WILL YOU BE VOTING YOUR CONSCIENCE?

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL, USA)

Lately, I have been very interested in the various personal conversations, email articles and other social media comments, regarding the upcoming American election. Seems like nothing else matters. And probably rightly so. Because this is the most important election, since I have been keeping up with politics, that I can remember. Based on the designated convention platforms the two candidates represent, at stake may be our old fashion Christian heritage values such as, liberty and freedom. And perhaps, unbeknown to all, Satan may be working overtime, just to have his way in this election. (Ephesians 6:12)

I'm old enough to remember the demise of the "Dixiecrat's" This term was derived, a number years ago, from the words Dixie and Democrat. I'm also old enough to remember my governor, the little judge George Wallace, running for president. Too bad he was shot.

Now, I'm faced with either voting for the incumbent (not sure of his religious persuasion) or the challenging nominee (of the Mormon faith).

Remember the Bible scenario , in which Jesus stooped down and wrote in the sand when confronted by the so-called religious leaders over His supporting a prostitute. (John 8:3-11) What if Jesus were here today? How many times would He write in the sand, over our politicians? Or, over how we as a nation have deserted Him?

You see, many politicians have either never been a God fearing individual, or have forgotten their Christian heritage. (Jeremiah 17:13)

• "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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

As a Christian nation, and yes we are certainly still a Christian nation contrary to some beliefs, we are now being put on trial. God has spoken, in His Holy Word, by giving us a choice. We have the option of turning back to God and reaping the good benefits. Or we have the unfortunate alternative. (2 Chronicles 7:1) If we, as a nation, turn back to God, He will hear us. And according to this passage, it is understood that God will not hear us if we fail to turn back to Him. You see, this scripture fails to mention either republican or democrat, only people. So, it's going to take more than just a president to heal our land.

Yes, as this scripture states, God is not talking to any particular political persuasion, only His people who are called by His name, that being us Christians.

So, will Christians vote their pocket book, their egos, their political affiliation, or vote according to God's Holy Word? (1 Cor 5:12-13)

No one actually knows anyone's heart. So, I am going to prayerfully seek God's blessing by voting my Christian conscience.

The story was once told of an individual, who had died, and was standing before the "pearly gates". This person, hoping to see some of his relatives, asked if there were any, naming the various religious beliefs , in heaven. Saint Peter then answered "no". The man was then overwhelmed, and asked why. Peter then responded by saying they only had Christians up there.

• "As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to]pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy 1: 3-7)

Is it right to judge those in authority, not knowing their spiritual state? (John 7:24) (Proverbs 31:9) (Galatians 6:1-6) God has given each person the capacity to know right from wrong, it's called a "conscience". From the very moment this complicated organ of ours, called a brain, starts processing internal instructions and warnings, our conscience is also developing a code of conduct, by which to live.

We may not, as humans, always allow this conscience to be the deciding factor in our reasoning. (Romans 2:3) However, it is the only true instrument, by which God uses in union with our inborn moral thinking, to guide us in the right direction.

So, what is your conscience telling you about this upcoming election, come November 6th? (Psalm 1: 1-6) Is our elected officials, from the bottom upward to the top, obeying God's word for their lives? (1 Samuel 16:7) (1 Peter 3:3-4) (Proverbs 31:30) You will have to be the judge of that, in the secret of the voting booth, come November 6th. ( James 1:19-22 ) ( 2 Timothy 3:5-6)

So, let's all pray that God's perfect will be had in this election.
Blessing to all.