoring,” and “Continuing Life with a Shepherd’s Heart.” A weekly business meditation he edits, “Monday Manna,” is translated into more than 20 languages ​​and emailed worldwide by CBMC International. His blog address is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is [email protected].