Christians & Voting

Borrowed from a friend:

Here are 7 things I think are important, for Christians, to keep in mind as they consider their vote in the Presidential election, or any election. 
1. Christians should both vote, and fully engage in the political process, unapologetically. 
*We live in a representative republic, which invites the participation of all its citizens. So accept the invitation and participate! 
2. Voting decisions sh

ould be informed by the Bible.
*God created us and knows best how people can live well, not only in the next life, but this one!
3. Voting decisions should be prioritized according to the Biblical clarity available on the issues.
*Issues with the greatest Biblical clarity should be prioritized higher than those with less Biblical clarity.
4. Christians should stop voting selfishly.
*While it should certainly factor into our decision making process, netting more money in our pockets shouldn’t be the determining factor for how a Christian votes. Vote for the good of the country. Vote for what is in the best interest of a country that is being watched, and will be judged, by a holy God.
5. We should remember that God isn’t indifferent about abortion.
*The current take by many Christians is that abortion is just “one of many issues.” Any objective assessment, from a Christian viewpoint, should cause this issue to rise very high on our list of priorities. It is the moral issue of our time. Consider all the issues you care about, but this one should be very high on your list.
6. Remember, God is in control.
*However the election turns out, whether your candidate wins or loses, God is in control.
7. Engage in politics, but remember that Jesus is the hope of the world.
*American has been and can remain a tremendous force for good in the world, but America in not the hope of the world. Jesus is the hope of the world.

GUARD YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND

Just finished a long walk, just me and Jesus. Listening to my worship music, blocking out all the sounds and negative influences of the world... Romans 13:13-14(AMP)
13 Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).

With so much outside influences, such as tv, radio, internet, books, even friends, and so on, it's easy to get wrapped up in the things the world has to offer, that may not be beneficial in our relationship with Christ. These things may give us pleasure for a time, but at what cost? From time to time I have to clean house, take a look at the things in my life that are driving a wedge between me and my Savior. I urge you to do the same. Take inventory of the things in your life that might be better thrown out. Is it what you're watching on television? Is it that relationship you're in? Is it drinking? Is it a book you're reading? I often ask myself, "Am I pleasing to God? Do my actions and words reflect who I am in Him?" Why don't you do the same. To be different from most of your peers can be a bit lonely at times, but in the end it's well worth it.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Oh my goodness... I'm still encountering people with their heads in the proverbial sand. For crying out loud...Afghanistan is NOT an ally...the Muslim religion (according to the Koran) is NOT a peaceful religion. Yes, there are some people who claim to be Muslim, but do not adhere to the entire Koran. That is no different than people who claim to be Christian, but do not adhere to the entire Holy Scripture. If you do not adhere to the entire word of your religion, i.e. faith, you are not a true follower. True followers are willing to die for their faith. The difference between Islam and Christianity is that Muslims are willing to blow themselves up, along with innocent people in the hopes of going to heaven, and Christians are willing to suffer themselves and sacrifice only their own lives in the name of Christ Jesus with the knowledge that they WILL go to heaven.