The Vote

In just twenty-one days America will have elected a new leader to embrace our dreams and accept the challenge of our struggling times. It is indeed an incredibly pivotal moment. In spite of what is wrong in the systems and structure of our nation there is no doubt that in all of the world she is still the greatest. The democratic process is a testament to this truth and while the floundering economy seems to have all of our attention and the headlines of nearly every paper, we must be careful not to be distracted and sidetracked but remain focused on ALL of the issues that our new leader will be responsible for. The responsibilities are incredibly vast and complex and while one aspect of our nation is at the forefront it won’t be forever and then it will be something else. The only reason I bring it up is because I have had multiple conversations with people who expressed that the sole motivating factor for their vote was the economy. While it’s importance is obvious, there is a lot more to be considered when making a decision as important as selecting our next President. Many a man has fallen in love with a dimple and then married the whole girl. Now in no way am I trying to influence your vote one way or the other but what I do hope to do is simply give you three ways to approach the upcoming election…..

1.- PRAY FOR WISDOM- If there was ever a moment to be led by his spirit, this is it. Wisdom is simply the ability to see a situation from God’s divine perspective. He understands clearly things we sometimes struggle to comprehend and the Bible says that if we ask him for wisdom He will gladly give it to us. Many people don’t really see the act of casting a vote as a spiritual move but when you stop to really think through the consequences of what a Presidential election means it is an incredibly spiritual moment. So whatever you do pray first.

2.- PREPARE YOUR MIND- Please listen closely, a person’s judgment is no better than their information. We must arm ourselves with information about the character, voting records and values of every candidate. The internet is a free flowing, nonstop highway of info that is full of valuable insight into the past performance and present positions of those running for office. Find out the facts and know why you believe the way you do. Make up your own mind based on the stats that you have seen for yourself not just what others speculate about each one.

3.-PERFORM YOUR DUTY- Go to the polls and do it. I had a conversation with the supervisor of elections in Lake City about 3 weeks ago who just happens to be my neighbor and was absolutely blown away by the statistics of those who actually go to the polls and vote or should I say don’t vote. Sons, daughters, mothers and fathers have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect and insure that you and I could get up on November 4 and have a voice in who and how we are governed. Don’t ever think voting is merely an accessory to your citizenship like alloy wheels on a car, it is our duty, indeed our obligation. Some think their vote won’t matter, if that’s you consider this, in 1776 one vote gave America the English language instead of German, in 1845 one vote brought the state of Texas into our union, and in 1876 one vote gave Rutherford D.Hayes the Presidency of the United States and it could just happen again……with one vote…..maybe YOUR VOTE. I thank God I was born in America and I am thankful and honored by the opportunity to cast a voice for me and my children on November 4.

I sincerely pray you will join me.

All for Christ, J.Mark