Did your jaw drop when you saw that title? Are you wondering if I’ve suffered a brain injury and lost my ability to reason? Let me add a few words of clarification:
It doesn’t matter what we believe if our beliefs aren’t based on truth.
“Truth is incontrovertible.
Panic may resent it;
Ignorance may deride it;
Malice may distort it;
But there it is.”
–Winston Churchill
I can strongly believe that a coin tossed in a fountain will cause my wish to come true, or that a kind, friendly salesman has my best interest at heart, or a sad, desperate plea for financial help is legitimate.
But such beliefs can result in futility and misplaced trust. No, whenever possible I must verify the truth of my beliefs.
On November 8, what we believe will guide us to make a very important choice—a choice for which many of us have grave concerns. According to a Rasmussen Report released yesterday, 69% of Americans believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction. No doubt these folks are asking: Which candidate will be the most likely to change our course and lead us in a more positive direction?
It is imperative we base our decision on the crucial matters impacting our country: national security and terrorism, unemployment and jobs, the national debt, and healthcare, to name a few. Our beliefs about which person is the candidate of choice must be verified by facts—to the best of our abilities.
Let’s be honest, though. Neither candidate is perfect. Then again, I can’t very well hold them to a standard I haven’t achieved myself. Perhaps the answers to these questions will guide my decision:
- What kind of leader does our country need?
- What are the most pressing concerns? Which candidate addresses those concerns with realism, clarity, and insightful solutions?
- Which candidate aligns with the truths I consider most important?
If you’re not sure how to answer those questions, may I recommend you ask for advice from people you highly respect, people who are knowledgeable about current events and have demonstrated wisdom in the life-choices they’ve made. Who are they voting for and why? What news sources do they trust and why?
To be honest, no matter how the election turns out, I have deep concerns about the outcome. Perhaps you do, too. What’s a citizen to do?
Scripture and the forefathers of our faith give us indication:
- Be responsible, cooperative, and supportive citizens, as the Apostle Paul laid out in Romans 13:1-7.
- Be realistic. Our pastor pointed out a few weeks ago that, much as it may disappoint us, we don’t have to live in a Christian nation in order to thrive as Christians. Throughout the centuries, the church has actually strengthened and grown when under persecution.
- Be prayerful. That’s the most important instruction as we approach November 8. Again it is Paul offering wise advice:
“I urge then, first of all,
that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone—
for kings and all those in authority
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness.
This is good and pleases God our Savior
who wants all men to be saved
and to come to knowledge of the truth.”
–1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
(Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.flickr.com (2); slideshare.net.
