De”vote” Myself to Doing Good [SHAPED BY FAITH]

Election Day is fast approaching!  I love voting.  It makes me feel needed and connected.  However, my favorite part of Election Day is that it brings an end to the debating, arguing, and slandering that take place in the months leading up.  God’s Word is very specific about how we, as Christians, are to treat our leaders.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone… This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”  Titus 3:1, 2, 8 (NIV)

Notice that Paul does not say “if the leaders hold your same opinion, be obedient, and do not slander.”  No, he says that it benefits everyone when we respect our leaders and devote ourselves to doing what is good.  In fact, this is the only way that democracy can really work.  Consensus is not achieved through arguing, and pride is the enemy of compromise.  In my experience, the only things that foster change are kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

So, during these last few days of campaigning, I will carefully study the candidates.  I will compare their words and actions to scripture, and I will seek God’s guidance through prayer. Then on Tuesday I will make the effort to go to the polls. I will respectfully make my opinions known, and then I will celebrate the selection of our new leaders regardless of who they are.  God is ultimately in control.  I will do my best each day to follow His lead, and I will pray that our leaders do too.