This popped up in my FB Memories this week. When I read it, I believe it’s even more appropriate for this election season! So, I thought I’d post it again. Here you go:
The Pastor’s Heart 10/14/2016
It’s gotten pretty crazy, and it doesn’t appear to be changing direction any time soon. This election season has been something to see. Rudeness, disrespect, division, excuse-making and even some raw language, among other things. And by the way, I’m not talking about the candidates; that’s bad enough. I’m referring to those who name the name of Christ. There’s no doubt that this is an important election that will set the direction of our country for decades to come. Yes, we should be involved in the process. Yes, we should go to the polls and vote (Remember, there are other things on the ballot besides the presidential choice: like Senate seats and the whole House of Representatives, along with state and local matters). Yes, emotions are running high as we see the downward spiritual spiral of our country. But at times it appears that Scriptural principles of Christian conduct are being set aside to make a social media point. I fear that as some endeavor to influence others for their particular point of view, they are losing influence among a lost world that sees professing believers going at each other, excusing ungodly conduct and using or at least sharing statements with words and attitudes we would never use otherwise. I do recognize that not all believers are falling into this trap; but many have, and the latter tends to overshadow the former. So let’s be engaged in this process, but let’s remember a few important things. #1: The best hope for our country: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked” (Proverbs 11:11). #2: The best guide for our conduct: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). #3: The best counsel for our vote: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). And #4: The best recourse for all this: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray for our nation. Pray for our leaders. Pray for the candidates. Pray for each other. And don’t forget to pray before you post.